The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 20, 2012)
New Tokyo office buildings should be disaster-resistant
オフィスビル　官民で災害に強い都市目指せ（7月19日付・読売社説）

Strengthening functions of office buildings in Tokyo can also help the nation revive its economy. Tokyo is urged to restore its status, as major cities in other Asian countries are gaining competitive edges against it.
　東京のオフィス機能を強化することは、日本経済の再生につながる。アジア諸都市に押され気味のＴＯＫＹＯの復権が期待されよう。

Central Tokyo has seen the opening of a number of major office buildings in recent months.
　都心で大規模なオフィスビルの開業が相次いでいる。

Among others, DiverCity Tokyo in Koto Ward, Shibuya Hikarie next to Shibuya Station and East Tower at the foot of Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Ward have become popular among sightseers who are attracted to the complexes' commercial facilities.
　ダイバーシティ東京、渋谷ヒカリエ、東京スカイツリー脇のイーストタワーなどは、併設する商業施設とともに観光スポットとして人気を集めている。

Not a few of these newly opened buildings may become landmarks of their business districts, with JP Tower as an example. Built on the site of the historic Tokyo Central Post Office across the street from JR Tokyo Station, the high-rise was partially opened earlier this week.
　東京駅前の旧東京中央郵便局跡に今週、一部オープンしたＪＰタワーなど、ビジネス街の顔となりそうな注目物件も少なくない。

According to a real estate industry estimate, the total floor space in large-scale buildings to become available this year in Tokyo's 23 wards will be about 1.8 million square meters--equivalent to the footprint of 38 Tokyo Domes. This marks the highest level since 2003, when the Roppongi Hills complex in Minato Ward was opened.
　業界推計では、２３区内で今年供給される大型ビルの延べ床面積は東京ドーム３８個分の約１８０万平方メートルに上る。六本木ヒルズが開業した２００３年以来の水準だ。

The latest building boom is marked by high-rises created by the renovation or replacement of older structures in efforts to redevelop the capital's central districts, such as Marunouchi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.
　今回の大型物件ラッシュの特徴は、丸の内・渋谷・新宿など都内中心部の再開発に伴う老朽ビルの建て替えや高層化である。テナント側のビル選定基準が変化していることも見逃せない。

===

Tenants' priorities changing

It should be noted that today's tenants have different standards in choosing the buildings they pay rent for.

Companies looking for office space used to focus on where buildings were located and how convenient they were. Nowadays, more and more firms are paying increased attention to whether a building would allow them to continue their business operations in the event of a disaster, considering such factors as its degree of earthquake resistance and whether it has an emergency power supply.
　これまでは立地や利便性が中心だったが、ビルの耐震機能や非常用電源の設置など、災害時でも業務を継続できるかどうかを重視する企業が増えている。

Last year's Great East Japan Earthquake encouraged many companies to put a higher priority on preparing for a possible quake that could directly hit Tokyo.
　東日本大震災を受けて、首都直下地震への備えを最優先に考えざるを得なくなったためだろう。

The real estate industry has been implementing disaster management measures, such as equipping newly constructed buildings with high-tech systems to inform tenants of the degree of damage sustained in an earthquake.
　不動産業界は、地震時に被災状況を把握できるシステムを新型ビルに導入するなど防災対策を進めている。

It is important for the industry to further strengthen its efforts to make office buildings safer.
今後も安全面の取り組みを強化することが大切だ。

Considering the possibility of power shortages in the medium to long term, it is also vital for office buildings to work on energy measures, such as enhancing energy efficiency and diversifying power sources.
　中長期的な電力不足を想定し、省エネや電源分散化など、エネルギー対策も欠かせない。

As the number of high-rise office buildings increase and more and more people work in them, it will become more important than ever for business districts to be prepared for a disaster.
　大勢の人が働く高層オフィスが増えれば、従来以上にビジネス街の災害対策は重要となる。

Companies renting different buildings should work together to come up with plans to respond to a disaster, including ways to help people who are unable to return home.
複数のビルの入居企業が連携して帰宅困難者対策などを講じるべきだ。

===

Excessive supply negative factor

It is a cause for concern, however, that a glut of office space could harm the real estate market. The vacancy rate of these rooms remains high due to sluggish demand, causing rents to fall over a prolonged period. Some brand-new buildings even find it difficult to reach full occupancy.
　懸念されるのは、オフィスが一時期に集中して供給されることで不動産市況が悪化しかねない問題だ。オフィス需要の伸び悩みで空室率は高止まりし、賃料の長期下落傾向が続く。完成間近でもテナントが埋まらない物件もある。

Therefore, there is serious worry about a "Year 2012 Problem" for the real estate industry.
　「不動産業界の２０１２年問題」と警戒する声は根強い。

A growing gap between supply and demand in office space could put downward pressure on land prices, negatively influencing the economy. The government, therefore, should keep an eye on the real estate market.
　需給ギャップ拡大は地価の下押し圧力となり、経済への悪影響が気がかりだ。政府は不動産市況を注視しなければならない。

In March, the Tokyo metropolitan government compiled a basic strategy to promote local industry, which stipulates that it should help foreign companies settle in the capital.
　都は３月に策定した産業振興基本戦略に「外国企業の定着」を掲げた。海外投資家が日本の不動産への投資を再開する動きもある。

Overseas investors have resumed pouring money into Japanese real estate. The metropolitan government should become more aggressive in promoting foreign investment, which will also help narrow the supply-and-demand gap for office space.
オフィス需給を改善するためにも外資誘致を積極化すべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 19, 2012)
（2012年7月19日01時26分  読売新聞）

July 18, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Gov't should be fair in listening to public opinion on nuclear power
社説:原発の意見聴取会　ずさん過ぎるやり方だ

The government's decision to ban employees at electric power companies from expressing themselves during hearings of opinions from members of the general public on Japan's energy policy should be regarded as only natural.
　政府は、今後のエネルギー政策について国民の声を聞くための意見聴取会に関し、電力会社の社員が意見表明することを認めないよう運営方法を改めることになった。

Such hearings are important opportunities to reflect public opinion on Japan's key policies, and not venues to listen to interested parties' assertions.
　意見聴取会は、国の将来を左右する重要な政策に国民の声を反映させる大切な機会であり、当事者の主張を聞く場ではない。

One cannot help but wonder why electric power industry insiders were initially allowed to attend public hearings on atomic power policy. As long as members of the public doubt whether the government is serious about listening to their opinions, the government cannot ensure fairness of its policy-making process.
　運営の見直しは当然のことだ。しかし、なぜ当初からそうしなかったのか。「国民の声を本気で聞く気があるのか」と疑われるようでは、政策決定の正当性は確保できない。

Hearings are being held on three scenarios of Japan's reliance on nuclear power as of 2030: scenario 1 under which nuclear plants would be totally shutdown; scenario 2 under which the ratio of atomic power to Japan's total power supply would be 15 percent; and scenario 3 under which the ratio would be 20-25 percent.
　意見聴取会は、２０３０年時点での原発の比率を０％、１５％、２０?２５％とした政府の選択肢について、それぞれを支持する国民から考えを聞くものだ。

Specifically, three members of the public who support scenario 1, three others who back scenario 2 and another three who are in favor of scenario 3 are invited to each hearing to express their opinions. The government has introduced such hearings along with deliberative polls -- which consist of public comments, debate and surveys -- as a means to reflect public opinion in its policy-making.
パブリックコメントの募集、議論とアンケートを組み合わせた「討論型世論調査」と並び、今回の政策決定に国民の意見を生かす有力な手段として取り入れられた。

The government plans to hold 11 such sessions across the country. Three sessions have already been held, and the planning manager of Tohoku Electric Power Co. and a section chief at Chubu Electric Power Co.'s nuclear power department expressed their opinions in favor of atomic power at the Sendai and Nagoya sessions, respectively.
　全国１１カ所で開催するが、これまでに開かれた３回のうち、仙台市では東北電力の企画部長が、名古屋市では中部電力原子力部の課長が、いずれも原発推進の立場で意見を述べた。

The number of speakers is limited to nine at each hearing. If one of the nine is a high-ranking official of a power supplier that is promoting nuclear power, it obviously runs counter to the hearings' purpose of listening to opinions from members of the general public, and raises serious questions about the fairness of such sessions.
発言者は、１会場９人に限られる。その１人が、原発推進の当事者である電力会社の幹部では、「国民の意見を聞く」という会の趣旨に反するし、公平性も疑われる。

Questions also remain about the way such hearings are being held. Speakers express their own opinions, but nobody asks questions and no discussion is held. Since opinions expressed by speakers are not summarized by the organizer, how can they be reflected in the government's energy policy?
　聴取会の仕組みそのものにも疑問がある。発言者が一方的に考えを述べ、質疑も議論もない。意見はまったく集約されないが、これをどうやって政策決定に反映させるのか。

According to an advertising agency that serves as the secretariat of the hearings, of those who have applied to express their opinions at the Nagoya hearing, nearly 70 percent support a total elimination of nuclear plants, while over 20 percent back the 20-25 percent scenario. In Sendai, about 70 percent of applicants are in favor of the abolition of all nuclear power stations. Judging from these figures, the government's decision to allow three people each in favor of the three scenarios to express their opinions at the hearings is highly questionable.
　事務局を務める広告代理店によると、名古屋では応募者のうち原発比率０％支持が７割弱、２０-２５％は２割強で、仙台でも応募者の約７割が０％支持だった。こうした比率を見ると、発言者を各選択肢につき３人ずつとすることにも疑問が残る。

Moreover, three people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area were selected as speakers at the Sendai hearing and underscored the need of nuclear power. In Nagoya, four of the nine speakers were from the Kansai or Kanto regions.
　さらに、仙台では首都圏在住者３人が発言者に選ばれ、原発の必要性を訴えた。名古屋でも、発言者のうち４人が関東・関西在住だった。

Such hearings have been organized across the country on the assumption that public opinion on nuclear power varies from region to region depending on the local situation, such as whether they host nuclear power stations. Therefore, such hearings should be held in a way local communities' opinions are reflected in energy policy.
　全国で開催するのは、原発立地の有無などにより、地域によって見解も異なりうるという前提で、各地域の意見を聞くためだろう。より地元の声を反映させる形での運営が望ましい。

Biased opinions were expressed in some past symposia and other sessions on nuclear power policy organized by the government in a bid to manipulate public opinion, inviting public distrust. There are observations that the government is reportedly seeking to settle the issue, with an eye to adopting the 15 percent option. Behind the widespread anti-nuclear power campaigns is strong public distrust of the government's stance.
　原発政策を巡っては、国主催のシンポジウムなどで「やらせ」による世論誘導がなされ、国民の不信を招いた経緯がある。今回も、政府は１５％案を軸に着地点を探っているとの見方がある。反原発運動が大きな広がりを見せている背景にも、そうした政府への強い不信感があるはずだ。

Hearings on energy policy will continue, and the government is also poised to conduct a deliberative poll on the issue. The government should make every effort to ensure fairness in the way it listens to opinions from the public on nuclear power policy in order not to invite public distrust.
　意見聴取会は今後も続き、討論型世論調査も控えている。政府は国民の不信を招くことのないよう、公正性の確保に意を尽くすべきだ。

毎日新聞　2012年07月18日　02時31分

July 16, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Pension system must be drastically reformed, welfare pension funds axed
社説:厚生年金基金改革　決められる政治の出番

The alleged misappropriation of at least 100 billion yen of welfare pension funds by asset management firm AIJ Investment Advisors Co. has people worried about the survival of public pensions. Those concerns are a bit off the mark, however.
　１０００億円以上もの厚生年金基金を消失させたＡＩＪ投資顧問事件で公的年金の存続を心配する人がいるが、それは違う。

Welfare pension funds are a third tier of pensions set up individually by corporations in addition to the two-tiered public pension scheme, comprised of a basic pension and an employees' pension. The ongoing scandal should not have any effect on public pensions, and any losses incurred by welfare pension funds should be dealt with by member companies.
厚生年金基金とは、基礎年金（１階）と厚生年金（２階）の上に企業が独自に設けた３階部分を指す。１、２階部分の公的年金には本来影響がなく、被害を受けた企業が自己責任で処理すべきものなのである。

The problem is that many of these funds cannot dissolve even if they want to, because they manage portions of the employees' pension on behalf of the national government. Furthermore, because many of the funds affected by the scandal are comprised of small- to mid-scale businesses in depressed industries, forcing repayment could push the companies themselves into bankruptcy. Demanding other fund members to take joint responsibility could even set off a chain of bankruptcies.
　問題は、２階部分である厚生年金の一部を国から預かって代行運用しており、そこに穴が開いているため基金を解散したくてもできないことだ。もともと不況業種の中小企業が寄り集まった基金が多く、無理に返済を迫れば企業本体が倒産しかねない。共同で運用している他企業に連帯責任を求めれば連鎖倒産の恐れが出てくる。

The AIJ scandal is characterized by welfare pension funds that were lured by the sweet promise of high yields, after which they were dragged deeper and deeper into trouble. Of 578 welfare pension funds in Japan, some 40 percent now lack the cash necessary to manage a portion of employees' pensions; the total deficit comes out to over 700 billion yen.
危ない高利回りの甘言にだまされた基金がますます泥沼に引きずり込まれたのがＡＩＪ事件である。現在５７８の基金の約４割が、必要な積立金が不足する「代行割れ」の状態で、不足分の総額は７０００億円を超える。

There's no easy way out of this. As a proposal to make it easier for funds in crisis to dissolve, an expert panel to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare suggested reducing the amount of money that pension funds must return to the government, and eliminating any joint responsibility for repayment among member companies.
　妙案があるわけではない。厚生労働省の有識者会議は、危機的な基金を解散しやすくするため、国への返還金の減額や加入企業の連帯返済の廃止などを打ち出した。

How, then, would the gaps left by money that has not been recovered be filled? Reserve funds from public pensions, the panel said. But would subscribers to employee pension plans who have nothing to do with the scandal accept such an idea?
しかし、穴が開いた部分をどうするかといえば、公的年金の積立金で埋めるというのだ。まったく関係のない一般の厚生年金加入者はこれを受け入れるだろうか。

The panel was unable to reach a clear policy on reform that would lower the 5.5-percent projected rate of interest and slash the pension payments that retirees receive, by postponing topics for future deliberation or presenting them with both their pros and cons.
　その一方で、予定利率（５．５％）を引き下げたり、ＯＢの年金受給額を減額したりする改革案は検討の継続か両論併記にとどまり、明確な方針は示せなかった。

This may be due in part to precedents in which reductions in pension payments have not easily been accepted, as welfare pension funds serve as a part of an employee's retirement package.
厚生年金基金には退職金の一部という面もあり、容易に減額を認めなかった判例があることも影響しているのだろう。

However, unless pensioners who are receiving the third-tier of their pension schemes at high guaranteed yields share in the pain, it will be difficult to convince employee pension subscribers who will suffer the brunt of the damage.
しかし、高い予定利率の３階建て部分を受給しているＯＢが痛みを分かち合わなければ、とばっちりを受ける厚生年金加入者の納得は得られないのではないか。

When the workforce was much larger than the pensioner population, pension management went smoothly and reserve funds just kept growing.
　現役世代が年金受給世代よりはるかに多かったころは年金の運用実績も良く積立金は増えていく一方だった。

In contrast, our rapidly-aging society requires us to cut into our reserves bit by bit.
今は積立金を少しずつ取り崩しながら超高齢化を乗り切っていかねばならない。

To ensure the survival of public pension plans, we must quickly give up on funds that are unsustainable.
公的年金の持続可能性を損なわないためには、「代行割れ」の基金に早く見切りをつけることだ。

And if anyone is to decide who must endure the inevitable pain of this situation, it should be our politicians.
誰かが痛みを引き受けないといけないならば、「決められる政治」の出番ではないか。

All pension funds are suffering from a shrinking work force and a growing population of pensioners.
Unless the economic situation undergoes dramatic improvement, provision of pensions at 5.5-percent estimated yield will leave the government even more financially strapped.
　現役が減りＯＢが増えているのはどの基金も同じで、経済状況がよほど改善しない限り５．５％の予定利率で支給し続ければ財政が苦しくなるのはわかりきっている。

It is time for the government to begin fundamental reforms, including the complete abolishment of welfare pension funds.
厚生年金基金制度そのものの廃止も含めて抜本的な改革に着手すべきだ。

毎日新聞　2012年07月16日　02時32分

人間の本性とは所詮そのようなものなのです。
江戸時代の村八分、明治の同和問題など、この人間の性（さが）に根ざすものではないでしょうか。
タイでは王室を中心として｢to be number one｣というサークル活動がタイ全土で盛んに行われています。私も10年前に参加しています。
こちらは麻薬撲滅運動なのですが、似たようなサークル活動を全国的に展開すべきですね。野田さんなら出来るかも知れません。

（スラチャイ）

July 15, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Otsu school's bullying survey missed the point
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:調査の「ゴール」が違う　／東京

Recently, it became clear that severe bullying was behind the suicide of a second year junior high school student in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, last October.
　昨年１０月、滋賀県大津市で当時、中学２年の男子生徒が自殺した問題。背景には、深刻ないじめがあったことが明らかになった。

Following the boy's death, the city board of education conducted a survey on all students at the school, to which 16 answered that bullies had "forced (the boy) to 'practice suicide,'" among other acts.
　市の教育委員会がこの生徒が自殺した後に全校アンケートを実施したところ、１６人が「（死亡した生徒が）自殺のリハーサルをするように強制されたと聞いた」などと回答を寄せていたという。

However, after questioning the suspected bullies and investigating other aspects of the case, city board of education officials concluded that "although it was confirmed that bullying in fact took place, we are unable to say that it had a causal link with the suicide."
しかし、その後、市教委は加害者とされる生徒への聞き取りなどを経て、「いじめはあったが、それと自殺の因果関係は判断できない」との見解を示した。

In the past, too, the phrase, "We are unable to specify a cause-and-effect relationship," has often been used in suicide cases.
　これまでも自殺をめぐる問題で、「因果関係は特定できない」というフレーズが使われてきた。

Workplace harassment, prolonged labor in severe conditions, bullying by superiors, domestic violence, and now school bullying have all been settled by saying that "the relationship between the (suggested) cause and the fatalities is unclear."
「職場でのいやがらせはあったが、それと自殺との因果関係は明らかではない」というように、「長時間の過酷な労働」「上司からのハラスメント」「夫婦間の暴力」そして今回のような「学校でのいじめ」などが、「被害者の自殺との因果関係ははっきりしない」と結論づけられてきたのだ。

The aim behind surveys such as that conducted at the school in Otsu, however, is wrong from the start.
　こういった調査では、そもそものゴールが間違っている。

If the purpose of conducting the questionnaires is to find the cause of suicides, it's obvious that these attempts will end with officials saying, "We have been unable to determine the motive."
因果関係を特定するのが目的なら、それは「判断できない」という答えにたどり着くのは目に見えているのだ。

That is because the only person who can really confirm the motive is no longer alive.
それを証明できる唯一の人である本人が、もうこの世にいないからだ。

As long as there is no one to point out the exact cause, and as long as the incident was not a scientific experiment where all conditions are rigorously controlled, it is extremely difficult to prove the relationship between a single cause and its effect.
　「原因はこれです」と言える人がいなければ、条件が厳密に整えられた科学の実験でもない限り、ひとつの原因とひとつの結果との関係を証明するのはきわめてむずかしい。

For example, a person who is rejected for a job may think that the failure was because they spoke too quietly at the interview, but in fact there are many other possible reasons, including the content of the talk and the person's attitude, for example.
就職試験に失敗した人が、「面接で声が小さかったからかな」と想像しても、ほかにも話の内容や態度など考えられる原因はいくつもある。

In this case, the only thing the person can do to confirm their theory is to ask the official in charge of the hiring directly whether it was their voice that prompted the rejection.
そうなると、決め手は採用者に「私を落としたのは、声の大きさに問題があったからですか」と尋ねるほかなく、

If they're unable to do so, no matter how much time they spend pondering why they were rejected, the answer is unknowable.
それができないならいくら考えても「因果関係は明らかではない」という答えしかなくなる。

In the case of the boy's suicide, too, what should've been done was not searching for the cause of his death, looking for the guilty parties, or attempting to find out the relation between causes and the suicide.
　今回の問題でも、やらなければならなかったのは自殺の原因探し、犯人探しや因果関係の証明ではなかったはずだ。

What should have been done was to first admit that severe bullying had taken place, followed by concrete consideration of why the bullying happened, why it couldn't be prevented, and what measures must be taken against it from now on.
まずは「深刻ないじめがあった」という事実を認め、なぜ起きたか、なぜ防げなかったか、今後の対策は、といった具体的な検討を行うべきだ。

Still, I wonder why bullying hasn't disappeared from schools.
　それにしても、学校でのいじめはなぜなくならないのだろう。

There should be some deeper reason that allows it to persist despite the establishment of measures such as "discussing the importance of life" or "enforcing severe penalties" for offenders.

I also believe that those who bully have very distorted minds and have themselves been pushed to the edge.
「命の大切さを教える」とか「厳罰化を進める」といった対策では解決できない深い問題がいまの教育の現場にはあり、いじめを行う側の心も相当、ゆがめられ追い詰められているのだと思う。

What is it that makes one want to bully others?
なぜいじめたくなるのか。

And why are those who are being bullied not seeking help?
なぜ「いじめられてる」とＳＯＳを出せないか。

This is a problem that requires further thought.
もう一度、考えてみたい。

(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞　2012年07月10日　地方版

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 15, 2012)
China must try to halt economic slowdown
中国ＧＤＰ　景気失速を食い止める対策を（7月14日付・読売社説）

Spillover effects of the European debt crisis have become a drag on the Chinese economy, an engine of world growth.
　欧州債務危機が波及して、世界の成長エンジンである中国経済に急ブレーキがかかってきた。

China's slowdown could deal a serious blow to already gloomy prospects for the world economy. Measures to halt the slowdown are needed.
　低迷する世界経済の先行きに、さらに深刻な影響を与えかねない。景気失速を食い止める対策が求められよう。

The Chinese government has announced the country's real gross domestic product grew 7.6 percent in the April-June period over a year earlier, falling below 8 percent for the first time in about three years. The country's growth slowed for a sixth straight quarter.
　中国政府が発表した２０１２年４～６月期の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の伸び率は、実質で前年同期比７・６％増となり、約３年ぶりに８％の大台を割った。成長率の低下は６四半期連続である。

Eight percent growth is regarded as the minimum needed for China to maintain its economic activity and employment levels. China's stagnating growth since the so-called Lehman Shock in 2008 has been significant.
　中国にとって、８％成長は、経済活動や雇用を維持する最低ラインとされる。２００８年のリーマン・ショック後以来の低成長にとどまった意味は少なくない。

The economic weakness is mainly due to the slowdown in exports to Europe and other countries amid the lingering European debt woes. A slump in public investment and corporate capital spending has sent the country's manufacturing activity into decline. Consumer spending has also lost impetus. These three areas--exports, manufacturing and consumer spending--all slowed together.
　景気減速は、欧州危機の長期化に伴い、欧州向けなどの「輸出」が鈍化したのが主因だ。公共投資や企業の設備投資が落ち込んで、「生産」が下降線をたどり、「個人消費」の勢いも鈍った。３本柱がそろって振るわなかった。

===

Steps to shore up economy

Last week, China's central bank lowered key interest rates for two consecutive months. Before announcing the GDP numbers Friday, China apparently aimed to reduce the news' negative impact on the economy by slashing the rates.
　中国当局は先週、２か月連続で政策金利を引き下げた。成長率の発表に先手を打ち、景気を下支えする狙いだろう。

Beijing has taken a series of steps to shore up the economy, such as introducing an incentive program for buyers of energy-saving home electronic appliances and eco-friendly vehicles and bringing future infrastructure investment plans forward.
　省エネ家電やエコカーの購入支援策、インフラ投資の前倒しを決めるなど、財政面からも、次々と景気対策を打ち出している。

The Chinese government has lowered the country's growth outlook for this year from 8 percent to 7.5 percent. It must be wary now that its economy has begun to cool at a pace faster than it anticipated.
　中国政府は、今年の成長目標を従来の８％から７・５％に引き下げている。だが、予想を上回るペースでの減速に、景気失速を警戒し始めたに違いない。

China plans to change its top leadership this autumn. Even though China cannot achieve high growth at a rate of more than 10 percent as it once did, moderate growth must be secured to enable the leadership transition to go smoothly.
　中国は今秋、最高指導部の交代を予定している。かつての１０％以上の高成長は再現できなくても、「中成長」は、指導部交代を円滑に進めるうえでも、死守しなければならない目標だろう。

However, China's economic prospects are unclear.
　だが、先行きは不透明だ。

The debt crisis in Europe, China's major export destination, has yet to be resolved, while the U.S. economy has seen signs of slowdown. Alarmed by the current situation, the International Monetary Fund next week reportedly plans to lower its forecast for global economic growth.
　主要輸出先である欧州の危機はまだ収束せず、米国経済も停滞気味だ。事態を懸念した国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）は週明けに、世界経済見通しを下方修正する。

===

Boost domestic demand

To achieve stable growth, China urgently needs to shift its economy to one led by domestic demand that will allow it not to depend excessively on exports. For that purpose, the country should spend more on environmental measures and infrastructure projects, such as development of subway systems.
　中国が安定成長を実現するには、輸出に過度に依存しない内需主導型経済への転換が急務だ。環境対策や地下鉄整備などのインフラ追加投資が必要になる。

As commodity prices have been steady, China also has room to take additional monetary easing measures. Steering the economy in the right direction is difficult, but we urge Beijing to consider effective measures as soon as possible.
　物価が沈静化していることから追加金融緩和の余地もある。舵(かじ)取りは難しいが、効果的な政策を速やかに検討してもらいたい。

Brazil, India and South Korea have cut key interest rates one after another. Moves to ease monetary policy have gained momentum in the world.
　ブラジル、インド、韓国も相次いで利下げし、世界的に金融緩和の流れが加速している。

Meanwhile, it is of concern that there is no sign that the extreme strength of the yen will end soon, in light of a spate of rate cuts and the sluggishness of the U.S. and European economies. It is vital for both the government and the Bank of Japan to better respond to the situation by trying foreign exchange intervention and other possible measures.
　利下げラッシュと、欧米経済の低迷を背景に、超円高に歯止めがかからないことは問題だ。政府・日銀は為替介入を含め、機動的に対応することが重要である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 14, 2012)
（2012年7月14日01時15分  読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 14, 2012)
China making waves again with Senkaku Islands incursion
中国の領海侵入　尖閣諸島への挑発は目に余る（7月13日付・読売社説）

It is disturbing to see Chinese government vessels again intruding into Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
　中国政府の船による尖閣諸島周辺での領海侵犯は目に余る。

Japan must call on China through diplomatic channels to exercise self-restraint and at the same time establish systems to deal with China's provocations.
　日本は、外交を通じて中国に自制を促すとともに挑発に対応できる体制を整えねばならない。

Three Chinese fishery patrol boats intruded into Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands on Wednesday and Thursday. The patrol ships were purportedly protecting Chinese fishing rights. It is unusual to see such aggressive activity by them on consecutive days.
　中国の漁業監視船３隻が１１～１２日、尖閣諸島近海の日本の領海を相次いで侵犯した。本来は中国の漁業権益を守るのが役目だが、連日の示威活動は異例だ。

When a Japan Coast Guard patrol ship asked the Chinese boats to leave, they insisted they were conducting legitimate official duties. They also told the JCG not to obstruct them and to leave "Chinese territorial waters" immediately. Afterward, they lingered in areas surrounding the Japanese territorial waters.
　海上保安庁の巡視船の退去要求に対し、中国側は「正当な公務の執行であり、妨害するな。ただちに中国の領海から離れよ」と強い表現で応答し、周辺海域からもすぐには立ち去らなかった。

===

China's claims baseless

The incursion was likely a response to the Japanese government's expression of intent to purchase three of the islands. The Chinese government apparently wished to demonstrate its strong determination.
　日本政府が尖閣諸島の国有化方針を打ち出したことへの対抗措置なのだろう。中国政府の強い意志をうかがわせる行動である。

Infringement of Japan's sovereignty cannot be overlooked. It was a matter of course that Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba lodged a protest against China when meeting his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, in Phnom Penh.
　日本の主権に対する侵害は看過できない。玄葉外相がプノンペンでの日中外相会談で楊潔?中国外相に抗議したのは、当然だ。

As Yang insisted that the Senkaku Islands were inherently Chinese territory, the talks ended in a stalemate.
　楊外相は、尖閣諸島を「中国固有の領土だ」と述べ、協議は平行線に終わった。

But it is important that Japan persevere in countering China's baseless claims and urging it to correct its behavior.
　しかし、中国の不当な主張には粘り強く反論し、行動を改めるよう求めていくことが肝要だ。

Chinese patrol vessels also entered Japanese territorial waters in March. China plans to increase the number of patrol vessels and beef up their capabilities. Its enhancement of its naval forces also has been noticeable. Growing tensions in waters off the Senkaku Islands appear inevitable.
　３月にも中国巡視船が日本の領海に入った。中国は今後、巡視船を増強する方針だ。海軍拡充も著しい。尖閣諸島周辺海域で緊張が高まることは避けられない。

Preparing for the contingency of illegal landings on the islands, the Japanese government needs to strengthen the JCG and the police, and establish necessary legislation in an urgent manner.
　日本政府は、尖閣諸島に不法上陸される事態に備え、海保や警察の体制強化を図るとともに、必要な法整備を急ぐ必要がある。

===

Stronger measures called for

We wonder why the Diet has yet to start deliberations on a bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law to allow JCG officers to respond to crimes on remote islands. The revision should be enacted as soon as possible.
　国会は、離島での海保による犯罪検挙を認める海上保安庁法改正案について、なぜ審議入りしないのか。早く成立させるべきだ。

The Japan-U.S. alliance plays the most important role in deterring China. The U.S. government's clear statement that the Senkaku Islands fall within targeted areas for Japan-U.S. joint defense is extremely important.
　中国を抑止するため、最も重要な役割を果たすのが日米同盟だ。米政府が尖閣諸島について、日米共同防衛の対象地域だと明言していることは極めて重要である。

The Japanese government, for its part, intends to strengthen its defense capabilities for small island areas including the Nansei Islands. It is essential that concrete steps be taken.
　日本政府も、南西諸島など島嶼部の防衛強化を打ち出しており、着実な具体化が大事だ。

Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations also are concerned about China's maritime expansion.
　中国の海洋進出を懸念しているのは東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）各国も同様である。

At a foreign ministers meeting with China in Phnom Penh, ASEAN proposed talks be started among nations concerned to devise a legally binding "code of conduct" for the activities of concerned nations in the South China Sea.
　ＡＳＥＡＮはプノンペンでの中国との外相会議で、南シナ海での関係国の活動を法的に拘束する「行動規範」を策定する協議に入るよう提案した。

But China has yet to agree. This is apparently because such a code of conduct, if established, could impose restrictions on Chinese acts.
　だが、中国はこれに応じていない。規範ができれば、中国の行動が制約されかねないからだ。

To prevent more serious conflict from breaking out, effective rules on maritime affairs are indispensible. The Japanese and U.S. governments should cooperate with ASEAN member states to persuade China in this regard.
　紛争を避けるには、実効性ある海のルールが欠かせない。日米両国はＡＳＥＡＮ各国と連携し、中国を説得すべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 13, 2012)
（2012年7月13日01時05分  読売新聞）

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 13
EDITORIAL: China’s provocative acts unacceptable around Japanese territory
領海侵入―中国は冷静に振る舞え

Three Chinese fishery patrol vessels intruded into Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
　沖縄県の尖閣諸島沖で、中国の漁業監視船３隻が日本の領海に侵入した。

The intrusion took place immediately after Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda indicated plans for the government to buy three of the islands. It would be natural to assume that China's move was aimed at claiming ownership of the islands to counter the Japanese government’s decision.
　野田首相が尖閣諸島３島の国有化を表明した直後である。これに対抗して、領有権を主張する狙いと見るのが自然だろう。

The act needlessly heightens tensions between the two countries, and we strongly urge China to exercise self-control.
　いたずらに両国間の緊張を高める行為であり、中国側の自制を強く求める。

The event took place on the very day when the Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers were to meet on the sidelines of meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Cambodia.
　折しも、カンボジアでの東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の会議に合わせて、日中の外相が会談する当日だった。

At the meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba referred to the Senkaku Islands issue and stated, “It is important to manage the islands in a calm and stable manner.”
　玄葉光一郎外相は会談で、尖閣問題について「平穏かつ安定的に維持管理していくことが重要」と説明した。

On the Chinese side, some observers think the Japanese government is trying to change the status quo through national ownership by taking advantage of the moves of Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara, who has announced that the Tokyo metropolitan government will purchase the islands.
　中国側には、さきに尖閣諸島購入を表明した東京都の石原慎太郎知事の動きに乗じて、日本政府が国有化によって現状を変えようとしている、という受け止め方がある。

That is a misunderstanding.
　誤解である。

Whether the islands are privately owned or are the property of the Tokyo metropolitan government or the government of Japan, it makes no difference to the fact they are Japanese territory. However, if the metropolitan government buys them, it is possible that Ishihara, who takes a tough stand against China, could resort to provocative action.
　民間所有であっても、都や国の所有であっても、日本の領土であることに違いはない。しかし、都が買った場合、中国に強硬な姿勢をとる石原氏が挑発的な行動に出る恐れがある。

To prevent unpredictable situations from arising, national ownership stands to reason.
　予期しない事態の発生を防ぐためには、国有化は理にかなっている。

The Chinese side should understand that in the long run, it would benefit both countries.
　長い目で見れば両国の利益になることを、中国側は理解すべきである。

In the last few years, Chinese patrol vessels have repeatedly intruded into waters surrounding the islands. It is the Chinese side that should immediately stop such provocative actions.
　周辺海域ではここ数年、中国の監視船による領海侵入が繰り返し起きている。むしろ中国側こそ、そうした挑発行為はただちにやめるべきだ。

The deterioration of bilateral relations is not in the best interest of China, either. The meeting between the foreign ministers ended with both sides asserting their positions. However, according to sources, it lasted longer than planned and was held amid a calm atmosphere.
　両国関係の悪化は、中国にとっても得策ではあるまい。外相会談は、双方がそれぞれの立場を主張して終わったが、予定時間を超え、冷静な雰囲気の中で行われたという。

We want to believe that the Chinese government also doesn’t want the problem to overheat.
　中国政府にも、これ以上、過熱させたくないという思いがあると受けとめたい。

China is also developing territorial disputes with the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea. This problem was discussed in the series of ASEAN meetings.
　中国は南シナ海でも、フィリピン、ベトナムとの間で領有権をめぐる対立を深めている。ＡＳＥＡＮの一連の会議でも、この問題がテーマになった。

Amid such circumstances, once again, China’s intrusion into Japanese waters must have given international society the impression that the country is taking tough stand, and caused Southeast Asian countries to grow increasingly wary of China.
　そうした中で、今回の領海侵入は中国の強硬ぶりを改めて印象づけ、東南アジアの国々も警戒を強めたのではないか。

In the second half of this year, Chinese leadership is expected to undergo a major reshuffle. In a desperate attempt to solidify a domestic foothold, there is a growing tendency for China to show off its power to dodge criticism on the Internet and other media that it is “weak-kneed.”
　中国は、今年後半に指導部の大幅な交代を控える。国内の体制固めに躍起になるあまり、インターネットなどの「弱腰」批判を気にして力の誇示に傾く場面が増えている。

China should realize that unless it is very careful, its behavior could cause its neighbors to view it as a threat.
　中国の振る舞いは、一つ間違えば周辺国に脅威と映りかねないことを自覚すべきだ。

If China prides itself as “a major power,” we urge it to show it can act calmly.
　「大国」を自任するのであれば、冷静に行動できることを示して欲しい。

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 13, 2012)
Ozawa's latest political party is mainly a populist stunt
小沢新党　大衆迎合の色濃い「生活第一」（7月12日付・読売社説）

The third-largest party in Diet, after the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party, has been born. The new party's size makes it a force to be reckoned with in national politics, especially in light of the dissolution of the House of Representatives for a general election.
　民主、自民に次ぐ第３党の誕生だ。衆院解散・総選挙に向けた政局で、侮れない規模である。

We are concerned about the addition of yet another factor that could throw Japan's politics into further turmoil.
　政治を一層混迷させる要因が増えたことに、懸念を抱かざるを得ない。

Former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa and his followers, who had been expelled from the ruling party, held a meeting to inaugurate Kokumin no Seikatsu ga Daiichi (People's livelihoods first) in Tokyo on Wednesday. Forty-nine lawmakers from the lower house and the House of Councillors who had belonged to the DPJ joined the new party.
　民主党を除名された小沢一郎元代表らが、都内で新党「国民の生活が第一」の結党大会を開いた。民主党に属していた衆参国会議員４９人が新党に参加した。

Ozawa, who became leader of the new party, said, "I'm determined to take action to seek the withdrawal of bills to raise the consumption tax rate in the name of integrated reform."
　代表に就任した小沢氏は、「一体改革に名を借りた消費増税法案を撤回させるべく行動していく決意だ」と訴えた。

The aim of launching the new party is to consolidate forces opposed to the consumption tax hike. It can also be said the new party is vying for power in opposition to the line that the DPJ, the LDP and New Komeito have taken on the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems.
　新党旗揚げの狙いは反消費増税勢力の結集だ。社会保障・税一体改革での民主、自民、公明路線に対する権力闘争とも言えよう。

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A potential rebel network

Ozawa is aiming to form loose alliances with regional parties, including Genzei Nippon (Tax cut Japan) led by Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura, and other opposition parties. In the Diet, the new party plans to form a parliamentary group with the Kizuna Party, which was formed by earlier DPJ defectors.
　小沢氏は、河村たかし名古屋市長の「減税日本」など地域政党や野党と緩やかに連携することを目指している。国会では、民主党離党組の「新党きづな」と統一会派を結成する方針だ。

At a press conference on Wednesday, Ozawa also said he would cooperate with former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and others who remain in the DPJ although they rebelled against the party during the vote on integrated reform bills.
　小沢氏は記者会見で、一体改革関連法案の採決時に造反しながら民主党に残った鳩山元首相らと連携していく考えも示した。

Hatoyama's appalling words and deeds keep dragging down Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, but the number of rebels remaining in the DPJ cannot be ignored.
　野田首相の足を引っ張り続ける鳩山氏の言動には、あきれるばかりだが、党内に残った造反組の数は軽視できない。

It looks certain that Noda will experience more difficulties in handling the government now. To counter Ozawa, Noda must do his utmost to maintain cooperative relationships with the LDP and Komeito.
　首相の政権運営が、一層難しくなることは確かだろう。小沢氏に対抗するためにも、首相は自公両党との協調関係を保つことに全力を挙げねばなるまい。

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A lack of vitality and solidity

However, the launch of the new party lacks emotional uplift. This is because it is the fourth new party that Ozawa, dubbed the "destroyer," has formed and therefore it lacks freshness.
　ただし、新党の発足に高揚感は乏しい。何しろ、「壊し屋」と称される小沢氏の４度目の新党であり、新鮮味に欠ける。

Among lower house members who joined the new party, two-thirds are first-time lawmakers with weak electoral bases. Their ulterior motive--surviving the next lower house election with opposition to the tax hike as a driving force--can be seen.
　新党に参加した衆院議員のうち３分の２は、選挙地盤の固まっていない新人議員だ。反増税をバネにして次期衆院選で生き残ろうという思惑が、透けて見える。

The new party's name, Kokumin no Seikatsu ga Daiichi (People's livelihoods first), is a slogan used in the DPJ's manifesto for the 2009 lower house election. An LDP member remarked, "It [the new party] may be taking the same path as the DPJ, which touted a pie-in-the-sky manifesto." This criticism has a point.
　新党名に選んだ「国民の生活が第一」も、民主党の政権公約（マニフェスト）のキャッチフレーズである。「出来もしないマニフェストを掲げた民主党と同じ道を進んでいくことになるのでは」という自民党の批判は一理ある。

It is unclear how the new party would reconstruct critical state finances and cover social security costs, which are swelling by more than 1 trillion yen a year, without the consumption tax hike.
　消費増税なしに、どうやって危機的な国家財政を立て直し、毎年１兆円以上増え続けている社会保障費をまかなうのか不透明だ。

Ozawa also said his party will make it clear that it will seek to end nuclear power generation. There is no denying that such a policy is haphazard. How will a stable power supply be realized?
　小沢氏は、「脱原発を鮮明にしていきたい」とも語った。場当たり的な感は否めない。電力の安定供給をどう実現するのか。

If the new party proclaims it will put people's livelihoods first, it should give a concrete and detailed explanation of how it will do so. Simply advocating populist slogans to appeal to voters is irresponsible.
　国民の生活本位と言うのなら、具体的かつ丁寧に説明してもらいたい。有権者へのアピールを意識して、大衆迎合的なスローガンを唱えるだけでは無責任である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 12, 2012)
（2012年7月12日01時21分  読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 12, 2012)
Govt must fully explain safety of Osprey
オスプレイ配備　政府は安全性の説明を尽くせ（7月11日付・読売社説）

It is important to evaluate and discuss the safety of the U.S. military's new transport aircraft in a coolheaded manner.
　米軍新型輸送機の安全性については、冷静に評価し、議論することが肝要である。

During his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over the planned deployment of the U.S. Marine Corps' MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in Japan, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba asked Washington to provide information on the causes of two crashes earlier this year involving the aircraft.
　玄葉外相がクリントン米国務長官と会談し、海兵隊の垂直離着陸機ＭＶ２２オスプレイの日本配備に関連して、今年発生した２件の墜落事故の原因の情報提供を要請した。

While Clinton pledged the United States would conduct thorough investigations into the aircraft's safety and share the results with Japan, she expressed no intention of changing the plan to deploy the Osprey in Japan.
　クリントン長官は、「安全性について調査を徹底的に行い、結果を日本と共有する」と約束するとともに、日本配備の方針は変更しない考えを表明した。

The United States should be given credit for its willingness to provide information to Japan. The Japanese government should collect information through such means as sending experts to the United States to closely examine the aircraft.
　日本への情報提供に前向きな米側の姿勢は評価できる。政府は、専門家の訪米などを通じて情報を収集し、吟味する必要がある。

===

Opposition to deployment

Following the crash of an MV-22 Osprey in Morocco in April, a U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey crashed during an exercise in mid-June in Florida.
　４月のモロッコにおけるＭＶ２２の墜落事故に続き、６月中旬には米フロリダ州で訓練中の空軍の同型機ＣＶ２２が墜落した。

The United States plans to deploy the MV-22 Osprey at Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, after temporarily stationing them at the U.S. Marine Corps' Iwakuni base in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture. However, local governments concerned have expressed their opposition to the deployment or temporary stationing of the aircraft, citing safety concerns.
　配備先の沖縄県宜野湾市の普天間飛行場や、一時駐機先である山口県岩国市の岩国基地の関係自治体は、安全性を懸念し、配備や駐機に反対している。

We believe the government must thoroughly explain the aircraft's safety to these local authorities to gain their understanding as much as possible.
　政府は、ＭＶ２２の安全性について関係自治体に丁寧に説明し、理解を広げなければならない。

As the causes of the accidents were not attributed to problems with the aircraft themselves, the U.S. military has not prohibited the aircraft from flying or taken similar measures.
　２件の事故原因は機体の問題ではないとされ、米軍は飛行禁止措置などを取っていない。

The shift from the CH-46 transport helicopters--which have been in operation for nearly four decades--to the new aircraft is not in itself a bad thing. Actually, from a safety standpoint, it would be more problematic to continue using the CH-46 for a long time.
　そもそも、４０年近く使用している輸送ヘリコプターＣＨ４６から新型輸送機への交代は、悪いことではない。むしろ老朽化した輸送ヘリを今後も長期間使い続けることの方が安全上の問題があろう。

The rate of serious MV-22 accidents resulting in death or damage of 2 million dollars or more is 1.93 per 100,000 flight hours. This rate is lower than the average rate of 2.45 for all marine corps aircraft.
　ＭＶ２２の１０万飛行時間当たりの重大事故（死亡または２００万ドル以上の損害を伴う事故）率は１・９３件で、海兵隊航空機の平均の２・４５件よりも低い。

===

Enhanced capabilities

The deployment of the MV-22, which boasts high capabilities in terms of maximum speed and flight range, among other features, would enhance the U.S. military's capability to conduct civilian rescue operations and disaster relief activities. The deployment also would help improve the U.S. forces' assault landing operations and increase deterrence capabilities. These factors cannot be overlooked.
　一方で、最高速度、航続距離などの性能が優れるＭＶ２２の配備によって、米軍の民間人救出や災害救援の活動は強化される。強襲上陸作戦能力が向上し、抑止力が高まることも見逃せない。

In addition, the deployment would be in line with the U.S. military's strategy of increasing its presence in the west Pacific region to deal with the rapid rise of the Chinese military.
　中国の急速な軍事的台頭に対応し、西太平洋地域を重視する米軍戦略とも合致している。

The United States plans to deliver 12 Ospreys to Iwakuni later this month, then transport them to Okinawa Prefecture. As the retirement of CH-46 helicopters is under way, the circumstances do not allow for impediments to operations of the U.S. forces.
　米側は、今月下旬にオスプレイ１２機を岩国に搬入した後、沖縄に配備する予定だ。ＣＨ４６の退役が始まる中、部隊運用に支障を生じさせられない事情がある。

Reports on the accidents in Morocco and Florida are expected to be compiled later this month and in late August, respectively. The Japanese and U.S. governments have agreed not to fly the MV-22 in Japan until the reports are completed.
　モロッコの事故は今月下旬、フロリダの事故は８月末に報告書がまとまる見通しだ。日米両政府は、それまではＭＶ２２を日本で飛行させないことで一致している。

This is an adequate decision. It is important to realize the deployment of the aircraft in accordance with this agreement and take sufficient measures to prevent the recurrence of similar accidents.
　妥当な判断である。日米合意を順守し、事故の再発防止策をきちんと講じたうえ、配備を実現することが重要となろう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 11, 2012)
（2012年7月11日01時40分  読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 11, 2012)
Central, Tokyo govts should get in tune over Senkaku Islands
尖閣国有化方針　政府と都は安定管理へ協調を（7月10日付・読売社説）

The inability of the central and Tokyo metropolitan governments to get on the same page will be only to China's advantage. They need to closely cooperate on the Senkaku Islands issue.
　政府と東京都が牽制(けんせい)しあえば、中国を利するだけだ。両者は、緊密に連携する必要がある。

The central government has finally made a concrete move to put the Senkaku Islands under state control.
　政府が、尖閣諸島の国有化に向けて、ようやく具体的に動き始めた。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has admitted that the government is holding talks with the metropolitan government and the owner of three islands in the five-islet chain. "From the viewpoint of peacefully and stably maintaining and managing [the islands], we've been in contact [with the metropolitan government and others] at various levels," Noda said to the House of Representatives Budget Committee on Monday.
　野田首相は、衆院予算委員会で「平穏かつ安定的に維持・管理する観点で、様々なレベルで接触している」と述べ、都や地権者と協議に入っていることを認めた。

The central government's aspirations of putting the Senkaku Islands under state control will advance efforts to better maintain the territorial integrity and effective control of the islands.
　政府が尖閣諸島の国有化を目指すことは、領土保全、実効支配の強化に向けて前進となる。

The government currently leases the three islands, including Uotsurijima, from the owner and bans people other than government officials from landing on them. However, under individual ownership, through which the islands could be sold to or inherited by a third person, the future of the islands could be unstable.
　政府は魚釣島など３島を地権者から賃借し、政府関係者以外の立ち入りを禁じている。だが、第三者への売却や相続があり得る個人所有では安定的とは言えない。

===

China's claim unwarranted

Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara has built up a relationship of trust with the islands' owner. Donations to the Tokyo government to purchase the three islands have topped 1.3 billion yen.
　東京都の石原慎太郎知事は、地権者との一定の信頼関係を築いている。購入費などに充てる予定の都の募金も１３億円を超えた。

Given the recent developments, various options are on the table, including having the metropolitan government buy the three islands and then immediately transfer them to the central government.
　これまでの経緯を考えると、いったん都が購入した後、政府に速やかに譲渡するなど、様々な方法が考えられよう。

Ishihara has expressed distrust of the government's plan to purchase the islands, saying the Noda administration is trying "to gain popularity" and deriding it as "abrupt." However, now is not the time for the central and metropolitan governments to be out of step.
　石原氏は政府の方針に「人気稼ぎだろう」「唐突だ」と不信感を表明したが、政府と都が足並みを乱している場合ではない。

It is essential that the islands be surely placed under state control, regardless of how this is done. The central and metropolitan governments must speed up necessary arrangements to make this happen.
　どのような手順を踏むにせよ、着実に国有化することが肝要である。政府と都の間で調整を急がねばならない。

The Japanese government's plan to place the islands under state control prompted Beijing to issue a statement saying, "No one will ever be permitted to buy and sell China's sacred territory."
　日本政府の国有化方針に対し、中国は「中国の神聖な領土を売買することは絶対許さない」とする談話を発表した。

However, it was only in 1971--after the existence of oil reserves was confirmed near the Senkaku Islands--that China started to claim sovereignty over them.
　だが、中国が領有権を主張し始めたのは、周辺海域での石油埋蔵が判明した後の１９７１年だ。

Japan has been in effective control of the islands since it incorporated them into its territory based on international law in 1895. It is unreasonable of China, which effectively gave tacit approval to Japan's control of the Senkakus, to belatedly claim sovereignty over them.
　日本は１８９５年、国際法に基づき尖閣諸島を領土に編入して、実効支配している。それを事実上黙認していた中国が、後から領有権を主張するのは不当である。

===

Strengthen JCG

Chinese fishery patrol boats approach waters around the Senkaku Islands almost monthly and repeatedly make their presence felt.
　中国の漁業監視船は毎月のように尖閣諸島周辺に近づき、示威行為を繰り返している。

Earlier this month, Taiwan patrol vessels and a leisure fishing boat briefly intruded into Japanese territorial waters.
　今月には台湾の巡視船などが日本の領海内に入った。

These provocations will only undermine Japan-China and Japan-Taiwan relations. We strongly urge Beijing and Taipei to exercise self-restraint.
　こうした挑発活動は、日中、日台関係を損なうだけである。強く自制を求めたい。

Even if the government puts the Senkaku Islands under state control in the future, this in itself will not be able to prevent intrusions and other illegal acts.
　この先、日本政府が尖閣諸島を国有化しても、それだけで不法侵入などを防げるわけではない。

It will be necessary to enable Japan Coast Guard officers to apprehend foreign nationals who illegally land on the Senkaku Islands. To do so, the Diet should quickly deliberate a bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law.
　不法上陸した外国人を海上保安官が検挙できるようにする必要がある。そのための海上保安庁法改正案の国会審議を急ぐべきだ。

Also, the JCG must be strengthened in terms of manpower and the quality of its equipment, through such measures as deploying a large patrol vessel that will enable long-term monitoring of waters around the Senkaku Islands and increasing the number of JCG officers.
　尖閣諸島周辺で長期間の監視活動ができるような大型巡視船の配備や、保安官の増員など、質と量の両面から海保の体制強化も図らなければならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 10, 2012)
（2012年7月10日01時35分  読売新聞）