The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 20, 2012)
Govt should be involved in guarding territorial integrity
石原氏尖閣発言　領土保全に国も関与すべきだ（4月19日付・読売社説）

Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara has announced in a speech during his visit to the United States that the Tokyo metropolitan government plans to purchase some of the Senkaku Islands in Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture.
　沖縄県石垣市にある尖閣諸島を東京都が買い上げる。そんな計画を、石原慎太郎知事が訪米中に講演で明らかにした。

In response to Ishihara's announcement, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda referred to the possibility that the central government might move to possess the islets in place of the metropolitan government, saying it "will confirm the true intention of the owner [of the islets] and discuss the matter from every angle."
　これを受けて、野田首相は国会で「所有者の真意を確認し、あらゆる検討をする」と述べ、都に代わって国が保有する可能性に言及した。

Ishihara, who has said, "Tokyo will protect the Senkaku Islands," raised an important question as to how the country's territorial integrity should be maintained. His intention is probably to encourage the Democratic Party of Japan-led government, which has little interest in territorial issues, to change its attitude on the matter.
　「東京が尖閣諸島を守る」という石原氏が、国の領土保全のあり方に重要な一石を投じたと言える。石原氏には、領土問題への関心が薄い民主党政権に意識改革を促す意図もあるのだろう。

The Senkaku Islands were incorporated into Japanese territory during the Meiji era (1868-1912). The government sold most of the islands to an individual 80 years ago.
　尖閣諸島は明治時代、日本の領土に編入された。政府はその大半を８０年前に個人に払い下げた。

The owner of the islets has changed due to inheritance and transfers. Owners have been approached by many people who want to buy the islands.
相続や譲渡によって所有者が交代したり、複数の購入話が地権者側に持ち込まれたりしたという。

===

Private ownership unstable

If the metropolitan government purchases the islands, they will no longer be under individual ownership, which tends to be unstable.
　都が購入すれば不安定になりがちな個人所有から抜け出せる。

According to Ishihara, the metropolitan government plans to purchase three of the Senkaku Islands, including Uotsurijima island. The metropolitan government and the owner have already reached a broad agreement on the sale, and negotiations have entered the final stage.
　石原氏によると、購入の対象は尖閣諸島の魚釣島など３島で、都と地権者は既に大筋合意し、詰めの交渉を進めている。

Soliciting donations is one possibility to collect the money to buy the islets, but much of the cost is expected to be covered by taxes paid by Tokyo residents. However, there are high hurdles to clear before Ishihara's plan can be realized, including obtaining approval from the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly.
　購入資金は、寄付を募る案もあるが、多くは都民の税金で賄うと見られる。購入の前提となる都議会の承認など、石原氏の構想実現には高いハードルもある。

One important point is to develop a system to stably maintain and conserve the Senkaku Islands over the long term.
　肝心なのは、尖閣諸島を長期間、安定的に維持、保全できる体制を整えることである。

The government leased the Senkaku Islands from the owners in 2002, in a bid to make it easier for the government to regulate Japanese people's landing on the islands without permission and illegal landings by foreigners.
　政府は２００２年、尖閣諸島を地権者から借り上げた。日本人の無許可上陸や外国人の不法上陸を規制しやすくするためだ。

Even if the metropolitan government buys the islands, it is the central government that has the diplomatic and defense authority necessary to maintain Japanese territory. As long as there is expected to be friction between China and the metropolitan government over the sale of the islands, the central government should get involved in the matter.
　都が購入するとしても、領土保全に必要な外交・防衛の権限を持っているのは政府だ。中国などとのトラブルが想定される以上、やはり政府が関与すべきだろう。

The central and metropolitan governments must closely discuss the matter and conduct the necessary coordination. One idea could be to have discussions between the central and metropolitan governments and the owner of the three islets.
　政府と都は今後、緊密に協議、連携しなければならない。地権者側を交えた３者で話し合いを進めるのも一案ではないか。

===

China's claims unreasonable

The Chinese government has objected to Ishihara's announcements, saying, "All unilateral measures by Japan are illegal and invalid." However, China's claim of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands is unreasonable in terms of the history of the Senkakus and international law.
　中国政府は石原氏の発言に「日本のいかなる一方的措置も違法、無効である」と反発している。だが、中国の領有権の主張には歴史的にも国際法上も無理がある。

A Chinese patrol vessel entered Japanese territorial waters near the islands last month. China's repeated provocations are a problem.
　尖閣諸島を巡っては、中国の巡視船が先月、日本の領海に侵入した。中国側の挑発的な行為が続いているのは問題だ。

The Japanese government needs to improve the Japan Coast Guard's monitoring system, such as by deploying large patrol vessels in waters off the Senkaku Islands.
　日本政府は、大型の巡視船を尖閣周辺海域に配備するなど、海上保安庁の監視体制の拡充を図る必要がある。

A bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law that would allow JCG officers to clamp down on crimes, including illegal landings by foreigners, on remote islands such as the Senkaku Islands has already been submitted to the Diet. The ruling and opposition parties should enact the bill at an early date.
　尖閣諸島のような離島で、海上保安官が、外国人の不法上陸などの犯罪を取り締まることを認める海上保安庁法改正案は、すでに国会に提出されている。与野党は早期に成立させるべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 19, 2012)
（2012年4月19日01時12分  読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 19, 2012)
China must revalue yuan to attain stable growth
人民元改革　着実な切り上げで安定成長を（4月18日付・読売社説）

China has expanded the yuan's trading band for the first time in five years. Yet, it must continue to steadily revalue its currency to help stabilize its economy.
　中国が人民元相場の変動幅を５年ぶりに拡大した。
　着実に人民元を上昇させ、中国経済の安定に役立てるべきだ。

From Monday, the People's Bank of China allowed the yuan to fluctuate by 1 percent above and below the rate set daily by the bank, double the previous 0.5 percent.
　中国人民銀行は今週、元の対ドル相場が１日に変動できる幅について、毎日決める基準値の上下１％幅に倍増した。

China's effort to give its currency more flexibility so it can fluctuate more actively is reasonable.
　これまでより相場が動きやすくなるよう、中国が元の柔軟化を目指すことは妥当だ。

Beijing expanded the band of yuan's fluctuations apparently because of mounting pressure from Washington, which has been saddled with a huge trade deficit with China. In the United States, where a presidential election will be held in November, criticism has been growing stronger that China is keeping its currency at unduly low levels.
　変動幅を拡大した理由は、巨額の対中貿易赤字を抱える米国が圧力を強めているためだろう。１１月の大統領選を控えた米国では、中国が元を不当に安く抑えているとの批判が高まりつつある。

The Chinese yuan may become a focal point of a meeting of financial ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 major economies opening in Washington later this week.
　今週末にワシントンで開かれる主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）の財務相・中央銀行総裁会議でも、人民元問題が焦点になる見通しだ。

===

Preemptive move

China's decision to give the yuan more flexibility was an apparent move ahead of the G-20 conference to show the world its willingness to promote currency reform.
　中国は先手を打って、人民元改革に取り組む姿勢を国際的にアピールしたと指摘できる。

However, the yuan failed to meet expectations as it fluctuated in narrow ranges on Monday, the first trading day, and Tuesday. The yuan closed at 6.3015 per dollar Tuesday, virtually unchanged from last week.
　しかし、取引初日となった１６日と、１７日の相場は小動きで、肩すかしに終わった。１７日の終値は、先週とほぼ同水準の１ドル＝６・３０１５元だった。

The Chinese monetary authorities plan to continue intervening in exchange markets by selling the yuan and buying the dollar to stem the sharp rise in the yuan's value.
　中国当局は従来通り、元売り・ドル買いの為替介入を続け、元の急上昇を抑える構えだ。

But China will not be able to correct the trade imbalance by carrying out such a token reform.
　改革へのポーズだけでは、貿易不均衡を是正できまい。

It is essential for China to raise the yuan's exchange rate to levels commensurate with its status as the world's second largest economy and structurally reform its economy.
　なによりも大事なのは、世界２位の経済大国に見合った元相場を実現し、中国経済の構造改革にもつなげていくことだ。

China's gross domestic product for the January-March quarter showed a moderate 8.1 percent increase over the same period the year before, marking a slowdown for five consecutive quarters and the lowest increase in about three years.
　中国の１～３月期の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の伸び率は、前年同期比８・１％増にとどまり、５四半期連続で減速した。約３年ぶりの低成長である。

The slowdown in China's economy was primarily caused by reduced exports to Europe, which is mired in a sovereign debt crisis. Beijing is trying to shift from an export-reliant economy to one led by domestic demand centering on personal consumption. However, this transformation has made little progress.
　景気減速は、財政危機に陥った欧州向けの輸出減少が主因だ。中国政府は輸出依存型から、個人消費などを中心にした内需主導型経済への転換を目指しているが、その変革は遅れている。

===

Concern about inflation

Will China's economy slow down further or get back on the road to stable growth? It can be said the country is facing a crucial turning point.
　中国景気がさらに減速するか、安定成長に回復できるか、正念場にあると言えよう。

The country's consumer prices have been soaring, refueling concern about inflation. If the Chinese authorities flood the domestic market with an excessive money supply in their efforts to curb the yen's rise by selling the currency in exchange markets, inflation may accelerate.
(●これは誤植でしょうね＾＾to curb the yen's rise→to curb the yuan's riseプロでも間違えることもあるのです＾＾）
　一方、消費者物価が上昇し、インフレ懸念が再燃し始めた。中国当局が意図的に元の上昇を抑える元売り介入を通じ、過剰なマネーを国内にあふれさせると、インフレが一段と加速しかねない。

For this reason, China must make all-out efforts to control inflation by allowing the yuan's exchange rate to rise gradually. If prices become stable, it will widen the scope of options to carry out financial policies. It also will have the effect of reducing reliance on exports.
　だからこそ、中国は元の段階的な上昇を容認し、インフレ抑制に全力を挙げるべきだ。物価が安定すれば、金融政策の余地が広がる。輸出に頼り過ぎない経済への転換を後押しする効果もあろう。

High expectations are placed on China to help put the global economy, which is still reeling from the effect of the European fiscal debt crisis, and the Japanese economy on a stable path.
　欧州財政危機の余波が続く世界経済や、日本経済の安定に向けて、中国への期待は大きい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 18, 2012)
（2012年4月18日01時26分  読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 18, 2012)
UNSC presidential statement not enough to deter DPRK
対「北」議長声明　これで核実験阻止できるのか（4月17日付・読売社説）

U.N. Security Council discussions on North Korea's failed launch of a ballistic missile ended with the adoption of a presidential statement strongly condemning Pyongyang, and recognizing the launch as a serious violation of U.N. resolutions.
　北朝鮮の長距離弾道ミサイルを巡る国連安全保障理事会の協議は、発射の強行を強く非難し、安保理決議への「重大な違反」と認定する議長声明の採択で決着した。

The presidential statement demanded that North Korea refrain from launching another missile or carrying out a new nuclear test. The council warned it would take appropriate actions if Pyongyang rejected the council's demands. The statement also urged other U.N. members to fully enforce existing sanctions based on Security Council resolutions against North Korea.
　議長声明は、北朝鮮に、新たな弾道ミサイル発射や核実験の実施をしないよう要求し、違反した場合は「安保理が相応の行動を取る」と警告した。各国にも、既存の安保理決議の制裁措置を徹底するよう求めている。

When Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile three years ago, claiming like the latest launch that it was a rocket carrying a satellite, the Security Council also issued a presidential statement condemning North Korea.
　３年前、北朝鮮が今回と同じく「衛星」打ち上げと称して長距離弾道ミサイルを発射した時も、安保理は議長声明で非難した。

Although the new presidential statement is stronger than the one adopted in 2009, we are dissatisfied because it is not a binding resolution.
今回は、より強いメッセージとなったとは言え、拘束力のある決議でなかったことは物足りない。

China, a permanent member of the Security Council, remains cautious about applying strong pressure on North Korea. It is also concerned that too much pressure might destabilize China's own security.
　常任理事国の中国は、北朝鮮へ強い圧力をかけることに慎重姿勢を崩していない。自国の安定が損なわれることも警戒している。

===

U.S.-China compromise

Apparently that was why Beijing secured a compromise with Washington to issue a presidential statement that was strong in substance but lacked binding power.
　米国との間で、内容は強めても形式は拘束力のない議長声明にする妥協が図られたのだろう。

We highly doubt the presidential statement will stop North Korea from carrying out a third nuclear test or new missile launch.
　これで、北朝鮮の３回目の核実験やさらなるミサイル発射を阻止できるのか。大いに疑問だ。

Whenever North Korea has launched a missile or conducted a nuclear test in the past, the Security Council has issued a presidential statement or a resolution condemning that country and demanding it halt such actions.
　安保理は、北朝鮮がミサイル発射や核実験を行うたびに、議長声明や決議で、非難と中止要求を繰り返してきた。

However, the Security Council has never taken any military measures or imposed full-fledged economic sanctions.
だが、軍事的措置や本格的な経済制裁に踏み込んだことはない。

North Korea probably feels no effect at all from past measures.
北朝鮮が痛痒(つうよう)を感じるはずもない。

Pyongyang has defied U.N. resolutions again to launch a missile. This proves existing resolutions lack teeth.
　今回も、北朝鮮は決議を無視して、ミサイル発射を強行した。既存の制裁決議に実効性がなかったことを示している。

Japan sees a growing threat from North Korea's missiles and nuclear arms every day.
　日本にとって、北朝鮮の核とミサイルによる脅威は、日に日に増すばかりである。

A focal point is the reaction of China, which shares a border with North Korea and is the country's close ally and its biggest trading partner. China should be aware of its own responsibility and more strictly enforce embargoes against Pyongyang, including those on materials related to nuclear arms and missiles, and luxury items. Beijing also should improve its cargo inspections to check for embargoed goods.
　問題は、北朝鮮と国境を接し、同盟関係にもある最大の貿易相手国、中国だ。その責任を自覚し、既存の決議に基づく核・ミサイル関連物資や贅沢(ぜいたく)品の禁輸と、禁輸品の貨物検査を徹底すべきだ。

===

N-arms or economic growth

After the failed "satellite" launch, North Korea's state media announced that Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Korean Workers' Party, had been appointed first chairman of the National Defense Commission, a newly created position. He now holds supreme power in his country.
　「衛星」発射には失敗したが、金正恩・朝鮮労働党第１書記は、新設の国防委員会第１委員長にも就任し、最高権力者となった。

In a military parade Sunday, North Korea showed off a variety of weapons, including Rodong medium-range ballistic missiles that can reach Japan.
　１５日の軍閲兵式には、日本に届く中距離弾道ミサイル・ノドンなど多くの兵器が登場した。

In a speech on the occasion, Kim declared that his father's "military first" policy would continue. He emphasized that the dignity of the Korean people and sovereignty of the nation are more important than peace, which is necessary for economic construction.
　金氏は演説で、軍事最優先の「先軍革命」路線の継承を表明し、経済建設に平和は大切だが、それ以上に「民族の尊厳と国の自主権が貴重だ」と強調した。

This apparently means the development of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles will continue.
核とミサイルの開発継続宣言だろう。

However, nuclear and missile development are not compatible with economic rehabilitation. The international community must make Kim Jong Un understand this.
　核とミサイルの開発と、経済立て直しは両立しない。そのことを、国際社会は、金正恩氏に認識させる必要がある。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 17, 2012)
（2012年4月17日01時49分  読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 17, 2012)
Entire pension fund system must be overhauled
ＡＩＪ問題　時代状況に合う年金基金に（4月16日付・読売社説）

The recent scandal involving AIJ Investment Advisors Co. has exposed a structural problem concerning corporate employees' pension funds.
　ＡＩＪ事件は、厚生年金基金の構造的な問題をあぶり出した。

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry bears a heavy responsibility as it effectively ignored problems by failing to take appropriate measures, even though it was clear the entire system needs fixing.
　制度全体の行き詰まりが明白であったのに、適切な手を打たず、事態を事実上、放置してきた厚生労働省の責任は重い。

The Diet is desperate to pursue the responsibility of those involved in the scandal, having summoned AIJ President Kazuhiko Asakawa as an unsworn witness. However, the Diet and administrative authorities should work to substantially improve the system and leave to investigators the task of uncovering the company's activities, which border on fraud.
　国会はＡＩＪ投資顧問の浅川和彦社長らを証人喚問し、責任追及に躍起である。だが、詐欺まがいの行為の実態解明は捜査当局に委ねて、国会と行政は、本質的な制度改善に取り組むべきだろう。

AIJ is suspected of claiming to earn large profits through the stable management of assets in order to conclude contracts with corporate employees' pension funds that had trouble managing their money.
　ＡＩＪは、年金資金を思ったように運用できていない厚生年金基金に対して、「安定的に高い収益を得ている」と偽って投資を勧誘し、運用委託契約を結んだ疑いが持たれている。

Of about 580 corporate employees' pension funds in Japan, about 70 signed contracts with AIJ. However, even those that did not do so have trouble managing their assets.
　勧誘に乗ったのは約５８０基金のうち約７０基金だが、運用に苦しんでいる状況はどこも同じだ。

Corporate employees' pension funds are designed to manage not only contributions paid into corporate pension programs but also part of the public pension programs, and to pay out pensions to retirees.
　厚生年金基金は自前の企業年金に加え、公的年金の一部も運用し、退職者に支給する。

===

Guaranteed high yields

At one time, these funds secured high yields, but their performance has deteriorated in recent years due to falling share prices and low interest rates. As a result, many corporate employees' pension funds are running short of reserves needed to pay pensions.
かつては高利回りを確保したが、近年は株安や低金利で運用成績が悪化し、年金支給に必要な積立金が不足している基金が多い。

In addition, 90 percent of these pension funds set guaranteed yields at an annual rate of 5.5 percent, the same yield as when the economy was booming. Based on this yield, the funds promised substantial payments to pension beneficiaries. In an effort to achieve this guaranteed rate, the funds that entrusted their assets to AIJ ended up suffering massive losses.
　しかも９割の基金は、予定利率を好調時と同じ年５・５％に据え置き、これが達成される前提で年金支給額を約束している。何とか予定利率に近い運用実績を得ようと、ＡＩＪの勧誘に乗った基金が被害に遭った。

The corporate employees' pension fund system has been unable to cope with the changing environment. Most of the funds offered postretirement jobs to former officials of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry and the now-defunct Social Insurance Agency. A total of 689 such people were on their payrolls as of March 1.
　厚生年金基金の制度全体が環境の変化に対応できていない。基金の大半に厚労省や旧社会保険庁から計６８９人が天下っている。

The government cannot evade criticism that it has failed to take drastic measures to improve the system, partly because of the tight personnel network of former welfare ministry officials.
厚労省人脈が張り巡らされていることが、抜本的対策を怠ってきた一因と見られても仕方あるまい。

The welfare ministry has finally begun considering measures to bring pension funds more in line with the situation today, such as by relaxing the rules to allow them to reduce payments. It has established a panel of experts for this purpose.
　厚労省は有識者会議を設け、年金を減額できる要件の緩和など、時代状況に合わせた改善策の検討作業にようやく乗り出した。

Reviewing the current system's unduly generous conditions, such as an extremely high guaranteed yield, may result in cuts in pension benefits and hikes in pension premiums. However, the system cannot be maintained if the pain accompanying such revisions is put off.
　高い予定利率など甘い前提を見直すことは、年金支給額のカットや掛け金の引き上げにつながる。だが、そうした痛みを伴う改正を先送りすれば制度は続かない。

===

Learn lesson from AIJ scandal

This not only concerns corporate employees' pension funds, it involves the entire public pension system. The AIJ scandal should make the authorities and those concerned with the pension system even more aware of the serious situation surrounding the current pension system.
　これは厚年基金だけでなく公的年金全体に共通する話だ。ＡＩＪ事件を機に、年金制度の厳しい現状を改めて認識すべきである。

In the wake of the AIJ scandal, the Financial Services Agency for the first time investigated the entire investment advisory industry. As a result, it came to light that only about half of investment advisory companies had been screened by outside auditors.
　金融庁は、事件を受けて、初めて投資顧問業界全体の調査を行った。監査法人の外部監査を受けている投資顧問業者は、半数程度に過ぎないことが分かった。

We should not tighten regulations without reason, but given that investment advisory firms are entrusted with the management of pension funds, which are supposed to support retirees, we are disturbed by the lack of transparency in their management.
　いたずらに規制強化に向かうべきではないが、老後の生活を支える年金原資の運用を託す先としては透明性を欠く。

The government also should urgently review the Financial Services Agency's methods of monitoring the investment advisory industry.
金融庁の投資顧問業界に対するチェック体制についても、早急に見直すべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 16, 2012)
（2012年4月16日01時27分  読売新聞）

地元のおごりだと感じました。
ご飯を頂くときに農家の人々に感謝の気持ちを抱きますが、それとは少し違うのでは。
本質は同じものかも。難しい。

スラチャイ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 16, 2012)
Priority should be given to host governments' consent
原発再稼働要請　立地自治体の理解が最優先だ（4月15日付・読売社説）

The government is at a crucial juncture regarding reactivation of the suspended Nos. 3 and 4 reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture.
　関西電力大飯原子力発電所３、４号機（福井県おおい町）の再稼働に向けた正念場である。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's Cabinet must unite to convince the local governments hosting the plant and local residents, and quickly win their understanding.
　野田内閣は、速やかに地元の理解を得るよう、一丸となって説得しなければならない。

On Saturday, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano held talks with Fukui Gov. Issei Nishikawa, Oi Mayor Shinobu Tokioka and other officials at the Fukui prefectural government office, asking for local understanding of the restart of the suspended reactors.
　枝野経済産業相が１４日、福井県庁で西川一誠知事や時岡忍おおい町長らと相次いで会談し、大飯原発の再稼働に理解を求めた。

Edano told them the central government has confirmed the safety of the reactors, in accordance with the new safety criteria sought by the Fukui prefectural government, and concluded it is necessary to restart the reactors.
　枝野氏は、福井県から要望のあった新たな安全基準に沿って安全性を確認し、再稼働が必要と判断したと説明した。

Nishikawa refrained from answering during the talks, saying he wants to "check carefully" the appropriateness of restarting the reactors.
西川知事は再稼働の妥当性を「厳正にチェックしたい」と、回答を留保した。

===

Send consistent message

Nishikawa praised Edano's remark that the government would use nuclear energy as an important power source. He also asked the government to send unwavering messages that nuclear power generation is essential.
　知事は、枝野氏が原発を重要な電源として活用すると述べた点を評価し、「原発が必要不可欠であることについて、政府はぶれることのないメッセージを出してほしい」と要請した。

If it is going to ask local governments hosting nuclear power plants to cooperate, the Noda administration must make it clear it has broken from the idea of making the country's energy policy free from its dependence on nuclear power, a position advocated by former Prime Minister Naoto Kan and other government leaders although there were no prospects for its realization.
　立地自治体に協力を求める以上、野田政権は菅前首相らの唱えた、展望なき「脱原発」からの決別を明確にするべきである。

On the other hand, Nishikawa said with a strong sense of dissatisfaction that the efforts and contributions made by local governments and communities hosting nuclear plants have not necessarily been understood by the areas that consume the electricity.
　一方で知事は、原発を受け入れてきた地元の努力や貢献が「電力を消費する地域に必ずしも理解されていない」と、強い不満を示した。

During a press conference following his talks with Edano, the governor said the prefectural government will make the ultimate decision on whether the reactors should be restarted.
その後の記者会見では、再稼働の是非は「最終的には立地県が判断すべきだ」とも述べた。

He likely intended to refute criticism that the government's judgment on the restart was too hasty, an opinion voiced by governors of the neighboring prefectures of Shiga and Kyoto and by Toru Hashimoto, mayor of Osaka, a major consumer of the power generated from the KEPCO plant.
　滋賀、京都の両知事や、電力の大量消費地である大阪市の橋下徹市長が、政府の再稼働判断は拙速だと批判しているためだろう。

It was also made apparently in opposition to Edano's earlier remark that the government needs to win the understanding not merely of the local governments hosting the plant but also of the nation, as a major accident at the plant would affect the entire country.
　枝野氏が「日本全国が地元」と発言したことへの反発もある。

Needless to say, it is important to win understanding for the restart from neighboring governments. But the central government has to give the most weight to the local governments hosting the plant.
　もちろん、周辺の自治体から理解を得ることは重要だが、政府は立地自治体の意向を最大限に尊重する必要がある。

===

Power shortage looms

If the nuclear reactors suspended for regular inspections are not restarted, all 54 of the nation's reactors will become idle in early May. In particular, the area in which the Oi plant is located and that is covered by the supply of electricity generated by KEPCO is expected to suffer a power shortage of up to about 20 percent this summer.
　定期検査で止めた原発を再稼働しなければ、５月上旬に全原発５４基が停止する。特に大飯原発のある関電管内では今夏、最大約２０％の電力不足が予想される。

During a press conference Friday, Edano said power outages and shortages would significantly affect such socially disadvantaged people as the sick and the elderly.
　枝野氏は１３日の記者会見で、再稼働の必要性に関連し、「停電や電力不足は病気の人や高齢者など社会的弱者に大きなしわ寄せを与える」などと指摘した。

He also said it was by no means permissible to bring about a power crisis by siding with optimists who say power supply and demand could be managed somehow through power-saving efforts or other measures. He is quite right.
　節電などで何とかなるとの楽観論にくみして、電力危機を招くことは「到底許されない」とも強調した。妥当な認識だ。

If we replace nuclear power generation with thermal power, fuel costs for this fiscal year will increase by as much as 3.1 trillion yen for the whole nation.
　原発を火力で代替すると、今年度の燃料コストは全国で３・１兆円も増える。

Therefore Edano is not going too far to say that within the near future the service areas covered by KEPCO may be asked to accept a hike in their utility charges.
枝野氏が「関電管内も遠からず、電力料金の値上げをお願いせざるを得ない」と言うのも、決して大げさではない。

Sufficient consideration should be given to the economic aspect of the power supply so the nation's economy is not adversely affected by such developments as the hollowing-out of industry.
　産業空洞化などで日本経済に打撃を与えぬよう、経済性への配慮を欠いてはなるまい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 15, 2012)
（2012年4月15日01時25分  読売新聞）

地元のおごりだと感じました。
ご飯を頂くときに農家の人々に感謝の気持ちを抱きますが、それとは少し違うのでは。
本質は同じものかも。難しい。

スラチャイ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 16, 2012)
Priority should be given to host governments' consent
原発再稼働要請　立地自治体の理解が最優先だ（4月15日付・読売社説）

The government is at a crucial juncture regarding reactivation of the suspended Nos. 3 and 4 reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture.
　関西電力大飯原子力発電所３、４号機（福井県おおい町）の再稼働に向けた正念場である。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's Cabinet must unite to convince the local governments hosting the plant and local residents, and quickly win their understanding.
　野田内閣は、速やかに地元の理解を得るよう、一丸となって説得しなければならない。

On Saturday, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano held talks with Fukui Gov. Issei Nishikawa, Oi Mayor Shinobu Tokioka and other officials at the Fukui prefectural government office, asking for local understanding of the restart of the suspended reactors.
　枝野経済産業相が１４日、福井県庁で西川一誠知事や時岡忍おおい町長らと相次いで会談し、大飯原発の再稼働に理解を求めた。

Edano told them the central government has confirmed the safety of the reactors, in accordance with the new safety criteria sought by the Fukui prefectural government, and concluded it is necessary to restart the reactors.
　枝野氏は、福井県から要望のあった新たな安全基準に沿って安全性を確認し、再稼働が必要と判断したと説明した。

Nishikawa refrained from answering during the talks, saying he wants to "check carefully" the appropriateness of restarting the reactors.
西川知事は再稼働の妥当性を「厳正にチェックしたい」と、回答を留保した。

===

Send consistent message

Nishikawa praised Edano's remark that the government would use nuclear energy as an important power source. He also asked the government to send unwavering messages that nuclear power generation is essential.
　知事は、枝野氏が原発を重要な電源として活用すると述べた点を評価し、「原発が必要不可欠であることについて、政府はぶれることのないメッセージを出してほしい」と要請した。

If it is going to ask local governments hosting nuclear power plants to cooperate, the Noda administration must make it clear it has broken from the idea of making the country's energy policy free from its dependence on nuclear power, a position advocated by former Prime Minister Naoto Kan and other government leaders although there were no prospects for its realization.
　立地自治体に協力を求める以上、野田政権は菅前首相らの唱えた、展望なき「脱原発」からの決別を明確にするべきである。

On the other hand, Nishikawa said with a strong sense of dissatisfaction that the efforts and contributions made by local governments and communities hosting nuclear plants have not necessarily been understood by the areas that consume the electricity.
　一方で知事は、原発を受け入れてきた地元の努力や貢献が「電力を消費する地域に必ずしも理解されていない」と、強い不満を示した。

During a press conference following his talks with Edano, the governor said the prefectural government will make the ultimate decision on whether the reactors should be restarted.
その後の記者会見では、再稼働の是非は「最終的には立地県が判断すべきだ」とも述べた。

He likely intended to refute criticism that the government's judgment on the restart was too hasty, an opinion voiced by governors of the neighboring prefectures of Shiga and Kyoto and by Toru Hashimoto, mayor of Osaka, a major consumer of the power generated from the KEPCO plant.
　滋賀、京都の両知事や、電力の大量消費地である大阪市の橋下徹市長が、政府の再稼働判断は拙速だと批判しているためだろう。

It was also made apparently in opposition to Edano's earlier remark that the government needs to win the understanding not merely of the local governments hosting the plant but also of the nation, as a major accident at the plant would affect the entire country.
　枝野氏が「日本全国が地元」と発言したことへの反発もある。

Needless to say, it is important to win understanding for the restart from neighboring governments. But the central government has to give the most weight to the local governments hosting the plant.
　もちろん、周辺の自治体から理解を得ることは重要だが、政府は立地自治体の意向を最大限に尊重する必要がある。

===

Power shortage looms

If the nuclear reactors suspended for regular inspections are not restarted, all 54 of the nation's reactors will become idle in early May. In particular, the area in which the Oi plant is located and that is covered by the supply of electricity generated by KEPCO is expected to suffer a power shortage of up to about 20 percent this summer.
　定期検査で止めた原発を再稼働しなければ、５月上旬に全原発５４基が停止する。特に大飯原発のある関電管内では今夏、最大約２０％の電力不足が予想される。

During a press conference Friday, Edano said power outages and shortages would significantly affect such socially disadvantaged people as the sick and the elderly.
　枝野氏は１３日の記者会見で、再稼働の必要性に関連し、「停電や電力不足は病気の人や高齢者など社会的弱者に大きなしわ寄せを与える」などと指摘した。

He also said it was by no means permissible to bring about a power crisis by siding with optimists who say power supply and demand could be managed somehow through power-saving efforts or other measures. He is quite right.
　節電などで何とかなるとの楽観論にくみして、電力危機を招くことは「到底許されない」とも強調した。妥当な認識だ。

If we replace nuclear power generation with thermal power, fuel costs for this fiscal year will increase by as much as 3.1 trillion yen for the whole nation.
　原発を火力で代替すると、今年度の燃料コストは全国で３・１兆円も増える。

Therefore Edano is not going too far to say that within the near future the service areas covered by KEPCO may be asked to accept a hike in their utility charges.
枝野氏が「関電管内も遠からず、電力料金の値上げをお願いせざるを得ない」と言うのも、決して大げさではない。

Sufficient consideration should be given to the economic aspect of the power supply so the nation's economy is not adversely affected by such developments as the hollowing-out of industry.
　産業空洞化などで日本経済に打撃を与えぬよう、経済性への配慮を欠いてはなるまい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 15, 2012)
（2012年4月15日01時25分  読売新聞）

Family returns home in Chaiyaphum during songkran holiday from 13 April, 2012 to 14 April, 2012.

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 15, 2012)
N. Korean missile launch demands a strong response
「衛星」発射失敗　強固な北朝鮮包囲網の構築を（4月14日付・読売社説）

North Korea's missile launch Friday was supposed to be a thunderous salute to celebrate the completion of the transfer of power to Kim Jong Un, the third generation of the Kim dynasty, and also to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, the country's founder. But it resulted only in undermining the regime's authority.
　３代にわたる権力継承完成と金日成主席生誕１００年の祝砲のはずが、政権の威信を失墜させる結果に終わった。

The international community had warned the regime not to go through with it, but Pyongyang went ahead with the test launch of a long-range ballistic missile that it claimed was a rocket carrying a satellite.
　北朝鮮が、国際社会の警告を無視して、「人工衛星」と称する長距離弾道ミサイル発射を強行した。

Shortly after the launch, however, the missile exploded and its fragments fell into the Yellow Sea. The U.S. Defense Department believes it was a modified version of a Taepodong-2 missile, the same type as one fired in April 2009.
　しかし、発射直後に爆発し、破片が黄海に落下した。米国防総省は、２００９年４月と同様の「テポドン２」改良型とみている。

===

Violation of UNSC resolutions
　◆追求すべき安保理決議◆

Though the test failed, it was an apparent violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban North Korea from using ballistic missile technology to launch anything. We cannot overlook North Korea's flouting of the UNSC resolutions.
　失敗はしたものの、「弾道ミサイル技術を使ったいかなる発射」も北朝鮮に禁じた国連安全保障理事会決議への明らかな違反だ。決議を愚弄する北朝鮮の行為は、決して看過できない。

The launch threw a U.S.-North Korea agreement reached in February into the dustbin. Pyongyang had made promises, including a temporary suspension of test-firing ballistic missiles, in return for U.S. food aid to the impoverished country.
　食糧支援と引き換えに長距離ミサイル発射の一時停止などを約束した２月の米朝合意は反古(ほご)同然となった。

The international community must keep urging Pyongyang to stop its nuclear development program, including its enrichment of uranium.
国際社会は、ウラン濃縮活動を含む核開発の中止を引き続き追求しなければならない。

In a timely action the day before the launch, foreign ministers of the Group of Eight countries, including Japan and the United States, adopted a chairman's statement at a meeting demanding that North Korea abandon its ambitions for nuclear weapons and long-range missiles.
　日米など主要８か国（Ｇ８）外相会議が、核とミサイルの放棄などを北朝鮮に求める議長声明を採択したのは、時宜を得た対応だろう。

We think the U.N. Security Council should adopt a new statement by the chair or pass another resolution against Pyongyang. It should not only condemn North Korea but also strengthen economic sanctions to tighten an international noose around the country.
　安保理も、新たな議長声明や決議を採択すべきだ。北朝鮮を非難するとともに、経済制裁を強化し、国際包囲網を強固にする必要がある。

Meanwhile, Japan must seek resumption of negotiations with the country, aiming at comprehensive settlement of nuclear, missile and abduction issues.
　日本も、核やミサイル、拉致問題の包括的解決を目指し、日朝交渉の再開を探らねばならない。

It is a concern, however, that Kim Jong Un's administration, which has just started, might rush to conduct the country's third nuclear test in an attempt to make up for the failed missile launch.
　懸念されるのは、発足したばかりの金正恩新政権が、発射失敗の挽回を図ろうと、３回目の核実験を急ぐ可能性があることだ。

North Korea test-fired another long-range ballistic missile three years ago. Like this time, the regime claimed it was just a rocket carrying a satellite. After the U.N. Security Council condemned the country in a chairman's statement, Pyongyang reacted sharply and pressed ahead with the second nuclear test.
　３年前、今回同様に「衛星」と称した長距離弾道ミサイル発射が、安保理議長声明で非難されるや、北朝鮮は猛反発し、２回目の核実験に突き進んだ。

To make North Korea refrain from carrying out a nuclear test this time, concerned countries must stand together and display a resolute attitude. If they fail to adopt a united stance, the countries will fall right into Pyongyang's trap.
　核実験を自制させるには、関係国が結束し、毅然(きぜん)とした対応をとることが肝心である。足並みが乱れれば、北朝鮮の思うつぼだ。

A focal point of the issue is how China, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, will react.
　焦点となるのは、安保理常任理事国の中国の対応である。

Beijing fears the collapse of the North Korean regime and has been enhancing its assistance to the country for years. This time, it has requested that other countries respond calmly, saying North Korea might act negatively and engage in military provocations if international pressure is strengthened.
　中国は、北朝鮮の崩壊を恐れ、支援を強めてきた。今回も圧力を強めると北朝鮮が反発し、武力挑発の懸念があるとして、関係国に「冷静な対応」を求めている。

However, China's long-standing conciliatory attitude apparently has allowed North Korea to look down on the international community and repeat its reckless deeds.
It has made Pyongyang believe the international community has neither the capability nor the intention to stop Pyongyang even if the regime tries to go ahead with another nuclear test.
　そんな長年の融和的な態度が、核実験を強行しても国際社会には止める能力も意思もない、と北朝鮮がみくびり、暴挙を重ねる結果を招いてきたのではないか。

===

Direct menace from Rodong
　◆核ミサイルの断念迫れ◆

North Korea invited foreign experts and journalists to the launch site and what it said was the satellite mission control center in a bid to show its "transparency."
　北朝鮮は今回、外国の専門家や記者団を発射基地や管制センターに案内するなど、「透明性」の演出に努めてきた。

Pyongyang also acknowledged the failure of the missile launch, for the first time ever in the annals of its missile development program.
初めて発射の失敗も認めた。

These steps are seemingly designed to help justify the "satellite" launch as "utilization of space technology for peaceful purposes."
「衛星」発射がミサイルではなく、「平和利用」だと正当化したいのだろう。

However hard the regime may try to put up such a front, there can be no doubt Pyongyang's ultimate goal is enhancement of its ballistic missile technological capability.
　いくら体裁を装っても、最終的に狙っているのは弾道ミサイル技術の向上だ。

Pouring a colossal amount of cash into "satellite" development even at the expense of many of its people who are on the verge of starvation is undoubtedly for the purpose of swiftly developing missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
飢餓に瀕(ひん)した多くの国民を犠牲にしてまで巨額資金を「衛星」に投じるのは、核兵器を運ぶミサイルの開発を急いでいるためにほかならない。

If it continues to conduct nuclear tests and missile launches, North Korea will sooner or later reach the stage of deploying missiles carrying nuclear warheads--a situation that would be extremely alarming for this country.
　核実験やミサイル発射を繰り返せば、北朝鮮はいずれ、核ミサイル配備の段階に行き着こう。日本が最も警戒すべき事態である。

Direct threats to Japan for now are medium-range Rodong ballistic missiles with a range of about 1,300 kilometers that have already been deployed on a war footing.
　日本にとって直接の脅威は、既に実戦配備されている射程約１３００キロの中距離弾道ミサイル・ノドンだ。

It is vitally important to ensure deterrence against North Korea by further beefing up the alliance between Japan and the United States.
日米同盟を強化し、対北朝鮮抑止力を維持することが欠かせない。

In dealing with the North's latest missile launch, the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military in Japan worked together by dividing roles between their personnel and sharing missile information through a bilateral joint operations coordination center at the U.S. Yokota Air Base in Fussa, western Tokyo. The collaboration is highly significant.
　自衛隊と米軍は今回、横田基地の日米統合運用調整所を通じて、ミサイル情報を共有し、部隊運用で役割を分担した。その意義は大きい。

===

Japan-U.S. collaboration vital
　◆日米共同対処が重要だ◆

From late March, the SDF had Aegis destroyers deployed in the East China Sea and surface-to-air missile units in Okinawa Prefecture and elsewhere.
　自衛隊は３月末から、東シナ海にイージス艦、沖縄県などには地対空誘導弾部隊を配備した。

The two-layer configuration for missile interception was meant to doubly assure the SDF's ability to respond to a contingency.
二段構えの迎撃態勢は、万一の事態に備えたものだった。

The consultations and preparations between the central government and local entities in Okinawa Prefecture ahead of the North Korean missile launch are experiences that should be used to boost the effectiveness of Japan-U.S. military exercises and joint programs for coping with missile attacks.
　沖縄県の自治体と協議・調整した経験も踏まえて、今後の日米の共同訓練や対処計画の向上につなげることが重要だ。

Regrettably, however, the government's announcement that the missile launch had actually occurred was markedly slow.
　残念なのは、政府のミサイル情報の発表がもたついたことだ。

The Prime Minister's Office could not confirm the missile launch even after South Korea issued an announcement to that effect. The result was that the Japanese government's official announcement came 40 minutes or more after the launch.
　首相官邸は、韓国の発表後も発射を確認できず、日本の正式発表は発射の４０分以上も後だった。

Since Japan is dependent on information from the U.S. satellite early warning system and the government in 2009 issued erroneous information about a North Korean "missile launch," it is understandable that the government may have been cautious in confirming the information.
Even so, the timing of the missile information announcement can only be considered extremely belated.
　日本は、米軍の早期警戒情報に依拠しているうえ、０９年の「発射」誤報を踏まえ、確認作業に慎重を期したことは理解できるが、あまりに遅いと言わざるを得ない。

It is imperative to thoroughly verify the causes of the delay in the relay of information and then find ways to improve the information relaying methods.
　情報伝達の遅れの検証と、それに基づく伝達方法の改善が求められる。

The way the government's initial announcement was made, saying the missile launch "has not been confirmed yet," could have been worded better. For example, the government could have said, "There's information about a missile launch, which is now being confirmed."
第一報の発表も「発射を確認していない」ではなく、「発射情報があり、確認中」とするなど工夫の余地があったはずだ。

Deficiencies have also been brought to light in the government's emergency report systems to the nation's local governments, including the J-Alert communications system linking local governments across the country.
　全国瞬時警報システム（Ｊアラート）などの自治体への速報体制にも不備が判明した。

To bolster the nation's crisis management system, it is urgently necessary for the government to take such steps as increasing the number of local governments equipped with antidisaster wireless systems.
防災無線の整備率を高めるなど、日本全体の危機管理体制の強化が急務だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 14, 2012)
（2012年4月14日01時01分  読売新聞）

英字新聞、休刊日のお知らせです。
電波の届かないチャイヤプームの山の中に別荘があります。
僻地ともいいますが＾＾。
で、４月１３日、１４日、１５日の英字新聞はお休みいたします。
たまにはPC抜きの生活だって必要かもしれませんね。
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The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 11, 2012)
Hatoyama's foolish trip to Iran hurt national interests
鳩山議員外交　危うい理屈で国益を損ねる愚（4月10日付・読売社説）

Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama visited Iran despite government pressure to call the trip off, with the result that Tehran exploited the occasion. This was a development the government feared.
　政府の中止要請を無視して強行した外遊が、相手国に利用される結果となった。事前に懸念された通りの展開である。

Hatoyama met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his aides in Tehran on Sunday to discuss Iran's controversial nuclear development program.
　鳩山元首相がテヘランを訪問し、イランの核開発問題をめぐって、アフマディネジャド大統領らと会談した。

According to an Iranian report on the talks, Hatoyama criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency for applying double standards toward certain countries, including Iran, saying such treatment was unfair.
　イラン側の発表によると、鳩山氏は大統領との会談で、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）がイランなどに二重基準的な対応をとっているのは不公平だと語ったという。

At a press conference in the Diet building on Monday following his return home, Hatoyama denied making this comment, saying he profoundly regrets what he called a "complete fabrication" by Tehran.
　鳩山氏は帰国後、「完全な捏造(ねつぞう)で、大変遺憾に思っている」などと記者団に語り、イラン側発表を否定した。

There is no doubt, however, that Hatoyama's visit to Tehran was exploited to justify Iran's nuclear development program.
だが、鳩山氏の訪問がイランの核開発の正当化に利用されたのは否定しようがない。

Iran has come under increasingly severe sanctions from the United States and Europe. Talks between Iran and six countries on Tehran's nuclear development program are to resume in the near future.
　イランの核問題は今、欧米諸国が制裁圧力を強める中、イランと関係６か国の協議再開を控えた微妙な時期にある。

===

Ridiculous comment

It is extremely unfortunate that Hatoyama's visit to Iran has had a dampening effect on the government's diplomacy, which places priority on cooperating with the United States and European nations.
鳩山氏の外遊が、欧米と協調する日本外交の足を引っ張ったのは、重大な問題だ。

The government repeatedly asked Hatoyama not to visit Tehran. But Hatoyama turned a deaf ear to the requests, arguing that his trip "is part of my activities I'm making in a personal capacity as a legislator, as there is a significant possibility diplomatic efforts by an individual legislator could help the national interest."
　政府は再三、訪問中止を求めたが、鳩山氏は「議員個人の活動であり、議員の外交努力で国益に資することが十分あり得る」などと反論し、聞き入れなかった。

When it comes to carrying out diplomacy between a former Japanese prime minister and the president of a foreign country, Hatoyama's remark convinces no one.
　しかし、外交の常識として、首相経験者と大統領の会談にそんな言い訳は通用しない。

Is it any wonder that Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura reacted with dismay? "We continued to ask him not to make the trip at this sensitive time, even as an individual lawmaker acting on his own accord," he said.
　藤村官房長官が「個人の立場でも、こういう時期に訪問をしない方がいいと言い続けてきた」と不快感を示したのも当然である。

With his own, self-centered way of thinking, Hatoyama probably felt like he was indirectly supporting Japan's diplomacy.
　鳩山氏には、日本外交を側面支援したいという身勝手な思惑があったのだろう。

Diplomacy is the domain of the government, and diplomatic moves by individual lawmakers should be limited to an auxiliary role.
だが、外交は政府の専管事項であり、議員外交はその補完にとどめるべきだ。

The leadership of the Democratic Party of Japan is partly responsible for the problem Hatoyama caused this time. Apparently to ensure party unity, the DPJ leadership decided in late February to appoint Hatoyama, a supreme adviser of the party, to the post of adviser in charge of diplomatic affairs.
　民主党執行部にも責任の一端がある。党内融和のため、２月下旬、最高顧問の鳩山氏を外交担当に決めたことだ。

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Unaware of his incompetence

Immediately after his appointment, Hatoyama visited China at the same time as a DPJ delegation led by Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi. Hatoyama and the DPJ delegation held separate meetings the same day with Vice President Xi Jinping, who is expected to be elevated to the top Chinese post. The DPJ's lack of coordination for its extraordinary "dual diplomacy" immediately was brought to light.
　その直後、鳩山氏は訪中し、輿石幹事長ら党訪中団と同じ日に、中国の習近平国家副主席と別個に会談するという異例の「二元議員外交」を行い、党内の調整不足ぶりを露呈した。

Hatoyama is primarily responsible for virtually causing the Japan-U.S. relationship to collapse. His chaotic handling of the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture was epitomized by his controversial "Trust me" remark during talks with U.S. President Barack Obama on the issue. As he was prime minister at the time, Hatoyama's summit diplomacy hurt our national interests.
　鳩山氏は首相在任中、「トラスト・ミー」といった不見識な言動で、米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を迷走させ、日米関係を危機に陥らせた張本人だ。こうした危うい首脳外交が、国益を損ねた。

Even after he stepped down as prime minister, Hatoyama angered Okinawa Prefecture by describing his remarks concerning the deterrence provided by U.S. forces stationed in prefecture as nothing but "expediency." Has he forgotten his bungling already?
　退任後も、在沖縄海兵隊の抑止力に関する自らの発言を「方便だった」と言い放ち、沖縄の強い怒りを買った。多くの失敗を、もう忘れてしまったのか。

Hatoyama is a type of politician who should refrain from becoming involved in diplomacy, both in light of his incompetence and personality.
　鳩山氏は、能力的にも性格的にも、外交に関与してはならない政治家だ。

He should become more aware his limitations as quickly as possible.
そのことを、一日も早く本人が自覚してもらいたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 10, 2012)
（2012年4月10日01時08分  読売新聞）