May 12, 2013(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Waiting on benefits from 'Abenomics' can bring stress
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:「待ち疲れ」ならぬように　／東京

Major tour companies announced before this past "Golden Week" holiday period that the number of Japanese expected to travel during the period was a record high. Experts said this is because the economic mood in Japan has been recovering thanks to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policies, known as "Abenomics." I think the point here is that Japan's economy, or people's incomes, aren't actually improving, but rather their "mood" about the economy is gaining a lift.
　旅行会社が大型連休前に発表したところでは、この休みの期間中の旅行者は過去最高なのだとか。理由は「安倍政権の経済政策『アベノミクス』で景況感が改善しているから」と分析されていた。ここでポイントになるのは、実際に景気が良くなり現実にお金がたくさんあるのではなく、あくまで景気の状態に対する印象の「景況感」が改善しているだけ、ということだろう。

Meanwhile, weekly magazines are saying only some people are becoming richer under the Abenomics scheme and the economic bubble will burst before most people can benefit from it. They warn that people's lives may become even more difficult. If that is true, we can't be too optimistic that our salaries will increase just because stock prices are on the rise.
　一方、週刊誌のコラムなどには、「もうかるのは一部のお金持ちだけ。大半の人たちは恩恵を受ける前にバブルがはじけ、生活がより苦しくなる危険も」とも。もしそうなら、「株価が上がったから、そのうち私の給料も上がるはず」などと浮かれてもいられない。

So far I haven't heard any of my patients claiming they are making a fortune because of Abenomics. Instead, I am hearing the usual negative stories such as "I can't make ends meet with my pay from my part-time job," "I was laid off" and "I have to let go of my house because I can't pay the mortgage."
　診察室で会う人からは、まだ「アベノミクスで大もうけです」といった言葉は聞こえてこない。相変わらず「このバイト代では生活できない」「パートの仕事を打ち切られた」「ローンが払えないので家を手放す」など“景気の悪い話”ばかりだ。

Although the media is reporting that large firms are making profits, I suspect most of us are just waiting, half excited and half worried, to see how Abenomics will affect our lives.
誰もが「大手企業の業績が好転」というニュースを横目に「その効果は私まで回ってくるのか」と期待半分、不安半分で待っているというところだろう。

Of course, it's better than not having any hope at all, but there is a limit to "just waiting." There was an old Japanese song that portrayed a mother waiting for her son to come home from a battle field for 10 years. However, that is a rare case. For how long in general do we have to wait? Just waiting alone can cause stress. It can cause even greater stress when there is a possibility of not receiving any benefits from Abenomics.
　もちろん、不安一色よりはいいのかもしれないが、それでも「ただ待つ」のには限界がある。歌謡曲「岸壁の母」の母親は、戦地から帰らぬ息子を待ち続け１０年間、港に通い続けるという設定だが、これは特殊なケースだろう。一般的にどれくらい待てばよいのか。期間も示されずにただ待つということ自体、私たちには大きなストレスになる。しかも、待ったあげく「あなたへの恩恵はありませんでした」と、外れる場合もあるとなれば、ストレスはさらに倍増。

Those who are waiting with hope of getting a raise in their pay at their part-time job, just like stock prices, will be disappointed when they realize that their lives are not getting any easier. Then they may gradually become psychologically unstable due to stress caused by waiting. By the time they give up on waiting, many in society may have fallen into a crisis.
　「株価がどんどん上がっている。私は株を持っていないが、今にきっとバイト代も上がるはず」と、楽しみに待っている人も「あれ？　まだ生活が苦しいままだぞ」と疑問を抱くようになり、「いつまで待てばいいのか」と、次第に待つストレスから気持ちが不安定になっていく。そのうち、「待ってもダメみたい」とあきらめが生じる頃には社会全体がパニックになるかもしれない。

Because people's expectations of Abenomics have been growing, I think it is time for the government to indicate just how long people will have to wait until their salaries and lives will improve and tell them what they should work on until then. I don't want to see people lining up at my clinic because they got depressed waiting.
　アベノミクスへの期待が膨らむ一方の今だからこそ、政権には一般の人たちにも、「いつ頃まで待てば給料や生活にこういう改善があります。それまでにこんな努力をしてくださいね」というロードマップを示してほしいと思う。そのうち診察室に「待ち疲れうつ」の人があふれることだけは避けたいものだ。

(Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞　2013年05月06日　地方版

The Yomiuri Shimbun May 13, 2013
Despite strong FY12 results, firms should seek new business strategy
企業決算　好調自動車と苦境電機の明暗（5月12日付・読売社説）

The weaker yen and other economic factors have helped many Japanese companies achieve solid financial results. Now, their ability to implement aggressive strategies that can enhance their core businesses and promote growth stands to be tested.
　円安などを追い風に、好業績の企業が相次いでいる。経営体質をいかに強化し、成長に弾みを付けるか。各社の攻めの戦略が問われよう。

Many companies listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange recently announced their consolidated settlements of accounts for fiscal 2012, and their average earnings are projected to grow for the first time in two fiscal years. It is also notable that several firms project a large or record increase in profits in fiscal 2013, which ends next March.
　東証１部上場企業の２０１３年３月期連結決算の発表がピークを迎えた。企業平均では、２期ぶりの増益となる見通しだ。１４年３月期に大幅な増益や最高益を予想する企業も目立つ。

Many of those companies have overcome challenges such as damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 and massive floods in Thailand that inundated their factories the same year. Correction of the yen's excessive appreciation due to Abenomics, the economic policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government, and other measures have had tremendous effects on the improved earnings. Personal consumption has also embarked on a gradual path toward recovery.
　多くの企業が、東日本大震災やタイ洪水といった試練を克服した。安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」などで、超円高が是正された効果は大きい。個人消費の回復傾向もでてきた。

We commend these improvements in the business environment that have led to increased profitability.
　経営環境の好転で、収益改善が進んだことを歓迎したい。

Automakers leading recovery

A prime example of the economic upswing is the auto industry.
　その代表が自動車業界だ。

Toyota Motor Corp. reported its operating profit in fiscal 2012 reached 1.3 trillion yen, 3.7 times higher than the previous fiscal year and exceeding 1 trillion yen for the first time in five fiscal years. The automaker projects an increase to 1.8 trillion yen in operating profit this fiscal year, approaching the peak recorded before the so-called Lehman shock in 2008.
　トヨタ自動車は１３年３月期の営業利益が前期比３・７倍の１・３兆円となり、５期ぶりに１兆円を超えた。今期は１・８兆円に増える見込みで、２００８年のリーマン・ショック前に記録した最高益に迫る勢いである。

Toyota President Akio Toyoda has said his company is standing at the starting line to realize sustainable growth. His remarks suggest the firm believes recovery is nigh due to an increase in exports.
　「持続的成長のスタートラインに立てた」という豊田章男社長の発言からは、輸出をテコにした復活への手応えがうかがえる。

Meanwhile, Nissan Motor Co. said its annual profit came in nearly flat due to floundering sales in the Chinese market resulting from the deterioration of Japan-China relations. However, other automakers such as Honda Motor Co. and Suzuki Motor Corp. reported rosier results. The companies' improved performance is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the broader Japanese economy because the auto industry relies on various supporting industries such as parts manufacturers.
　日産自動車は、日中関係の悪化で中国市場が低迷して伸び悩んだが、ホンダ、スズキなども好業績だった。部品など自動車産業の裾野は広く、日本経済全体に及ぼす好影響が期待できる。

Increased domestic demand is reflected in the results of major department store operator Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. The firm marked a record operating profit due to brisk sales of luxury goods on the back of high stock prices, which stimulated consumption. Many housing construction firms have also achieved solid results, apparently benefitting from a rush of demand before the consumption tax increase takes effect next year.
　内需関連では、株高による資産効果で高額品販売が好調だった三越伊勢丹が、営業利益の過去最高を更新した。住宅も好業績が多かった。消費税増税を控えた駆け込み需要に支えられたのだろう。

On the other hand, the electric appliance industry has fallen on hard times, failing to reap any benefits from the weaker yen.
　対照的に、円安などの波に乗れず、依然として苦境に立たされているのが電機業界である。

For instance, Panasonic Corp. said its after-tax loss exceeded 700 billion yen for the second consecutive year. Sony Corp. is back in the black for the first time in five fiscal years. However, it was only able to return to profitability thanks to restructuring measures such as the sale of some of its buildings, and has failed to pull its TV and other divisions out of the doldrums.
　パナソニックは２期連続で税引き後利益が７０００億円台の赤字に陥った。ソニーは５期ぶりに黒字に転じたが、自社ビル売却などリストラ頼みで、テレビ事業などの不振から抜け出せない。

Toshiba Corp. reported a decline in operating profit because the weakened yen negatively impacted earnings on its liquid crystal display televisions imported to Japan from the firm's factories abroad.
　東芝は、円安で逆に、海外工場から輸入する液晶テレビなどが打撃を受けて営業減益だった。

Firms project turnaround

These companies project their businesses will recover this fiscal year, but competition with foreign rivals such as South Korean firms remains intense.
　各社とも今期の業績回復を見込むが、韓国企業などとの競争は激しい。

The Japanese players have to recoup lost ground by focusing on strategic, profitable products and rethinking their selection of and concentration on core businesses. They should aim to accelerate efforts to gain market share in emerging economies and other nations.
事業の「選択と集中」を練り直し、収益を稼ぐ戦略商品で巻き返す必要がある。新興国などの市場取り込みを加速すべきだ。

The Japanese economy has only halfway recovered thus far; the government's role in supporting private companies is still important. Effective growth-strategy measures are essential, such as a reduction of corporate tax rates and relaxation of regulations. Cooperation must also be enhanced between the government and the private sector to boost infrastructure exports.
　経済再生は道半ばで、企業を後押しする政府の役割は重要である。法人税率引き下げや、規制緩和などの効果的な成長戦略が不可欠だ。インフラ輸出での官民連携を強化しなければならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 12, 2013)
（2013年5月12日01時28分  読売新聞）

巷では、小学生から社会人、はたまた高齢者たちの間でも人気のiPhoneですが、お値段はそれなりに高価ですね。できれば、丈夫な素材で出来たiPhoneケースで保護してやりたいものです。
サイトでiPhoneケースを探していたら、簡単にみつかりました。

これは凄い！
航空機産業で使用される高品質素材、軽くて強いアルミ-マグネシウム合金を贅沢に削りだし加工したiPhoneケースなんです。
iPhone4/4Sアルミケース および iPhone5アルミケース は電波の干渉を抑える特殊設計となっていますので、iPhoneケースによる電波干渉もありません。

デザインは、有名ゲーム機「Xbox360」のデザインにも携わった有名デザイナーによるデザインです。iPhoneケースとiPadケースとがあります。

大切なあなたのiPhone、アルミケースで守ってやりませんか。

The Yomiuri Shimbun May 12, 2013
Govt should revive economy quickly on back of yen's persistent weakness
１ドル＝１００円台　円安テコに経済再生を急げ（5月11日付・読売社説）

The yen, which had been on the verge of passing the 100 yen mark to the U.S. dollar for a while, broke the key threshold for the first time in about four years this week. The Japanese currency has also weakened against the euro, drifting around 130 yen.
　１ドル＝１００円の直前で一進一退の攻防が続いていた円相場が、約４年ぶりに１００円台に下落した。対ユーロでも約１３０円の円安・ユーロ高水準で推移している。

Correcting an excessively strong yen will provide a boost to ending the nation's persistent deflation. The government and the Bank of Japan must speed up work to revive the economy by taking up this opportunity.
　超円高の是正は、デフレからの脱却に追い風となる。好機を生かし、政府と日銀は経済再生を急がなければならない。

The yen's surpassing of the 100 yen line was triggered by dollar-purchasing and yen-selling mainly on upbeat U.S. jobs data and growing expectations of a U.S. economic recovery.
　米国の雇用指標が改善し、米景気の回復期待で、ドル買い・円売りが強まったことが、１００円突破の直接の引き金となった。

On the back of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Abenomics economic measures and bold monetary easing steps taken under central bank Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda, the exchange rate, which was about 80 yen to the dollar six months ago, has weakened significantly.
　安倍首相の経済政策「アベノミクス」と、黒田東彦日銀総裁の大胆な金融緩和が奏功し、半年前に８０円前後だった円相場は、大きく円安に振れていた。

In favorable response to the yen's weakness, the Nikkei Stock Average recovered to the 14,000 yen mark for the first time in about five years this week. Also, on the New York Stock Exchange, the Dow Jones industrial average soared above 15,000 for the first time. It is encouraging that rapidly rising stock prices in Japan and the United States have provided brisk news for the economy.
　円安を好感し、東京市場の平均株価は約５年ぶりに１万４０００円台を回復した。ニューヨーク市場の株価も、初めて１万５０００ドル台に上昇した。日米の株価急騰で、経済に明るさが広がってきたのは心強い。

Recovery with a virtuous cycle

Propelled by the yen's depreciation, Japanese exporters, such as automakers, have seen a boost in their international competitiveness, as well as increased profits.
　円安をテコに、自動車など日本の輸出企業は国際競争力が向上し、収益が拡大している。

If growing demand overseas leads them to increase production and capital investment, the benefits could spill over to the domestic economy, as employment and consumption are likely to improve. We have high hopes of a solid economic recovery with such a virtuous cycle.
　外需主導で生産や設備投資が活発化すれば、雇用は改善し、消費など内需にも恩恵が波及しよう。こうした好循環による、本格的な景気回復に期待したい。

However, caution is called for regarding possible side effects of the yen's continuing weakness. One potential concern is criticism from other countries of the yen's independent slide.
　ただし、円安がさらに加速した場合は、副作用への注意も怠れない。まず、円の独歩安に対する海外の批判が懸念される。

In an April meeting of Group of 20 major economies' finance ministers and central bank governors, Japan gained a measure of understanding for its explanation that the Bank of Japan's aggressive monetary easing has not been aimed at manipulating its currency downward but tackling prolonged deflation.
　４月の主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議で、日銀の大胆な金融緩和はデフレ脱却が目的で円安誘導ではないとの説明に、一定の理解は得られた。

Japan also needs to further clarify its policy to fight deflation at a meeting of the Group of Seven nations' finance chiefs and central bank governors, which started Friday in Britain.
　英国で１０日に始まった先進７か国（Ｇ７）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議でも、デフレ克服に向けた日本の政策運営について、丁寧に説明する必要がある。

But it is also important that in the meeting, the G-7 countries will reconfirm the view that excessive exchange rate fluctuations are undesirable.
　Ｇ７各国が、過度な為替変動は望ましくないとの認識を再確認することも重要だ。

Side effects of yen's weakness

The yen's rapid descent is expected to result in price increases for imported materials and products, weighing on profits of companies that rely on imports. Such companies cannot help but raise prices of their products and services if they find it difficult to cover rising costs with cost-cutting efforts.
　急激な円安は、輸入原料や製品の価格を上昇させ、輸入品に頼る企業の利益を圧迫する。企業努力で吸収できない分は、値上げせざるを得ない。

Prices of flour, cooking oil and other imported items have already been on the rise. With costs of imported fuel for thermal power production soaring, utilities have also announced a series of electricity rate hikes, hitting both businesses and households.
　実際に小麦粉や食用油などの値上げが相次いでいる。火力発電向けの輸入燃料も高騰し、電力各社は電気料金を次々に値上げしている。企業にも家計にも痛手だ。

Price increases caused by rising costs are likely to have a negative impact on companies' performances. As a result, wages would not go up. Such side effects could create a drag on the government's envisaged growth strategy. By taking advantage of the yen's weakness, we urge the government to boost demand and eventually achieve sustainable growth.
　コスト高が原因の物価上昇だけでは企業業績は低迷し、賃金も増えない。かえって成長戦略の足かせとなろう。円安を生かして需要を拡大し、持続的な成長を実現することが求められる。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 11, 2013)
（2013年5月11日01時20分  読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun May 12, 2013
Japan should use TPP, RCEP talks to improve its global trade position
アジアＦＴＡ　ＴＰＰと両輪で交渉力発揮を（5月11日付・読売社説）

In addition to the ongoing U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership talks, negotiations for the formation of a huge new free trade framework in Asia have also got moving.
　米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉に続き、アジアで別の巨大な自由貿易圏作りが動き出した。

To pursue national interests, Japan must bolster a strategy to promote the two sets of negotiations simultaneously.
　日本は国益を追求するため、二つの交渉を同時に推進する戦略を強化すべきである。

The first meeting of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), consisting of 16 countries, began Thursday in Brunei. The 16 members are Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India, plus the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
　日中韓と、東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）、豪州、ニュージーランド、インドの１６か国による包括的経済連携（ＲＣＥＰ）の初交渉がブルネイで始まった。

The RCEP would be a free trade framework covering almost all of Asia. Its members' gross domestic products total 20 trillion dollars, accounting for 30 percent of the world's total.
　ＲＣＥＰは、アジアのほぼ全域をカバーする自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）である。国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は計２０兆ドルに達し、世界全体の３割を占める経済圏だ。

The 16 nations will hold negotiations on a wide field of issues, including lowering tariffs and reducing investment barriers, as they try to reach agreement by the end of 2015. It is very significant to establish an Asian free trade agreement involving China and India.
　１６か国は、関税引き下げや投資障壁の削減など幅広い分野で交渉し、２０１５年末の妥結を目指している。中国とインドを含めたアジアＦＴＡの意義は大きい。

U.S.-China rivalry

China, which is not taking part in the TPP talks, has a strong sense of crisis over the idea that it will be left out in the cold in forming trade rules in Asia. China's active participation in the RCEP framework indicates its intention to compete with the United States.
　ＴＰＰに不参加の中国は、アジアの貿易ルール作りから取り残されることへの危機感が強い。ＲＣＥＰに積極的に関わり、米国に対抗する狙いがうかがえる。

Compared with the TPP, which will call for abolishing tariffs in 10 years in principle, the RCEP seeks a milder level of liberalization.
　原則として１０年間で関税を撤廃するＴＰＰに比べ、ＲＣＥＰで求められる自由化の水準は低い。

Nevertheless, once the RCEP framework is formed, it will make it easier for Japan to arrange a supply chain to link production bases in Asia. It will also help expand Japan's exports, thereby giving momentum to the country's growth strategy of tapping into overseas demand.
　とは言え、構想が実現すれば、日本企業がアジアの生産拠点をつなぐサプライチェーン（供給網）を整えやすくなる。輸出拡大にもプラスで、海外需要を取り込む日本の成長戦略に弾みがつく。

On the issue of lowering tariffs, Japan aims to reach an accord next year, one year earlier than scheduled. We hope Japan will exercise leadership to establish a free trade zone that will have a deeper degree of cooperation.
　日本は関税引き下げでは、来年の前倒し合意も目指す構えだ。日本が主導し、より連携を深める自由貿易圏の実現を望みたい。

The RCEP talks are expected to favorably affect the TPP negotiations, which are entering a final stage.
　大詰めを迎えるＴＰＰ交渉に与える好影響も期待される。

The United States and 10 other countries are holding talks with the aim of reaching an agreement before the end of this year. Japan is likely to take its place at the negotiating table around July. Undeniably, Japan as a latecomer is in a disadvantageous position.
　米国など１１か国はＴＰＰの年内合意を目指して交渉中で、日本も７月ごろに交渉のテーブルに着く見通しだ。ただし、遅れて参加する日本の不利は否めない。

Tough negotiations lie ahead for Japan, which wants to have five agricultural products, including rice and wheat, exempted from tariff abolition.
　コメ、麦など農産品５項目を関税撤廃の例外扱いにしたい日本には厳しい交渉が予想される。

Advantages of entry in 2 talks

We want Japan to take advantage of its position as a participant in both the RCEP, from which the United States is absent, and the TPP, from which China is absent.
　米国が加わらないＲＣＥＰと、中国抜きのＴＰＰに加わる日本の立場を生かしてもらいたい。

It is essential for Japan to promote TPP and RCEP negotiations for its own advantage by winning concession from the United States, which is cautious about Chinese moves, while also calling for China to open its market wider by using the TPP as leverage.
　中国の動きを警戒する米国の譲歩を引き出したり、ＴＰＰをテコに中国の市場開放を求めたりするなど、交渉を日本ペースで進めることが重要である。

Japan must make all-out efforts to have its opinions reflected in the formulation of rules.
　日本の主張を反映させたルール作りに全力を挙げるべきだ。

RCEP and the TPP will serve as the initial framework of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific which Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation members, including Japan, China and the United States, seek to establish.
　ＲＣＥＰとＴＰＰは、日中や米国などアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）が目指すアジア太平洋自由貿易地域（ＦＴＡＡＰ）の母体になるだろう。

Japan must display its bargaining power in both sets of trade negotiations to open up the vision for a future strategy.
　日本が今、交渉力を発揮することが将来の戦略にもつながる。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 11, 2013)
（2013年5月11日01時20分  読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun May 11, 2013
Claim in Chinese newspaper over Okinawa sovereignty megalomaniac
沖縄の「領有権」　中国の主張は誇大妄想気味だ（5月10日付・読売社説）

The People's Daily recently carried a shocking article that makes us feel China's expansionism has gone too far.
　中国の膨張主義もここまで来たかとあきれ返る言いがかりである。

The article, carried in the Wednesday edition, was based on a paper written by two researchers that suggests China has sovereignty over the prefecture, claiming the matter remains unsettled.
　８日付「人民日報」が沖縄県の帰属について、「未解決」とし、中国に領有権があると示唆する研究者の論文を掲載した。

We question the motive for carrying such a megalomaniac argument in the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, which reflects the stance of the Chinese government led by Xi Jinping.
　こんな誇大妄想的な暴論を、習近平政権の意向を忠実に反映する中国共産党機関紙が掲載した意図を怪しまざるを得ない。

The paper contends that "Taiwan, its integrated islands [including the Senkakus], Penghu Island, and the Ryukyu Islands [Okinawa] were taken by Japan when the Shimonoseki Treaty was concluded in 1895 following the end of the Sino-Japanese War....the time has come to discuss the Ryukyu issue again, which remains unsettled."
　論文は、日清戦争後の１８９５年の下関条約調印の際、「台湾と（尖閣諸島を含む）付属諸島、澎湖諸島、琉球（沖縄）が日本に奪われた」と指摘した上で、「歴史的に未解決の琉球問題を再び議論できる時が来た」と主張した。

Govt refutes dubious claim

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga countered the argument by saying: "Okinawa is irrefutably a Japanese territory from a historical and international perspective. Japan won't tolerate such a claim if it represents the Chinese government's position." It is understandable that he lodged such a strong protest with the Chinese side.
　菅官房長官が、「沖縄は歴史的にも国際的にも我が国の領土であることは紛れもないことだ」と述べ、論文が「中国政府の立場であるならば、断固として受け入れられない」と、中国側に厳重に抗議したのは当然である。

Declarations of China's sovereignty over Okinawa have surfaced in past slogans at anti-Japan protests and in academic papers. But the Chinese government itself has never claimed sovereignty over the prefecture or taken concrete actions. This is probably because even Beijing recognizes the claim is groundless.
　沖縄への「領有権」主張は中国で反日デモのスローガンや一部学者の論文には登場していた。だが中国政府が領有権を主張したり、具体的な行動を起こしたりしたことはない。さすがに根拠がないことを認識しているからだろう。

Referring to the paper during a news conference, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman did not directly state the government's stance on the sovereignty issue, only saying, "It's an issue that has attracted the attention of academia for a long time."
　中国外務省の報道官は記者会見で論文に言及し、「学術界が長期間注目してきた問題だ」としただけで、領有権に触れなかった。

Provocation cannot be ignored

Beijing reportedly told Tokyo the article was "written by researchers in a private capacity."
　中国政府は日本政府に対し、「研究者が個人の資格で執筆したもの」と説明したという。

Nevertheless, the article's contention cannot be taken lightly.
　だが、今回の人民日報の論文を軽視するわけにはいかない。

This is particularly true because it was also the People's Daily that first referred to the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture as one of China's "core interests" in January last year. This term is used to define issues of national interest such as state sovereignty and territorial integrity, over which China has vowed not to make any concessions.
　沖縄県・尖閣諸島を、国家主権や領土保全など絶対に譲歩できない国益を指す「核心的利益」の対象に初めて位置づけたのが昨年１月の人民日報だったからだ。

The Chinese government had avoided using the phrase until the same Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman used it to officially refer to the Senkakus in April.
　その後、中国政府はこの言葉の使用を避けていたが、今年４月には、外務省報道官が公式に明言する事態となった。

The latest article comes less than two weeks after her remark. This could stem from Beijing's desire to pressure and upset the Abe administration, which has stood firm on Japan's claim to the Senkaku Islands.
　それから２週間足らずで今回の論文を掲載した背景には、尖閣諸島をめぐって対立する安倍政権に圧力をかけて揺さぶろうとする習政権の狙いがあろう。

In an attempt to shatter Japan's effective control of the islands, the Xi administration has been increasingly confrontational by repeatedly sending Chinese surveillance ships into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkakus.
　習政権は最近、日本の尖閣諸島に対する実効支配を切り崩そうと、尖閣周辺の領海に監視船を侵入させる示威活動を一段とエスカレートさせている。

It is necessary to maintain heightened awareness should China attempt to implement a propaganda campaign claiming sovereignty over both the Senkakus and the rest of Okinawa Prefecture in addition to its defiant maritime actions.
　中国が示威活動と並行して、尖閣と沖縄を組み合わせた独自の主張を展開する宣伝戦に出てくることを警戒する必要がある。

Tokyo must convey the extreme malfeasance of China's territorial claims to the international community.
　日本政府は中国の主張がいかに不当であるかを、国際社会で積極的に訴えていかねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 10, 2013)
（2013年5月10日01時39分  読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun May 10, 2013
Demanding dismissal of Kawaguchi over China trip is going too far
川口氏訪中　委員長の「解任」は行き過ぎだ（5月9日付・読売社説）

Is this a matter really worth demanding the dismissal of the chairwoman of a House of Councillors standing committee? We doubt the appropriateness of this abrupt demand.
　いきなり参院常任委員長の解任を求めるほどのことなのか。

On Wednesday, the Democratic Party of Japan and six other opposition parties jointly submitted to the upper house a resolution demanding the removal of Yoriko Kawaguchi as chairwoman of the chamber's Environment Committee.
　民主党など参院の野党７党は、自民党の川口順子環境委員長の解任決議案を参院に共同提出した。

The opposition parties blamed Kawaguchi, a Liberal Democratic Party member, for extending her trip to China by one day without obtaining approval from opposition parties, resulting in the adjournment of an Environment Committee meeting.
"It's impossible to overlook her act, as it's tantamount to abdicating her duty as chairwoman," the opposition parties said.
　中国への出張を許可なく１日延長した結果、環境委員会が流会となったことを問題視し、「委員長としての職責を自ら放棄したも同然で、断じて容認できない」と指摘している。

The resolution will be put to a vote Thursday, and is likely to be adopted as opposition parties hold a majority in the chamber. If adopted, it will be the first case in Japan's constitutional history of such a resolution being passed against the leader of a standing Diet committee.
　９日の参院本会議で採決され、野党の賛成多数で可決される公算だ。常任委員長に対する解任決議案の可決は憲政史上初となる。

Reason for extension

Initially, Kawaguchi was scheduled to stay in China on April 23 and 24, and the main purpose of the trip was to attend a meeting of former foreign ministers of Asian countries. However, after arriving in China, a meeting with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi, a vice prime minister-level official, was set for April 25. Kawaguchi extended her trip to take the meeting.
　川口氏は、４月２３日から２日間の予定で訪中した。アジア各国の元外相らの会合などに参加するのが目的だったが、渡航後、副首相級の楊潔チ国務委員との会談が２５日に設定された。このため、帰国を１日延ばして会談に臨んだ。

There is an agreement between ruling and opposition parties to ask leaders of Diet standing committees to refrain from going abroad when the Diet is in session. Kawaguchi had to obtain approval from the executive board of the upper house's Rules and Administration Committee for her two-day trip to China.
　参院には、国会開会中、常任委員長などに海外渡航自粛を求める与野党合意がある。２日間の訪中についても、議院運営委員会理事会の事前了承が必要だった。

Despite failing to obtain approval from opposition parties to extend her trip, Kawaguchi decided to stay for the additional day. It is clear she broke a rule. Opposition parties have also questioned the effectiveness of the meeting, saying it was meaningless for her to meet with a key Chinese official, as Kawaguchi is not in charge of diplomatic policy.
　川口氏は、１日延長については野党の了承を得られないまま、強行した。ルール違反であることは確かだ。野党側には、政府の外交責任者でもない川口氏が中国要人と会談して何の役に立つのか、といった批判もある。

However, due to confrontations between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands, exchanges and direct communications between the two nations' key government officials have almost completely stopped. We believe a meeting with Yang, who presides over China's diplomacy under the regime of President Xi Jinping, was meaningful to some degree.
　だが、尖閣諸島をめぐる日中対立により、両国間の要人往来や直接対話はほぼ途絶えている。習近平新体制で外交全般を統括する楊氏との会談には、一定の意義があっただろう。

After apologizing, Kawaguchi said, "I couldn't turn my back on an opportunity that could serve national interests, which include protecting our sovereignty and land."
　川口氏は陳謝した上で、「主権と領土を守る国益に背中を向けられなかった」と釈明している。

We believe opposition parties should have accepted Kawaguchi's apology, instead of adopting the heavy-handed approach of demanding her dismissal. If Kawaguchi had committed a mistake over an important bill, for example, demanding her dismissal would be understandable. This is not the case and the opposition parties have apparently overstepped.
　野党側は解任決議という“強権発動”ではなく、陳謝を受け入れるべきではなかったか。重要法案に関する不手際でもないのに解任とは行き過ぎだろう。

Opposition's motives

Under upper house rules, it is possible to appoint a standing committee member to act as a proxy. It was possible for the Environment Committee to host their meeting on April 25 under a proxy.
　参議院規則では、委員長の代理を立てることが認められている。２５日の委員会は、代理による議事運営も可能だったはずだ。

We assume opposition parties intend to reinforce their confrontational approach against the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ahead of this summer's upper house election. Some DPJ members said they expect this incident to become a foothold toward setting up a common front between opposition parties. However, voters are unlikely to be impressed with the opposition parties' tactics.
　野党側は、夏の参院選に向けて、安倍政権との対決姿勢を強めたいのだろう。民主党には、野党共闘構築の足がかりになるという声もある。だが、こんな国会対応では有権者の共感は得られまい。

In protest of the opposition's resolution, the LDP and New Komeito boycotted an intense deliberation of an upper house Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday. It is unusual for ruling parties to skip budget deliberations--and quite irresponsible as well.
　自民、公明両党は、野党の解任決議案提出に反発し、８日の参院予算委の集中審議を欠席した。予算審議での与党欠席は極めて異例であり、無責任だ。

Instead of focusing on attacking each other's missteps, both ruling and opposition parties should rather focus on competing fairly with their policies.
　与野党は、相手の揚げ足取りばかりでなく、政策論争で正面から勝負すべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 9, 2013)
（2013年5月9日01時28分  読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun May 9, 2013
Enhance Japan's medical care competitiveness to boost growth
医療改革提言　競争力高めて成長の原動力に（5月8日付・読売社説）

　◆最先端技術を早く役立てたい

Japan's medical care is in a precarious situation. It is winning in the technology field, but losing when it comes to business.
　日本の医療は、技術で勝って、ビジネスで負ける深刻な状況だ。

Although the nation has superb technologies, it lags when it comes to the practical use of drugs and medical equipment.
　優れた技術を持ちながら、医薬品や医療機器の実用化で後れをとっている。

These concerns were behind The Yomiuri Shimbun's decision to propose reform plans that would make Japan's medical care more competitive internationally and boost the country's economic growth.
　読売新聞が、医療の国際競争力を高め、日本の成長に弾みをつけるための改革案を提言した背景には、こうした危機感がある。

Fostering the medical care industry is one pillar of a growth strategy that the government will compile in June. We urge the government to map out concrete and effective policies.
　医療関連産業の育成は、政府が６月にまとめる成長戦略の柱の一つだ。具体的かつ実効性のある政策を打ち出してもらいたい。

The core of The Yomiuri Shimbun's five-point proposal is to strengthen medical care as an industry and harness it as an engine for economic growth.
　提言の核心は、医療を産業として強化し、経済成長のエンジンとして活用するところにある。

Excess of imports hits 3 tril. yen
　◆輸入超過は３兆円にも

Japan's rapidly graying population has increased demand for medical and nursing care, and imports of drugs and medical equipment are growing. On the other hand, exports of drugs and medical equipment remain anemic, with imports exceeding exports by about 3 trillion yen in 2011. A colossal amount of Japan's wealth is being sucked overseas. Sitting idly by is not an option.
　急速な高齢化で医療・介護の需要が伸び、医薬品や医療機器の輸入額が増えている。一方で、輸出は振るわず、２０１１年は約３兆円の輸入超過だった。巨額の富が国外に流出している。手をこまねいていてはならない。

As exemplified by Kyoto University Prof. Shinya Yamanaka, who won the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, Japan is a world leader in the field of basic research. However, the country straggles in the application of technology and relies heavily on foreign products.
　山中伸弥・京大教授のｉＰＳ細胞（人工多能性幹細胞）研究がノーベル生理学・医学賞を受賞したように、日本は基礎研究の分野で世界をリードしている。だが、応用では立ち遅れ、外国製品に頼っているのが実情だ。

An episode involving a surgical robot named "da Vinci" epitomizes Japan's current situation.
　「ダビンチ」と呼ばれる手術ロボットを巡るエピソードは、日本の現状を象徴している。

Manufactured in the United States, the computer-controlled da Vinci moves more delicately than a doctor's hands and fingers. By operating the robot instead of directly holding a scalpel, the surgeon can perform more accurate surgery. The da Vinci surgical system is being used in hospitals around the world.
　コンピューター制御のダビンチは米国製で、医師の手や指より繊細な動きをする。外科医はメスの代わりにロボットを操作し、より精密な手術が可能になった。今や世界中の病院で使われている。

But as a matter of fact, a Japanese researcher studying artificial organs made a drawing that looked identical to the da Vinci robot in the 1970s. Unfortunately, the researcher's idea never came into practical use and was forgotten. The drawing was discovered among the researcher's possessions in 2011.
　実は、ダビンチとそっくりな図面を、日本の人工臓器の研究者が１９７０年代に描いていた。残念なことに、実用化されることなく、その構想は埋もれ、一昨年、研究者の遺品から見つかった。

The reason such a valuable and outstanding idea did not get off the drawing board is because various obstacles clog the system for commercializing such devices. These obstacles must be cleared so Japan's medical care industry can grow.
　せっかくの卓越したアイデアが実を結ばないのは、製品化へ制度上の様々な障害があるからだ。それを克服し、日本の医療関連産業を成長させる必要がある。

Cooperation necessary
　◆必要な産学官の連携

The Yomiuri Shimbun proposed excellent research results be used through collaboration between the medical and engineering fields. The government plays an important role in encouraging companies with technological expertise to enter the medical care market and in strengthening cooperation between business and academic circles.
　読売新聞は「医工連携」によって優れた研究成果を生かすよう提言した。技術力を持つ企業に参入を促し、産学連携を強めるため、政府が果たす役割は重要だ。

The time and cost required for clinical trials to ensure the safety of drugs and medical equipment in Japan are far longer and greater than in foreign countries. This saps corporate enthusiasm for developing medical products.
　海外に比べ、日本では医薬品や医療機器の効果、安全性を調べる治験に時間と費用がかかりすぎ、企業の開発意欲をそいでいる。

For example, South Korea has huge hospitals with more than 2,000 beds, allowing each hospital to comfortably secure enough patients for its own clinical trials. Japan, on the other hand, has smaller hospitals, most of which are not equipped to carry out such trials.
　例えば、韓国には２０００床を超える巨大病院があり、治験に参加する患者を１施設だけで容易に確保できる。これに対し、日本の病院は規模が小さく、治験の環境が整った施設はほとんどない。

A cluster of research institutions, hospitals and corporations have been set up in a special zone in Kobe designated by the government to develop advanced drugs and other medical products. However, current regulations restrict the number of beds at each hospital, so it is impossible to construct large hospitals there. It is imperative that the government quickly ease these regulations so a core hospital can be built to conduct clinical trials.
　新薬開発などを目指し、政府が認定した神戸市の「先端医療産業特区」には研究所や病院、企業が集まるが、病床数は制限され、大規模病院を建設できない。政府は規制を緩和し、治験の中核病院を整備することが急務だ。

Safety screening of medical equipment does not require as much data as that of new drugs, which must be backed up by a huge volume of research figures. Despite this, the time required for a medical device to win government approval after being developed is about two years longer than in the United States.
　医療機器の場合、安全性の審査に医薬品ほど膨大なデータを必要としない。それにもかかわらず、開発から承認までの期間が、日本は米国より約２年も長い。

We think it would be worthwhile to let a private institution, rather than regulatory authorities, screen and approve the use of new medical equipment, as is the case in Europe.
　承認審査は、規制当局ではなく、欧州のように民間の認証機関に任せることも検討すべきだ。

The government should expand the scope of tax cuts for investments geared to research and development in this field, paving the way for venture companies to enter the business.
　ベンチャー企業などが参入しやすくなるように、研究開発の投資減税の拡充も求められる。

Also, there must be an institution that directs Japan's medical technology development.
　医療技術開発の司令塔も欠かせない。

A good model for Japan is the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), which orchestrates medical research and development in the United States. We welcome the government's move toward establishing a Japanese version of the NIH.
　米国で医療研究開発を統括している国立衛生研究所（ＮＩＨ）の機能は、大いに参考になるのではないか。政府が「日本版ＮＩＨ」の設立へ動き出したことは評価できよう。

Above all else, Japanese medical researchers will need to change their perspectives for boosting the medical industry.
　医学研究者に何よりも求められるのは、医療の産業化へ向けた発想の転換である。

Japanese universities tend to give more weight to basic medical research. We believe, however, they should give higher appraisal to clinical research results, which are useful to actual treatment.
　日本の大学では、基礎研究を偏重する風潮が根強い。実際の治療に役立つ臨床研究の成果こそ高く評価されてしかるべきだ。

Expand mixed treatment
　◆混合診療を拡充せよ

Under Japan's universal medical insurance system, anybody with a medical insurance card can receive treatment at any institution. The Yomiuri Shimbun's five-point proposal calls for maintaining this system so people can be assured that they can still get medical treatment.
　日本の医療は、保険証があれば、どの医療機関にもかかれる国民皆保険制度だ。国民が安心して医療を受けられるよう、読売新聞の提言では制度の堅持を求めた。

But financial constraints will make it difficult to cover all new medical technology under the medical insurance system. It is necessary to expand the scope of so-called mixed treatment, in which medical tests and drugs are administered--and covered by public insurance--and advanced treatments, which are not covered by insurance, are provided.
　ただ、新しい医療技術をすべて保険で賄うのは、財源の制約から難しい。公的医療保険で認められた検査や投薬とともに、保険が適用されない治療を併用する混合診療を拡充する必要がある。

At present, this mix is allowed for about 100 kinds of treatment designated by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, such as a heavy ion radiotherapy, a form of high-precision radiation therapy.
　現在、混合診療は、高度放射線療法の重粒子線治療など、厚生労働省が指定した約１００種類の治療法にしか認められていない。

The unregulated expansion of allowable mixed treatments must be avoided. But if the procedures involve such state-of-the-art treatment as regenerative medicines that have been confirmed safe, we think they should be approved.
　混合診療の野放図な拡大は避けねばならないが、安全性が確認された再生医療などの先端的医療であれば認めるべきだ。

Building a robust medical industry and maintaining the medical insurance system will certainly serve the best interests of patients.
　強い医療産業を育て、医療保険制度もしっかり守っていく。それが患者の利益につながる。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 8, 2013)
（2013年5月8日01時21分  読売新聞）

payme（ペイミー）というサイトを訪問。
その斬新なアイデアに、ど肝を抜かれてしまいました。
payme（ペイミー）は実店舗やオンライン通販などで各種決済を簡単にすませる新型モバイル決済システム なのです。

革新的で安全な新しい決済方法は『znap & pay』と称されています。
モバイルアプリを使った合理的で安全なシステムらしい。（セキュリティー）
今ある決済方法はもっと簡単になり、誰もがより簡単で安全なショッピングが出来るようになるらしい。

操作はわずか2ステップ。
クラウドネットワーク技術を駆使し、優れたセキュリティを有する。
決済業務の効率の向上、問題点の改善が計られる。
MPayMeの本社と研究開発センターは香港を拠点としているが、ニューヨークとロンドンにも支社がある。

こんなところが概要なのですが、すべてはこの方式が、世の中に浸透してから明らかになります。
現状のクレジットカードシステムを凌駕する日がやって来るのかも知れませんね。
楽しみです。

The Yomiuri Shimbun May 8, 2013
Accelerate nuclear, infrastructure exports with public-private efforts
トルコ原発受注　官民でインフラ輸出の加速を（5月6日付・読売社説）

A consortium of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and major French nuclear firm Areva SA is set to receive an order from Turkey for the construction of a nuclear power plant.
　トルコが計画する原子力発電所の建設を、三菱重工業と仏原子力大手アレバの企業連合が受注することになった。

The agreement was made during a summit meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two nations also signed a nuclear cooperation agreement, which serves as a prerequisite for nuclear plant exports.
　安倍首相とトルコのエルドアン首相が首脳会談で合意し、両国は輸出の前提となる原子力協定にも調印した。

This economic diplomacy, in which the prime minister himself acted as the top sales promoter, is laudable.
　首相が自らトップセールスした経済外交の成果を評価したい。

In the wake of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in 2011, the then Democratic Party of Japan-led administration announced a policy of abandoning nuclear power. This caused concern that Japan's nuclear plant exports could be stalled, including an order already received from Vietnam.
　２０１１年の東京電力福島第一原発事故後、民主党政権が「脱原発」を掲げたため、受注の決まっていたベトナムの案件も含め、原発輸出の停滞が懸念された。

1st deal since 2011 quake

The Turkish project marks the first time since the start of the Fukushima crisis that a deal has been struck over nuclear plant exports through public-private joint efforts.
　官民の連携で輸出が決まるのは事故後で初めてだ。

This successful regaining of lost ground came after the Abe Cabinet clearly showed it would promote nuclear plant exports.
　安倍内閣が、原発輸出を推進する姿勢を明確にしたことで、巻き返しに成功した。

The project in Turkey is a major one involving the construction of four nuclear reactors at a cost of 2 trillion yen. It is significant that Japan's technology, including that related to quake resistance, has been highly evaluated, beating out Chinese and South Korean rivals. It is hoped the success of receiving the order will boost Japan's nuclear plant exports.
　今回の受注は、原発４基を新設する２兆円の大型案件だ。中国や韓国と競争の末、耐震性など日本の技術力が評価された意義は大きい。これを機に、原発輸出に弾みがつくことが期待される。

It is estimated that as many as 180 nuclear reactors could be built globally by 2035, mainly in Asia and the Middle East, where energy demand is certain to grow.
　２０３５年までに世界で建設される原発は、エネルギー需要の増えるアジアや中東を中心に約１８０基にのぼるとの試算もある。

Exports of nuclear plant technology and other infrastructure, for which a huge amount of external demand can be expected, could serve as a key piece in the growth strategy of the nation, where the domestic market is shrinking due to a declining population.
　巨額の外需獲得が見込める原発などのインフラ（社会基盤）輸出は、人口減少で国内市場が縮小する日本にとって、成長戦略の切り札といえる。

Regarding nuclear plant construction projects in emerging nations, negotiations in many cases have the strong commitment of the governments concerned and also involve aid and security issues. Japan may lag behind such rivals as Russia, whose leader is active in sales promotion in those countries.
　新興国の原発建設には政府が強く関与し、援助や安全保障を絡めた交渉になる例が多い。首脳が売り込みをかけるロシアなど、ライバルに後れを取りかねない。

The government should remain at the forefront and extend comprehensive policy support by fully utilizing public financing and other means.
　日本政府が今後も前面に出て、公的金融などを駆使した総合的な政策支援を行うべきだ。

Setting up a council on overseas economic cooperation and infrastructure export strategies comprising Cabinet members in March, the government has just begun discussions on prospects of nuclear projects and other businesses overseas. We hope the government closely cooperates with the private sector to hammer out effective measures.
　政府は３月、関係閣僚による「経協インフラ戦略会議」を設け、原発ビジネスの展開などについて論議を始めたばかりだ。民間と緊密に連携し、実効性のある施策を打ち出してもらいたい。

Policy vagueness worrying

A cause of concern is the vagueness of the nation's mid- to long-term policy direction on nuclear power.
　気がかりなのは、日本の中長期的な原発政策の方向性が、あいまいなことである。

If the nation enthusiastically promotes sales of Japan-made nuclear plants overseas while refraining from building new nuclear plants or expanding existing facilities at home, it will be difficult to win the confidence of partner nations.
　日本製の原発を海外に熱心に売り込む一方、日本国内では新増設しないというのでは、相手国の信頼は得られまい。

Replacing old reactors at home with the most advanced, safer models one after another would also contribute to significant improvements in the nation's nuclear technology and the nurturing of high-caliber human resources. The government must clarify its energy strategy, which should realistically acknowledge that nuclear power will continue to be used as a major power source.
　国内の古くなった原発を順次、安全性の高い最新型に更新することで原子力技術は一段と向上し、優秀な人材も育つ。原発を主要電源として活用し続ける現実的なエネルギー戦略を、政府は明確に打ち出さなければならない。

The nation should export nuclear plants whose safety has been enhanced with the use of knowledge obtained from dealing with the Fukushima crisis and cooperate with other nations in operating those plants. We consider this is a duty Japan is required to fulfill.
　福島第一原発事故の知見で安全性を高めた原発を輸出し、運用にも協力する。これが日本に求められる責務のひとつである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 6, 2013)
（2013年5月6日01時32分  読売新聞）