The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 10, 2012)
Harness small firms' potential to revitalize Japan
ちいさな企業　日本再生に期待される潜在力（7月8日付・読売社説）

Small and midsize companies account for 90 percent of domestic enterprises, and are a huge potential source of technological and human capital. We hope they will play a significant role in kick-starting the economy.
　日本企業の９割を占める中小企業は、技術や人材などの潜在力を持つ。日本経済に弾みをつける役割を期待したい。

A panel of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry formed to investigate the future of small and midsize businesses recently announced its proposals for revitalizing this sector. The panel's report compiled the views of workers at small and midsize companies including managers, female entrepreneurs and younger workers.
　経済産業省の「“ちいさな企業”未来会議」は、中小企業の活性化策に関する提言をまとめた。中小企業の経営者や女性起業家、青年層などの現場の声を集約したのが特徴である。

An important part of the proposals is the request for the government to revise conventional measures by paying more attention to smaller companies, instead of supporting the relatively major members of this sector with priority.
　提言のポイントは、比較的規模が大きい中小企業を主な支援対象としてきた政府に対し、小規模企業にも十分目配りするよう、施策の修正を求めたことだ。

The number of small and midsize companies has decreased by 650,000 over the last decade, to the detriment of about 3 million jobs. Smaller firms that close or struggle are particularly noticeable.
　中小企業は、過去１０年で約６５万社減り、雇用者数は約３００万人も減少した。小規模な企業の廃業や経営不振が目立つ。

With the domestic market shrinking due to the aging population and low birthrate, and businesses being pinched by an unusually high yen, smaller companies tend to be affected also by overseas transfers and poor performance by the large companies they do business with. Small and midsize companies face an increasingly harsh business environment.
　少子高齢化に伴う国内市場の縮小や超円高に加え、取引先である大企業の海外移転や業績悪化に振り回されがちだ。経営環境は一段と厳しくなっている。

===

Looking for the next Toyota

The decline in small and midsize businesses has led to a vicious cycle that exhausts regional economies. This can no longer be ignored.
　中小企業の低迷により、地域経済が疲弊するという悪循環に陥っている状況も看過できない。

The panel displayed a stronger level of concern, pointing out that "small enterprises can change Japan." Indeed, we believe that only revitalized small and midsize firms can maintain regional jobs and prevent the further hollowing out of domestic industries.
　未来会議が危機感を強め、「小さな企業が日本を変える」と指摘したのは妥当だ。中小企業が活性化してこそ、地域の雇用が維持され、空洞化を防ぐ方策になる。

Many major firms such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Panasonic Corp. started out as small, local factories. A vital question for today is how to discover and support a future Toyota that has growth potential.
　トヨタ自動車やパナソニックなどの大企業も、小さな町工場からスタートした。成長が見込まれる「未来のトヨタ」を発掘し、後押しすることが問われている。

Unfortunately, many small firms miss opportunities for dramatic growth because of a lack in practical management expertise.
　実践的な経営ノウハウが不足しているため、飛躍のチャンスを逃している小規模企業も多い。

The panel's proposal emphasized the importance of boosting a one-stop management support system where financial institutions, certified tax accountants and others could help small and midsize enterprises in cooperation with the central and local governments. Aid would be provided depending on the individual company's stage, whether just starting out, stable or growing, or looking for successors. Details of the system should be worked out as soon as possible.
　提言は、起業から安定・成長期、事業承継など、企業の段階に応じて、国や自治体と連携しながら金融機関、税理士などがワンストップで経営支援する「知識サポート体制」の強化を打ち出した。具体化を急ぐべきだろう。

===

Market unique technology

Measures are also necessary to assist small and midsize businesses in improving unique technological skills and enhancing their products' market competitiveness. We think an initiative to create a concentrated area for overseas-oriented industry--one of the panel's proposals--deserves serious consideration. Parties involved need to rack their brains to discover the best ways for small and midsize firms to expand their sales in Asia and elsewhere.
　オンリーワンの技術を磨き、製品力を強化する支援策の充実も重要だ。提言が示した「海外展開集積地域構想」は検討に値する。中小企業がアジアなどで販路を拡大できるように知恵を絞りたい。

In addition to manufacturing, companies in service industries such as nursing care and medical services need to be developed, as women and young people can work comfortably in these fields. It is important to develop working environments that can better utilize the potential of this nation's women.
　ものづくりだけでなく、女性や若者が働きやすい介護、医療などのサービス分野の企業育成が課題と言える。女性パワーをもっと活用する環境整備が欠かせない。

Policies concerning small and midsize companies should be one of the pillars of the government's up-coming strategy for revitalizing Japan. However, care must be taken so these measures are not just an additional form of lavish support.
　政府は近くまとめる日本再生戦略の柱に中小企業政策を位置づけるべきだ。ただし、大前提は、施策を精査し、ばらまき型の追加支援としないことである。

Small and midsize companies have no hope of success if they merely rely on government support. They must have the originality and ingenuity to proactively find new opportunities on their own.
　中小企業が政府などの支援に頼るだけでは、展望は開けない。創意工夫で自ら活路を開く積極的な姿勢が求められよう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 8, 2012)
（2012年7月8日01時13分  読売新聞）

July 08, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Remember there is no shame in accepting welfare
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:受給者の苦悩に配慮を　／東京

Recently, a committee for tackling illegal public assistance payouts has been launched in Kanagawa Prefecture. It appears that prefectural authorities and local law enforcers will be collaborating to establish a system to purge fraudulent public assistance recipients from the welfare rolls.
　神奈川県では、生活保護をめぐる連絡会が発足、不正受給の撲滅を目指すという。行政と県警がタッグを組んで不正受給をなくすシステムを作っていくそうだ。

When I hear people saying things along the lines of, "People taking welfare unlawfully is indeed a problem, but...," I feel somewhat depressed. As a matter of fact, a number of my patients have told me they're considering taking themselves off public assistance, such as cancelling their disability pensions or their applications for injury or illness allowances.
　「たしかに不正受給は問題だけどね」と、こういう話題を耳にすると気持ちがめいってしまう。実は私の診察室でもすでに何人かが、「障害年金をもらっているがやめたいと思う」「休職中だが今月は傷病手当の申請を辞退したい」などと言い出しているのだ。

One tearful patient, currently unable to work due to an illness and with a family on welfare, told me, "They are my relatives so I should be the one sending them money.
親族が生活保護を受給し、自分もいま病気で仕事につくことができないある患者さんは、「やっぱり親族ですから私が仕送りすべきですよね。本当に情けない」と涙を浮かべた。

I feel really miserable." The other patients of mine who raised similar concerns are all taking welfare assistance as a last resort, just to maintain a base-line standard of living. These folks can hardly be accused of welfare fraud.
　みんなそれ以外の方法がなく、ギリギリの生活を保つために、年金や手当をもらっている人たちだ。断じて不正受給などではない。

I tell such patients that they should hold their heads high and continue receiving their allowances without feeling bad about it. But they, feeling a heavy sense of responsibility, shake their heads in disapproval.
「あなたの場合、堂々ともらっていいんですよ」などと励ましてみるが、まじめな彼らは首を横に振る。

"While the government is talking of increasing the consumption tax to improve Japan's finances, I feel extremely bad for taking public money," one patient said. "When I watch reports of illegal welfare recipients on TV, I feel as if they are pointing at me, and I feel alienated."
「だって国の財政もたいへんで消費税を上げようという中、私が公的なお金をいただくのは、申し訳なさすぎますよ。テレビで不正受給の話題が取り上げられるたび、自分が責められているようで身の置きどころがなくなります」

All welfare recipients that I know of feel similar. There are some media reports on public assistance recipients who drive foreign cars, or on criminals coercing social workers into putting them on the public assistance rolls. However, I want to ask: Where are these things actually happening?
　私が知っている生活保護や障害年金の受給者は、みなこのような人たちなのだ。一部で伝えられているような、「生活保護なのに外車を乗り回している」「福祉課の職員を脅迫して申請している」といった例がいったいどこにいるのか、と言いたいくらいだ。

What will happen to people if they withdraw from welfare assistance? I find statements such as "as long as one is determined, they should be able to find all sorts of jobs," mostly come from people lucky enough to be both healthy and socially engaged.
　もし、彼らが役所の窓口に行って「今月でもうけっこうです」と受け取りを辞退したら、その先はどうなるのだろう。「やる気になればどんな仕事でもあるはず」などと言うのは、健康や人間関係に恵まれている人の発想なのではないか。

What I tell my patients is: "I understand your feelings well. But you still need a little bit more time before you return to work. Until then, please protect your life by accepting welfare assistance, and concentrate on your treatment. You can repay society for its kindness after you recover." This does not, however, bring a smile to their faces.
　「気持ちはよくわかりました。でも、働けるようになるまでにはもう少しだけ時間がかかります。それまでは生活保護でしっかり自分の生活を守ってください。安心して療養に専念してください。世の中への恩返しは、元気になってからでもいいじゃないですか」。社会からの支えを借りても生き続けるように、と必死に励ますが、「はあ、そうですか」と答える彼らの笑顔はどことなく力ない。

I agree that it is important to crack down on illegal welfare recipients. However, at the same time I hope another system -- one that tracks down people who need assistance but aren't getting it -- is also launched.
　不正受給を取り締まるのも必要かもしれないが、本当に必要なのに社会的サービスが行きわたっていない人を見つける、というシステムも作ってほしい。

The number of people who are unable to maintain even the most basic standard of living, and who are in a constant fear of "causing trouble" to others, is greater than people imagine.
世の中には「誰の迷惑にもなりたくない」と最低限のレベルの生活さえ送れないまま生きている人が、想像よりたくさんいるのだ。

(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞　2012年07月03日　地方版

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 8, 2012)
Higgs boson discovery marks new start in probing the unknown
ヒッグス粒子　未知の探求へ新たな一歩だ（7月7日付・読売社説）

A new subatomic particle believed to be the "Higgs boson," hunted for more than 40 years by particle physicists around world, has been discovered at long last.
　世界の物理学者たちが４０年以上も探し続けてきた「ヒッグス粒子」とみられる新粒子が、ついに見つかった。

The European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, on the Swiss-French border near Geneva, announced the discovery on Wednesday. This can definitely be called a glorious accomplishment that will go down in history.
　スイス・ジュネーブ郊外の欧州合同原子核研究機関（ＣＥＲＮ）が発表した。歴史に残る偉業と言えよう。

In the smallest fractions of a second after the birth of the universe, the Higgs boson was responsible for the existence of mass, commonly thought of as weight, in all matter, according to the "Standard Model" of physics. Since it is the origin of mass in the universe, the Higgs boson is also known as the "God particle."
　宇宙誕生の直後、この粒子が万物に重さ（質量）を与えた、と物理学の「標準理論」では考えられている。重さの源だけに、「神の粒子」とも呼ばれている。

How did the universe come into being? How was substance brought into existence? How did galaxies form and the stars ignite? How did life first begin to stir?
　宇宙はどのように誕生したか。物質はどんな仕組みで生成され、星や銀河ができ、生命が登場したのか。

The new discovery marks a milestone in the grand quest to understand the ultimate origins of humanity.
人類の根源を辿(たど)る壮大な旅の一つの到達点だろう。

According to the Standard Model, every substance consists of 17 kinds of ultramicroscopic particles that cannot be divided into any smaller units.
　標準理論によれば、すべての物質は、それ以上分割できない１７種類の極微の素粒子で構成されている。

===

Final building block

Of such particles, electrons were first discovered in 1897, while the existence of a total of 16 particles--every subatomic particle except the Higgs boson--had been confirmed by 2000.
まず電子が１８９７年に見つかり、２０００年までに、ヒッグス粒子を除いて、計１６種類の存在が確認されていた。

The discovery of the Higgs boson means the final building block necessary to explain the development of the universe from its birth 13.7 billion years ago right up to the present moment has been identified.
　１３７億年前の宇宙創生から現在まで、宇宙の歩みを説明する理論を裏付ける最後の部品が、これでそろったことになる。

This achievement has been made using CERN's circular 27-kilometer underground proton accelerator. The accelerator is a gigantic facility built at a cost of 550 billion yen. It can make protons, a kind of microparticle, collide with each other in a vacuum at nearly the speed of light for a high-energy collision.
　この発見は、ＣＥＲＮにある全周２７キロ・メートルの円形加速器で成し遂げられた。建設費５５００億円の巨大施設だ。真空に保ったパイプの中に、微粒子の陽子を光速に近いスピードで飛ばし、陽子同士を衝突させることができる。

CERN researchers repeated such collisions 1.1 quadrillion times, analyzing in detail the fragments produced by the impacts. These include the new Higgs particle, which they have identified with 99.99998 percent certainty, the announcement said.
　これを１１００兆回繰り返して衝撃で飛び出した破片を詳細に分析し、新粒子を９９・９９９９８％の確率で見つけたという。

From Japan, 110 researchers from universities and other research organizations, including the University of Tokyo, have taken part in the CERN program, playing significant roles in such activities as data analysis.
　東京大など１６の大学・研究機関から日本人１１０人が参加し、分析などに活躍した。

It was a theory formulated by Yoichiro Nambu, a Japanese-born professor emeritus at the University of Chicago and a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics, that provided the foundation for the prediction of the existence of the Higgs boson.
ヒッグス粒子の存在予言も、ノーベル物理学賞受賞者の南部陽一郎・米シカゴ大名誉教授の理論が基になった。

We feel proud of Japan's contribution.
　日本の貢献が誇らしい。

===

Trust in science

The pursuit of mysteries of the universe is certain to go on. Experiments with the newly found subatomic particle will lead to the detailed elucidation of its properties. It may even be possible to crack open a new realm of cosmic theory. Physicists have great expectations.
　これからも探求は続く。実験を重ねれば新粒子の詳しい性質が分かる。そこから新たな理論が生まれるかもしれない。そう物理学者たちは期待している。

This is because current theory can account for about only 4 percent of the energy that lets matter, and the universe itself, exist. We hope to see Japanese researchers aggressively striving to make further discoveries to help shape our understanding of the universe.
　今の理論ではまだ、宇宙にある物質、宇宙を支えるエネルギーの４％しか説明できないからだ。さらなる発見へ、日本の研究者も挑戦してほしい。

After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear power plant accident last year, an increasing number of people in this country are becoming distrustful of or anxious about science and technology.
　昨年の東日本大震災と原子力発電所の事故以降、国内で科学技術に不信や不安を抱く人が増えている。

A survey by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry has shown that as many as four out of every 10 people think humans "cannot take control" of outcomes of science and technology. This is double the figure from before the March 11, 2011, disaster.
文部科学省の調査では「人間は科学技術をコントロールできない」と考える人が１０人中４人もいる。震災前の倍になった。

It is strongly hoped that a breakthrough such as the discovery of the Higgs boson will help resuscitate people's dreams about the future of science.
　ヒッグス粒子の究明のような取り組みが、科学への夢を取り戻すきっかけになればいい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 7, 2012)
（2012年7月7日01時23分  読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 7, 2012)
Eliminate disparity between public, private retirement packages
公務員退職給付　官民格差の解消を前提とせよ（7月6日付・読売社説）

How should the government eliminate the disparity in retirement packages between the public and private sectors?
　官民の格差をいかに解消するか――。

A government expert panel has compiled a draft plan for reforms of the retirement and pension system for civil servants.
政府の有識者会議が公務員の退職金や年金のあり方について改革案をまとめた。

A bill that would unify the pension system for corporate employees and the mutual pension plan for civil servants in October 2015 is expected to be passed by the Diet during the current session as part of the integrated reform of the social welfare and tax systems.
　社会保障と税の一体改革の一環として、会社員の厚生年金と公務員の共済年金を２０１５年１０月に統合する被用者年金一元化法案が衆院を通過し、今国会で成立する見通しだ。

Assuming the two pension schemes are unified, the government panel stated that retirement payments and pension benefits should be regarded as a comprehensive retirement package, and demanded that such packages be more closely aligned with retirement programs offered by the private sector.
　有識者会議は、この年金統合を前提に、公務員の退職金と年金を合わせて「退職給付」ととらえ、これを総合的に民間に合わせる方針を示した。

We see this proposal as reasonable.
妥当と言えよう。

According to a survey by the National Personnel Authority last year, the average retirement pay package for national civil servants--retirement pay and an additional benefit paid under the mutual pension program--was 29.5 million yen, exceeding by 4.03 million yen the average retirement pay and corporate pension benefits of workers at companies with more than 50 employees.
　人事院の昨年の調査によると、国家公務員の退職金と「職域加算」と呼ばれる共済年金の上乗せ支給の合計は２９５０万円で、従業員５０人以上の民間企業の平均的退職給付（退職金と企業年金の合計）を４０３万円上回っている。

The panel's first proposal was to remove this gap. Retirement benefits for corporate employees have shrunk since the so-called Lehman shock in 2008. In light of this, a significant reduction in retirement packages for public servants is inevitable. We believe the government should make bold cuts instead of acting piecemeal.
　提言はまず、この分を引き下げるよう求めた。リーマン・ショック以降、民間の退職給付は落ち込んでいる。公務員の退職給付もこれに合わせて、大幅にカットすることはやむを得まい。あまり段階を踏まずに実施すべきだろう。

===

End preferential treatment

In integrating the private and public pension systems, the bill calls for abolishing the additional pension payment of about 20,000 yen a month for civil servants, which is seen as a symbol of preferential treatment for public workers. The panel has also focused on discussing how public servants should receive retirement benefits.
　厚生・共済年金の統合で、公務員優遇の象徴とされた月額約２万円の職域加算は廃止される。公務員の老後資金をどう形成するかが議論の焦点となった。

The panel has proposed a two-tier scheme in which retirement packages would be provided in a lump sum as well as pension payments, where the total amount is to be on par with private-sector levels.
　有識者会議は、公務員の退職給付を「一時払い」と「年金払い」の２本立てとし、その合計を民間水準に合わせるよう提言した。

In the private sector, a combined provision of lump-sum retirement pay and corporate pension benefits is common.
　民間では一時金と企業年金を組み合わせた退職給付が主流だ。

The introduction of a payment scheme similar to that used by the private sector would make it easier for the government to adjust the public-private disparity.
形態も民間に合わせた方が、今後、官民格差を調整しやすい。

In other words, the panel has proposed the creation of something similar to a corporate pension system for civil servants.
このため、「年金払い」部分を元に“公務員版企業年金”を新設する。

===

New pension scheme sought

Providing retirement packages to civil servants in two stages would not require any extra public funds compared with paying benefits in a lump sum.
No extra taxpayer money would need to be injected into a corporate-style pension system for public employees.
　退職給付をすべて一時金で支給する場合と公費負担は変わらず、公務員版企業年金に特別の税金が投入されるわけではない。

However, we urge the government to carefully formulate the new pension system and be fully accountable for it to prevent people from viewing it as a different form of preferential treatment for public employees.
　ただし、国民から、「形を変えた公務員優遇」といった見方をされないよう、政府には、新年金についての十分な説明と設計上の配慮が求められる。

Making the pension benefits smaller than the current additional payment of about 20,000 yen is one way this could be accomplished.
現行の職域加算よりも受取額を小さく設計することは、一策であろう。

If the Diet passes legislation to integrate the two pension schemes, the amount of taxpayer money injected into the mutual pension plan under "additional expenses" would also be cut.
The mutual pension program replaced the "onkyu" allowance system that was financed by tax revenue instead of premium payments.
Even under the current pension system, however, injections of taxpayer money have been necessary to cover pension payments for retired civil servants who worked when the onkyu system was in place.
　被用者年金一元化法案が成立すれば、共済年金ができる前の恩給制度との関係で続いてきた「追加費用」という税金投入も削減される。

If the additional payments are cut, about 860,000 retired public employees will have their pension benefits reduced by up to 10 percent.
この結果、退職した元公務員のうち約８６万人の受給者は、年金額が最大で１０％減る。

Measures to remove the public-private retirement benefit gap will be difficult to bear for public servants, but they are inevitable in light of the nation's serious financial difficulties and the tough situation faced by private companies. Swiftly eliminating the private-public disparity is essential.
　一連の措置は公務員には厳しい内容だが、深刻な財政や民間の苦しい状況を考えれば、やむを得ないだろう。官民格差は、迅速に解消することが重要である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 6, 2012)
（2012年7月6日01時19分  読売新聞）

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 4
EDITORIAL: Feed-in tariff system offers opportunities
自然エネルギー―普及急ぎ新しい社会へ

A feed-in tariff system that requires utilities to purchase electricity generated with renewable energy sources like solar and wind power at fixed rates took effect July 1.
　太陽光や風力など自然エネルギーによる電力を、電力会社が買い取る制度が始まった。

Renewable energy sources other than hydropower account for only 1 percent of Japan's overall power generation.
　日本の自然エネルギー発電量は、水力を除くと、全体の１％でしかない。

Increased use of these clean energy sources will not only reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions but help lessen the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation.
As an added benefit, there will be no need to import raw materials for electricity production.
資源を輸入に頼らず、温暖化防止にもなる電源は、脱原発依存を進めるうえでも重要だ。

The tariff system should be used wisely to expand the use of renewable energy.
新制度をテコに普及を急ぎたい。

The rates at which utilities buy power from renewable energy will be reviewed annually. But rates, once determined for specific sellers, are guaranteed for 10 to 20 years.
　買い取り価格は電源ごとに毎年見直されるが、一度決まれば１０～２０年保証される。

For the first year of the system, the rates have been set at a relatively high level: around 42 yen per kilowatt-hour of solar power.
初年度は１キロワット時４２円の太陽光など全体的に高めの設定だ。

There are some who say the rates are too high.
　高すぎるとの声はある。

The policy was deliberate. The only way to encourage businesses to enter the market is to ensure that they will be able to make a decent profit.
ただ参入企業を増やすには、一定の利益が確保できるようにしなければならない。

Given that Japan trailed other industrialized nations in introducing feed-in tariffs, setting attractive rates makes certain sense.
日本の取り組みの遅れを考えれば、やむをえない面がある。

In recent months, companies have been clamoring to enter the business. During the current fiscal year, Japan's total renewable power capacity is expected to increase by 2.5 gigawatts.
　実際、ここにきて事業者の参入が相次いでいる。今年度中に２５０万キロワット分の発電設備が増える見通しだ。

Clearly, the rates at which utilities buy power under the system should be determined with great care since costs will be passed on to consumers.
　もちろん、細心の注意を払う必要がある。買い取りコストは消費者が負担するからだ。

Electricity rates charged to households nationwide will be raised by a flat monthly amount of 0.22 yen per kilowatt-hour. A family with an average monthly power bill of 7,000 yen ($87.67) will have to pay about 100 yen more each month.
　料金への上乗せは、全国一律で１キロワット時あたり月０・２２円。月７千円の電気代を払っている家庭では、家庭用太陽光の買い取り分も含めて１００円前後の負担になる。

The figure incorporates an increase resulting from the purchase of surplus electricity from household solar power generation systems.
Increases will be commensurate with the amount of power generated with renewable energy increases.
発電量が増えるほど上乗せ額も増える。

We don't doubt that many households are willing to put up with a certain level of increase in their electricity bills for expanding the use of renewable energy sources if it means reducing the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation.
　原発を利用せずにすむなら、多少高くても自然エネルギーを選ぶという消費者も少なくないだろう。

But if rates remain at levels that pose an unreasonable burden on consumers, the system will eventually become unsustainable.
だが、買い取り価格が必要以上に高止まりし、消費者の負担感がつのれば、制度自体が行き詰まる。

Even in Europe, which has been leading the world in feed-in tariffs, the system is still very much a trial-and-error process.
　先行する欧州も、この点では試行錯誤だ。

The government should heed the experiences of countries that introduced the system earlier.
政府は先行例から学びつつ、

Flexibility in purchase prices will be key as renewable power generation grows and costs drop due to technological advances.
普及の度合いや技術革新による発電コストの低減などを見て、柔軟に価格を見直していく必要がある。

The capacity of transmission lines and power distribution facilities will also have to be expanded.
　自然エネルギーの普及には、送電線と配電設備の増強や

At the same time, the government will need to implement an expanded power distribution system so that electricity can be delivered to areas serviced by other utilities.
広域運用も不可欠だ。

The Tohoku region and Hokkaido are especially suited to wind power generation. The volume of electricity generated with wind power that is to be purchased under the new system is rapidly approaching a ceiling. This is because transmission networks in those regions have only a limited capacity.
　風力の適地である東北や北海道では、送電網の限界から風力発電の買い取り枠が埋まりつつある。

The situation effectively undermines efforts to make full use of the renewable energy sources available.
これでは、せっかくの潜在資源を生かし切れない。

Enhancing electric power infrastructure requires huge investment.
　設備の増強には多額の費用がかかる。

The public and private sectors must work together to stimulate the aggressive investment needed to construct a more powerful grid. This will become a huge public asset.
送電網の広域運用につながる電力改革を進めるとともに、積極的な投資を促す仕組みを官民で考え、公共財としての送電網整備を急がなければならない。

A renewable power generation business can be started with a relatively small amount of capital.
　自然エネルギーは比較的少ない資本で取り組める。

This could lead to community-based enterprises in which investors fund wind-power facilities or citizen power plants operated by associations. The system will also spawn new businesses. Renting roofs for solar power generation comes to mind.
基金を設立して風車などを共有したり、組合組織による「市民発電所」を運営したりと、地域単位での工夫も可能だ。「屋根貸し」などのビジネスも生む。

The feed-in tariff system should be used in a way that helps build a new energy future for Japan.
　制度をうまく活用し、新しいエネルギー社会を築こう。

July 04, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Japan's energy future must be decided by its people
社説:電力政策の未来　国民の主体的な選択で

The people of Japan must soon choose one option from among three mid- and long-term energy policy scenarios -- including levels of reliance on nuclear power ranging from zero to 25 percent -- announced recently by the government's Energy and Environment Council. The government is expected to adopt one of them by the end of August based on a national debate, and map out an "innovative energy and environment strategy" based on it.
　政府のエネルギー・環境会議が、中長期のエネルギー政策に関する三つの選択肢を示した。政府は国民的議論を経て、８月末までに一つに絞り、「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」としてまとめる。

It will be a crucial choice that will determine the future of Japan. It is necessary to hold calm discussions on the issue and draw a conclusion that will convince every member of the public. To that end, it is indispensable for the government to provide accurate information such that the Japanese people can judge each option on its merits, and to hold discussions that will reflect the popular will.
　日本の将来を左右する重大な選択だ。冷静な議論を重ね、納得いく結論を得る必要がある。それには、国民の判断の基準になる正確な情報提供や、民意を公正に反映する議論の場が不可欠だ。

Under scenarios 1, 2 and 3, the ratio of atomic power to total power consumption in Japan would be lowered to 0 percent, 15 percent and 20-25 percent, respectively, by 2030. Depending on the degree of Japan's dependence on nuclear power, the council estimated how far greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced, how much electricity charges would need to be raised and how much the country's GDP would be impacted.
　３０年時点での電力の原子力発電依存度は０％、１５％、２０?２５％の３通り。原発依存度に応じ、温室効果ガスの削減度合いや電気料金の上げ幅、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）への影響なども試算している。

However, since each estimated figure has a wide range, the scenarios have not clearly shown how much effect a reduction in nuclear power would have on Japan's economy and the livelihoods of consumers, making it difficult for people to choose between the three options. We urge the council to provide more detailed and understandable information by explaining the basis for its calculations, the specific effects of a reduction in nuclear power on various fields, and other clarifications.
　もっとも、そうした試算値には大きな幅があり、影響の大きさは見えにくい。これでは国民が選択するのも難しい。算定の根拠を詳しく説明したり、さまざまな分野で生じる影響を実感しやすい形で示すなど、より丁寧な情報提供を求めたい。

The government views Scenario 2 as the most realistic option because it calls for a mid-level reduction in atomic power and meshes with government policy to shut down reactors after 40 years of service. However, as the government is supposed to work out its new energy and environment policy based on national debate, it must not lead public opinion into supporting the scenario it favors.
　政府は、原発依存度を１５％にする案を有力視している。三つの選択肢の中間に位置し、政府が掲げる原発の「４０年廃炉規定」をベースにしているからだ。しかし、「国民的議論」を前提とするからには、「結論ありき」で、民意を誘導することがあってはならない。

As part of national debate on Japan's future energy and environment policy, the government will hold its first so-called deliberative poll, ask members of the general public to submit their opinions and hold information sessions on the issue across Japan. In deliberative polls, randomly selected members of the public are surveyed on specific issues and invited to participate in debate sessions. Afterwards, they are queried again to see how their opinions have changed. This method, which makes it possible to tap a wide range of views from those who would not usually voice their opinions, is reportedly effective in getting a detailed view of public sentiment.
　政府は、パブリックコメントの募集や全国での説明会に加え、今回初めて「討論型世論調査（ＤＰ）」を実施する。選択肢に関する世論調査を行い、回答者から討論会への参加者を募って、討論の前後で意見がどう変わったかを調査する手法だ。積極的に意見を表明しない層の意見をくみ上げられるなど、きめ細かく民意を探るのに適しているという。

In the past, many town meetings on specific policy issues and hearings on nuclear power policy have been criticized as unfair, as their organizers apparently attempted to lead public opinion with staged questions and stacked audiences. The management of the government's deliberative poll on energy and environment policy will be left to the discretion of a third-party panel to be set up shortly. The results of the survey will not win public trust unless the government ensures transparency through appointing appropriate experts to the panel and disclosing in full how the poll will operate.
　これまで、民意を政策に反映させるためのタウンミーティングや原子力政策を巡る公聴会では、やらせや不公正な運営が、しばしば問題になった。ＤＰの運営は、新たに発足させる第三者委員会に委ねられる。委員の人選に意を尽くし、途中経過も公表するなど公正で透明性の高い運営を確保しなければ、結果への信頼は得られないだろう。

Questions remain as to the three scenarios themselves. Even if Scenario 2, which calls for a reduction in Japan's reliance on atomic power to 15 percent, is adopted, the ratio could be further reduced if some nuclear plants must be decommissioned for safety reasons before they hit 40 years in operation. None of the scenarios posit an energy and environmental vision for beyond 2030.
　今回の選択肢そのものにも問題は残る。軸になりそうな原発依存度「１５％」は、立地条件などで耐用年数前に停止すべき原発があれば、引き下げ可能なはずだ。３０年以降の将来像も見通せない。

Regarding how to deal with spent nuclear fuel, scenarios 2 and 3 leave all possible options open, including full recycling.
　また、使用済み核燃料の処理については、依存度０％の場合を除き、全量再処理を含むあらゆる可能性が残されたままだ。

This is a good opportunity for members of the general public to proactively choose their nation's policy. They should ask the government to clarify what they do not fully understand, and make a feasible choice that will guarantee Japan's energy security and protect the environment on a long-term basis.
　国民にとっては、自ら主体になって選択する大切な機会だ。疑問は政府にしっかりとただし、将来に責任を持てる結論につなげたい。

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 3
EDITORIAL: Opportunity is ripe for DPJ to improve its public pledges
民主党分裂―公約を鍛え直す契機に

Veteran political fixer Ichiro Ozawa and 49 loyalists effectively resigned from the ruling Democratic Party of Japan on July 2.
　民主党の小沢一郎元代表のグループが離党届を提出した。

They plan to create a new party in an effort to win over voters in the next Lower House election by campaigning on two key issues: opposition to an unpopular increase in the consumption tax rate and a pledge to phase out nuclear power generation.
　近く新党を立ち上げ、「反消費増税」「脱原発」を旗印に、次の総選挙を戦うという。

Ozawa demanded that the DPJ withdraw the bills for raising the consumption tax rate. The bills recently passed the Lower House after 129 hours of Diet deliberations. A suprapartisan agreement was reached after days of talks between the DPJ and two opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. Ozawa’s demand was simply unrealistic and unreasonable.
　小沢氏は、消費増税関連法案の撤回を要求していた。１２９時間に及ぶ国会審議と、自民、公明両党との修正協議の末、やっと衆院通過にこぎつけた法案である。無理難題というほかはない。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and the ruling party’s leadership should expel these rebels instead of accepting their letters of resignation, thereby making a decisive break with the group.
　野田首相と党執行部は離党届を受理するかたちではなく、除名処分を科してきっぱり決別するのが筋である。

There is no doubt that the defections will weaken the Noda administration’s power base in terms of the ruling party’s numerical strength in the Diet.
　「数」のうえで野田政権の基盤が弱まるのは間違いない。

But the development is not necessarily a total loss for the DPJ, of which Ozawa was once president.
　それでも、失うものばかりではない。

The ruling party has been plagued by perennial bickering between the Ozawa group and the anti-Ozawa camp over policies and political approaches. The party has been unable to achieve unity on such key policy issues as upping the consumption tax rate. The DPJ should use its break with the Ozawa group as a first step toward overcoming this obvious weakness.
　政策でも政治手法でも、なにかといえば「小沢ＶＳ．反小沢」の対立できしむ。消費増税のような重要政策で結束できない。そんな民主党の「弱さ」を克服する一歩とするのだ。

Then, the DPJ should seek to use the framework for cooperation with the LDP and New Komeito to enact other important legislation during the extended Diet session. The ruling party needs to seek suprapartisan cooperation wherever possible to push through important policies.
　そのうえで、民自公の３党協力の枠組みを延長国会の懸案処理に活用する。協力すべきは協力し、政治を前に進める。

That’s the only way left for Noda, who has to tackle many policy challenges in the face of a dominant opposition presence in the Upper House.
　「ねじれ国会」のもと、首相に残された道はそれしかない。

At the same time, the DPJ should take this opportunity to stage an all-out effort to improve the political viability of its basic policy proposals. The party’s election manifesto for the 2009 Lower House election, developed under Ozawa’s leadership, was full of hollow promises that were not backed by a realistic financing plan. The party cannot afford to keep hewing to this bankrupt platform.
　同時に、党をあげて基本政策を鍛え直す契機とすべきだ。小沢氏主導でまとめた０９年総選挙のマニフェストは財源の裏づけのない「果たせない公約」だった。これを、このまま掲げ続けるわけにはいかない。

On the other hand, Ozawa has pledged to return to the policy agenda that helped the DPJ come to power through the regime change in 2009. He would claim that his new party can deliver on the promise to raise 16.8 trillion yen (about $210 billion) to finance various policy proposals without raising the consumption tax.
　一方、小沢氏は「政権交代の原点に立ち返る」ことを訴えている。消費増税なしに１６．８兆円の新規財源を生み出すという公約を、自分たちなら実行できる、と言いたいのだろう。

But Ozawa was responsible for implementing the DPJ’s policy pledges during nine months that the administration headed by Yukio Hatoyama was in office. At the time, Ozawa served as the ruling party’s secretary-general.
　だが、鳩山政権の９カ月、小沢氏は幹事長として公約を実行すべき立場にあった。

Yet, we have hardly ever heard Ozawa propound specific proposals for the type of spending cuts that would be needed to produce such a large amount of money.
　なのに、どこにどれだけの財源を生むムダがあるのか、小沢氏の口から具体的な提案をほとんど聞いたことがない。

In a recent Asahi Shimbun poll, only 15 percent of respondents voiced expectations for Ozawa’s new party, while 78 percent said they had no expectations.
　朝日新聞の世論調査では、小沢氏らの新党について「期待する」という人は１５％にとどまった。それに対し「期待しない」という人は７８％に達した。

The poll findings apparently show that the nation’s voting public has become leery of the politician, who has again thrown politics into confusion by brandishing unrealistic policy proposals.
　実行不能の公約を振りかざし、またぞろ政治をかき回す。そんな小沢氏に対する、民意の疑念が読み取れないか。

If the tax bills pass the Diet during the extended session, Noda will come under renewed pressure to dissolve the Lower House for a snap election to seek a fresh public mandate to govern the nation.
　延長国会で関連法案が成立すれば、首相はいずれ衆院の解散・総選挙で国民に信を問うことが迫られよう。

The fragmented DPJ needs to focus on prompt suprapartisan cooperation to push through key policy challenges.
　与野党を超えて懸案処理で協力しつつ、社会保障や原発をはじめ基本政策の方向性と、たしかな財源の裏付けがある現実的な公約づくりで競い合う。

On the other hand, the parties should vie for voter support by making clear their positions on such basic issues as social security and nuclear power generation and developing realistic platforms backed by solid financing plans.
　民主党の分裂を機に、各党はそうした作業を急ぐべきだ。

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 1
EDITORIAL: More stringent labels on fish products needed
福島の漁再開―一歩ずつ、元の姿に

Fishermen in Fukushima Prefecture recently went back to their livelihoods for the first time since the nuclear disaster last year. For the past 15 months, they had voluntary suspended their operations.
Their catches were sold at retail stores within the prefecture on a trial basis.
　原発事故で自粛が続いていた福島県沖の漁が１年３カ月ぶりに再開され、県内の小売店で試験的に売られ始めた。

We sincerely hope they get back on their feet soon. Putting their offerings through thorough radiation tests will be a sure way to win back customers still leery of sea produce following the reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant.
　検査を徹底し、消費者の理解を得つつ、事故前の生活を取り戻していってほしい。

Two kinds of octopus, as well as shellfish, were selected for the initial shipments. No detectable amounts of radioactive cesium were found in these species in regular testing done after the disaster.
　販売されたのは、事故後の定期的な検査で放射性セシウムが不検出となっているタコと貝の３種類。

After being tested for radiation beforehand, the octopus and shellfish were boiled and put on sale. Sales were fairly brisk.
出荷時の検査を経て、ゆでた商品が並び、売れ行きはまずまずという。

Fishermen in Fukushima Prefecture plan to start test sales outside the prefecture to gauge overall consumer reaction.
消費者の反応を見ながら、県外でも販売を試みる計画だ。

Fishermen who are still idle are receiving compensation from Tokyo Electric Power Co., the operator of the crippled nuclear power plant.
　漁を自粛している漁業者には東京電力から賠償金が支払われている。

Stable livelihoods are vital for rebuilding the ravaged local communities.
とはいえ、地域社会を再興していくには、安定した生業が欠かせない。

The government’s new food safety standards on radioactive cesium levels, introduced in April, set the limit at 100 becquerels per kilogram for common food items. The new ceiling is five times stricter than the previous, provisional limit.
　食品の放射能汚染では「１キロあたり１００ベクレル以下」という基準がある。今春から、以前の暫定基準より５倍厳しくなった。

However, the prefectural fishing cooperative has adopted its own limit of 50 becquerels.
県漁連は「５０ベクレル以下」の独自基準を設けている。

Naturally, people have different levels of anxiety about radioactive contamination. There are many who feel they may still be at risk if they eat food containing radioactive materials even if the levels of contamination are below the safety limit.
　ただ、放射能汚染への不安感には個人差があり、基準を満たしていても安心できないという人が少なくない。

Only small samples from large catches of seafood can be tested for radiation. Unlike agricultural or livestock products, marine produce generally cannot be strictly linked to specific areas since fish swim far and wide.
一度に大量に水揚げする魚介類はサンプリング検査にならざるをえない。農産物や畜産類と違って広い海を泳ぎ回る問題もある。

To reassure consumers about the safety of seafood caught off Fukushima Prefecture, local fishermen need to adhere to some simple common-sense steps. They must make sure that careful radiation tests are carried out before shipment and fully disclose information about both the test methods and results.
　出荷時の検査をきめ細かく行い、検査の方法と結果を合わせて公表する。

It is also crucial to sell seafood that has been found to contain no detectable levels of radioactivity or marine produce meeting the safety standards.
不検出の魚種をはじめ、基準を満たす魚だけを出荷する。この基本作業を続けていくしかない。

As for shipments out of the prefecture, wholesalers may be unwilling to buy seafood caught off Fukushima Prefecture because of concerns about sales.
　県外への出荷では、卸業者が売れ行きを心配して買い付けを控えることも予想される。

Direct sales to consumers should also be considered as many people are keen to support disaster-hit areas by buying food products from the areas, so long as they know they are safe.
消費者に直売するルートも検討してはどうか。「安全なら、買って被災地を助けたい」と考える人は多いはずだ。

In Pacific waters off Fukushima Prefecture and in Tokyo Bay, TEPCO and the central and local governments are doing radiation tests on samples of seawater, mud from the seabed, fish and living things they eat.
　福島県沖などの太平洋と東京湾では、東電や国、自治体が海水と海底の土、魚やそのえさとなる生物の検査を続けている。

Amounts of radioactive cesium have fallen significantly or to undetectable levels in many kinds of fish that swim near the surface or in the middle depths of the sea. This includes most migratory species of fish, along with squid and octopus, according to the Fisheries Agency.
　水産庁の分析では、海面近くや海中の中層を泳ぐ魚の多くと回遊性の魚、イカやタコ類などではセシウムが減っていたり、不検出になったりしている。

In contrast, fish that live near the seabed are often found to contain levels of radiation above the safety threshold. This seems to be explained by the fact that cesium tends to be absorbed in mud on the sea floor.
　一方、海底近くにいる底魚類では基準を超える例が目立つ。セシウムが海底の泥に吸着するためとみられる。

Radiation tests of samples of seawater and seabed mud should be carried out more frequently and at more locations for further analysis.
海水や海底土の検査も地点と回数を増やし、分析を深めてもらいたい。

Place-of-origin labels of fish usually show the prefectures where the landing ports are located. But this can be a disadvantage because it does not make clear where the fish was actually caught.
　魚の産地表示では水揚げ港の都道府県を示すことが多いが、どこでとったのかわからないのが難点だ。

A growing number of labels on seafood products caught in Pacific waters off eastern Japan, including Fukushima Prefecture, show the name of the prefecture or one of the seven sea areas into which the region has been divided. This new labeling system is being promoted by the Fisheries Agency.
　福島県沖を含む東日本太平洋の水産物では、水産庁の指導で、「○○県沖」や、七つに分けた海域での表示が広がりつつある。

Further efforts should be made to provide consumers with more accurate and detailed information about seafood products from the region.
消費者への丁寧な情報提供に、さらに工夫してほしい。

--The Asahi Shimbun, June 29
EDITORIAL: Freedom of expression must be protected
慰安婦写真展―表現できる社会を守る

On the question of Nikon Corp.’s decision to cancel a photo exhibition featuring “comfort women” who were forced to provide sex to Japanese soldiers before and during World War II, the Tokyo District Court issued an injunction requiring the company to provide the venue in line with the contract with a photographer.
　元従軍慰安婦をテーマにした写真展を、ニコンが一方的に中止すると決めた問題で、東京地裁は「ニコンは契約に基づき、会場を貸さなければならない」という仮処分決定を出した。

Although Nikon filed an appeal, the photo exhibition opened on June 26 as scheduled.
同社は異議を申し立てたが、写真展は予定どおり始まった。

We find Nikon’s actions all the more regrettable because the company has a strong social impact.
　社会的影響力のある企業だけに残念でならない。

Could it be that Nikon lost its cool in the face of loud protests against the event and missed something important?
大きな声にあわてて、大切なものを見失ってしまったのか。

During court proceedings, Nikon argued that it could not provide the venue, whose purpose is to advance photographic culture, for an event that has political implications.
　裁判でニコン側は「写真文化の向上を目的とする会場を、政治性のある催しに貸せない」と主張した。

In response, the court stated that depending on themes, photographic culture may not be completely free from politics.
The court concluded that the exhibition in question does not run counter to the “purpose” advocated by Nikon.
これに対し地裁は、扱うテーマによっては一定の政治性を帯びるのが写真文化だと述べ、今回の企画はニコンが唱える「目的」に反するものとはいえないと結論づけた。

The ruling showed the court’s clear-cut stance to protect freedom of expression.
　表現活動を理解し、その自由を守る姿勢をはっきり示した判断といえる。

Comments blasting the comfort women exhibition as “treason” swirled around the Internet after the announcement of the planned event. Nikon has received complaints, as well. The development apparently led to its decision to call off the show despite its earlier approval.
　今回の写真展をめぐっては、ネット上に「売国行為」といった批判が飛びかい、ニコンにも抗議が寄せられたという。こうした動きが中止の判断につながったのは想像に難くない。

It is understandable that a business wants to avert trouble.
　もめごとを避けたい気持ちはわかる。

But abruptly depriving a photographer of a venue to exhibit his works is too rash.
だが、いきなり公表の場を奪うのは乱暴にすぎる。

Nikon lenses have captured various controversies around the world, including war and pollution, and recorded many images of joy and grief.
　ニコンのレンズは戦争や公害など世界の矛盾を切り取り、多くの喜びと悲しみを記録してきた。

The company has also been highly commended for making social contributions, including its program to support photographers.
写真家への支援などの社会貢献でも高い評価を得ている。

It is a pity that its reputation has been damaged by an issue concerning none other than freedom of expression.
そんなイメージを、ほかでもない表現の自由をめぐる問題で傷つけてしまうとは。

If threats are expected, the company should seek police cooperation to ensure safety.
　混乱が心配されるのなら、警察に協力を求めて万全を期す。

Still, in light of objective facts, if a serious situation is likely, only then should the company consider cancelling the show.
それでも、客観的な事実に照らして、重大な事態が具体的に予測されるときに初めて中止などを検討する――。

Nikon should have taken appropriate measures based on past court rulings over similar cases.
今回と似たようなケースをめぐって裁判所が重ねてきた判断を踏まえ、適切な対応をとるべきだった。

Thanks to the security of freedom of expression and speech, including the exhibition of photos, people can freely exchange ideas, gain support and have an opportunity to realize their own mistakes.
　写真の発表をふくむ表現・言論の自由が保障されているからこそ、人々は考えを互いに交換し、賛同者を増やしたり、逆に自分の誤りに気づくきっかけを得たりする。

It is upon such ground that democracy is built.
その土壌のうえに民主主義は成立する。

However, attacks against people with different ideas have become increasingly common, including those on the Internet.
　ところが最近は、ネット空間の言論をはじめとして、異なる考えを認めず、過激な批判を浴びせ、萎縮させる動きがさかんだ。

We also recognize the emerging trend among people to think it is safer not to put up resistance but to swim with the tide.
抗せず、なびいた方が無難という風潮も見え隠れする。

Which way is such an oppressive society headed? We need to remember the lessons of history.
そうして息苦しくなった世の中はどこへゆくのか。歴史の教訓に思いをいたすべきだ。

An intolerant society is fragile and weak.
　ひと色に塗りこめられた社会は、もろく弱い。

What should each of us do to prevent Japan from becoming such a country?
この国をそうさせないために、一人ひとりがそれぞれの現場で何をなすべきか。

We must always think and use our wisdom.
常に考え、知恵を働かさねばならない。