The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 25, 2012) Set new, realistic target for greenhouse gas reductions 温暖化ガス削減 「２５％」は撤回し現実的目標を（5月24日付・読売社説）
The government should immediately withdraw Japan's target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. 「２０２０年までに１９９０年比で２５％削減」という日本の温室効果ガス削減目標は、速やかに撤回すべきだ。
This ill-advised target spelled out by former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama at a U.N. meeting three years ago is totally unrealistic. Estimates released Wednesday by the Environment Ministry's Central Environment Council are obvious proof of this. ３年前に鳩山元首相が国連の会合で打ち出したこの無謀な目標が、どれほど非現実的か。それを如実に示しているのが、環境省の中央環境審議会が公表した試算である。
The council compiled the estimates in the wake of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. It calculated reduction rates in greenhouse gases in 2020 based on five different ratios of nuclear power in relation to the country's total power generation, from 0 percent to a maximum of 35 percent. 東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受けて実施した試算は、将来の全発電量に占める原発の比率を、０％から最大３５％まで５段階に分け、２０年時点の温室効果ガスの削減率をはじき出した。
Nuclear power plants, which emit almost no carbon dioxide when they generate electricity, are an important energy source in terms of fighting global warming. 発電時に二酸化炭素をほとんど出さない原発は、地球温暖化対策上、重要なエネルギーである。
The estimates show Japan may be able to cut greenhouse gas emissions by a maximum of only 19 percent in 2020 from 1990 levels, even if the ratio of nuclear power generation is raised to 35 percent from the 26 percent level before the nuclear crisis and energy-saving policies are thoroughly implemented. 試算では、事故直前に２６％だった原発比率を３５％に引き上げ、省エネルギー政策を徹底した場合でさえ、削減率は９０年比で最大１９％にとどまった。
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More nuclear power unlikely
Currently, the country has no operating nuclear reactors and there are no prospects of them being restarted. Nuclear reactors must be reactivated soon to ensure a stable supply of electricity, but it can hardly be assumed that the ratio of nuclear power generation will be higher than before the nuclear crisis. 現在、稼働する原発はゼロとなり、再稼働のメドすら立っていない。電力の安定供給を図るため、早期稼働が求められるが、将来の原発比率を事故前より引き上げることは、およそ考えにくい。
We can safely say that achieving the 25 percent reduction target will be difficult even if purchases of overseas emissions quotas and the absorption of greenhouse gases by forests in Japan are taken into account. 海外からの排出枠購入や国内の森林のガス吸収分を加えても、２５％削減は達成困難と言えよう。
As the Kyoto Protocol will expire at the end of this year, a U.N. conference will enter full-scale discussions to formulate new rules with the aim of putting them into effect in 2020. 京都議定書は、今年いっぱいで期限切れとなり、今後、２０２０年発効を目指して、新ルール作りが国連の会議で本格化する。
If Japan continues to tout the 25 percent reduction, which has already become an empty promise, there is no doubt it will be cornered into a disadvantageous situation in negotiations to decide on a new international framework for cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. 空手形と化した「２５％削減」を掲げたままでは、排出削減の新たな国際枠組みを決める交渉でも、日本が不利な状況に追い込まれるのは間違いない。
Japan's commitment to the 25 percent reduction was originally premised on building a fair framework with the participation of all major greenhouse gas emitters--including China and the United States, the world's two largest greenhouse producers--and reaching an agreement on ambitious targets. そもそも日本が「２５％削減」に取り組むにあたっては、２大排出国の中国、米国を含む「すべての主要排出国による公平な枠組みの構築」と「意欲的な目標の合意」が前提条件になっている。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 25, 2012) China-Philippine confrontation a warning for Senkakus 中比対立激化 尖閣諸島でも警戒が必要だ（5月24日付・読売社説）
A confrontation between China--which has been building up its military in recent years--and the Philippines is intensifying over marine interests in the South China Sea. We urge both countries to engage in dialogue to prevent the dispute from escalating into military conflict. 南シナ海の海洋権益を巡り、軍事力を膨張させる中国とフィリピンとの対立が先鋭化してきた。対話を通じ、武力衝突を回避してもらいたい。
The confrontation started April 10 when a Philippine Navy warship inspected Chinese fishing vessels at Scarborough Shoal, which is called Huangyan Island in China. Beijing immediately responded by sending patrol ships to the area, and a standoff between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the waters has continued for more than one month. 南シナ海のスカボロー礁（中国名・黄岩島）で４月１０日、中国漁船がフィリピン海軍艦艇の立ち入り検査を受けたのを端緒に、中国が巡視船を派遣した。双方の艦船がにらみ合う状況が、もう１か月以上続いている。
Beijing and Manila both claim sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal. スカボロー礁を巡っては、中比双方が領有権を主張している。
The Philippines has proposed that the territorial dispute be resolved through the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. It also has strengthened military ties with the United States--which recently unveiled a new defense strategy that places greater emphasis on Asia--through such measures as conducting joint military exercises. This appears to be an attempt to counter the huge military pressure from China. フィリピンは国際海洋法裁判所で領有権問題を解決するよう提案した。さらに、「アジア重視」の国防戦略を打ち出した米国と、合同軍事演習を行うなど軍事協力を緊密化した。中国の強大な軍事圧力に対抗するためだろう。
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Beijing's overwhelming power
Beijing issued a strong warning against the recent moves by Manila: "The Chinese side has made all preparations to respond to any escalation of the situation by the Philippine side." これに対し中国は、「フィリピン側による事態の拡大に対応するための様々な準備ができている」と、強い警告を発した。
China's naval might is far superior to that of the Philippines and other nations near China. China even has a plan to deploy its first aircraft carrier soon. We urge China to refrain from taking a hard-line stance on the standoff. フィリピンなど周辺国に比べて中国の海軍力は圧倒的だ。近い将来、空母配備の計画まである。中国は強硬姿勢を自制すべきだ。
Overreactions to the dispute have already emerged in China--travel agencies have suspended tours to the Philippines, and the government has stepped up quarantine inspections on bananas grown in the Philippines. The government has justified these responses by citing an increase of anti-China protests in the Philippines and the detection of pests in bananas, but it is likely that Beijing is attempting to pressure Manila over the shoal dispute. 中国の旅行会社がフィリピン観光を中止し、中国政府が比産バナナに対する検疫強化にまで出たのは過剰な反応だ。フィリピン国内での反中デモの高まりやバナナの害虫を理由としているが、フィリピンを圧迫する狙いがあろう。
China's reaction has shades of its response to the collisions between a Chinese fishing boat and Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea in autumn 2010. After this incident, Beijing piled pressure on Tokyo by restricting exports of rare earth minerals to Japan, for instance. 一昨年秋、東シナ海の尖閣諸島沖で起きた中国漁船衝突事件の後、レアアース（希土類）の輸出規制などで対日圧力を強めた手法と似通っている。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 24, 2012) Long-term assistance key to achieving Afghan peace ＮＡＴＯ会議 長期的アフガン支援が必要だ（5月23日付・読売社説）
Leaders from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ended their meeting in Chicago on Monday after affirming the deadline for troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and pledging to provide long-term assistance for the troubled country. アフガニスタンからの撤収期限を確認し、同時にアフガンへの長期的な支援継続も約束した。
The Chicago Summit Declaration adopted at the meeting clearly states that the combat mission of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) "will be concluded at the end of 2014" and the public safety forces of the Afghan government will start leading the combat missions in the middle of next year. 米国のシカゴで開かれた北大西洋条約機構（ＮＡＴＯ）首脳会議が、そんな成果を上げて閉幕した。 採択されたシカゴ宣言は、国際治安支援部隊（ＩＳＡＦ）の戦闘任務は「２０１４年末に完了する」と明記し、来年半ば以降、アフガン政府の治安部隊が戦闘任務を主導する、とうたっている。
To make this possible, NATO must make greater efforts to bolster the training and equipment of the Afghan force. それを可能にするよう、ＮＡＴＯは、アフガン部隊の訓練や装備強化に一層努めるべきである。
Despite the presentation of a deadline for the pullout of ISAF combat units, there is no sign of combat with the Taliban coming to an end. To realize the withdrawal as scheduled, improvement of public safety is needed more than anything else. ＩＳＡＦ戦闘部隊の撤収期限は示されても、旧支配勢力タリバンとの戦闘が終わる気配はない。予定通り帰還するには、何より治安の改善が必要だ。
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Transition to self-reliance
Last year, the ISAF began a full transfer of security control to the Afghan side. We urge Afghan forces to enhance their capabilities and become able to stand on their own feet as soon as possible. ＩＳＡＦは昨年からアフガン側へ治安権限の本格的な移譲を進めている。アフガン部隊の能力向上と早期自立が求められよう。
Given the protracted hostilities and the growing number of victims, public opinion has grown louder among NATO member nations for the early withdrawal of their troops from Afghanistan. 戦闘の長期化と犠牲者の増加に伴い、ＮＡＴＯ各国では自国軍部隊の早期撤収を求める世論が強まっている。
French President Francois Hollande pledged during his election campaign to advance the pullout of his country's troops by one year to "by the end of this year." He reaffirmed this commitment during the NATO meeting. オランド仏大統領は、選挙戦で、仏軍部隊の撤収を予定より１年前倒しして「年内」と公約し、首脳会議でも明言した。
But if France resorts to early withdrawal without taking into consideration the Afghan situation, there is concern other countries will follow suit. If NATO's solidarity is weakened by this, it will only embolden the Taliban. だが、現地情勢を勘案しないまま早急な撤収に走れば、追随する国が出る恐れもある。ＮＡＴＯの結束が緩むことになって、タリバンを勢いづかせるだけだ。
Afghanistan should never again be a hotbed for international terrorist organizations. Cooperation in the international community is indispensable in this regard. アフガンを再び国際テロ組織の温床に逆戻りさせてはならない。国際社会の連携が欠かせない。
The Taliban is deeply rooted in local tribal communities. Even if the country is brought under control militarily, it will not bring about real peace. The United States must continue exploring the possibility of holding dialogues with moderate elements of the Taliban, thereby laying the foundation for realizing national reconciliation in Afghanistan. タリバンは、地元部族社会に深く根を張っている。軍事的に制圧できたとしても、真の平和は訪れまい。米国は引き続き、タリバン穏健派との対話を探る努力を続け、アフガンの国民融和実現へ、環境整備を図らねばならない。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 23, 2012) Think carefully before liberalizing power business 電力全面自由化 効果と副作用を冷静に考えよ（5月22日付・読売社説）
The intended effects and the possible side effects that would be brought about through full liberalization of the electricity retail business must be carefully considered. 電力小売りの全面自由化がもたらす効果と副作用を、慎重に見極める必要がある。
An expert panel of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has reached a broad agreement to liberalize the electricity retail business, including supplies to households. 経済産業省の専門家委員会が、家庭向けを含め電力小売りを全面的に自由化する方向で大筋一致した。
The liberalization plan is aimed at encouraging the participation of new companies in the business to increase competition and lower utility rates. The plan also calls for abolishing the current system under which utility charges are decided by adding certain levels of profits to the personnel and fuel costs of power companies. 電力事業への新規参入を促して競争原理を働かせ、電気料金を下げるのが狙いだろう。電力会社の人件費や燃料費に一定の利益を上乗せして電気料金を決める「総括原価方式」も撤廃する。
The government plans to submit a bill to the ordinary Diet session next year to revise the Electricity Business Law to fully liberalize the utility retail business as early as fiscal 2015. 政府は、来年の通常国会に電気事業法改正案を提出し、２０１５年度にも実現したい考えだ。
Behind this move is the government's and the public's distrust in power companies that have neglected necessary corporate efforts, while remaining dependent on the current system that allows them to monopolize their respective service areas. 背景には、「地域独占」に甘えて企業努力を怠ってきた電力会社への不信がある。
In connection with its plan to raise utility charges, an executive of Tokyo Electric Power Co. said, "It's our [vested] right to raise the rates." This insensitive statement drew harsh criticism. 東京電力の値上げ問題では、「値上げは権利だ」とする経営陣の無神経な発言が強い批判も招いた。
All power companies must realize that such a public outcry is the driving force behind the effort to liberalize utility rates. 厳しい世論が自由化への動きを後押ししていることを、電力各社は自覚すべきだ。
But what effect total liberalization will have remains to be seen. In the domestic electricity market, liberalization of retail sales to large-lot users began in 2000. Liberalization has been expanded to users with a contracted electricity volume of 50 kilowatts or more, including small and midsize factories. ただし、全面自由化の効果は不透明だ。国内電力市場では２０００年から、大口契約の小売り自由化が始まった。自由化対象は中小工場など契約電力５０キロ・ワット以上の利用者まで広がった。
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Few new participants
Under this system, users are allowed in principle to freely select their power suppliers and negotiate with power companies on rates. But the amount of electricity generated by new participants in the market is between 3 percent and 4 percent of the total. Existing power companies dominate the business in terms of capital and equipment. 発電事業者を自由に選べて、料金も交渉できる建前だが、実際には新規参入組の発電量は全体の３％台に過ぎない。既存の電力会社が資本や設備で圧倒的な存在である状況に変わりはない。
If the power retail business is fully liberalized while leaving a situation in which there is no real competition, we fear the monopoly the power companies enjoy will allow them to raise power charges at will. 実質的な競争のないまま電力小売りが全面自由化されれば、強大な電力会社が「規制なき独占」で野放しとなり、かえって値上げをしやすくなりはしないか。
It is not easy to realize a sound electricity market in which a variety of companies compete freely. To help encourage new participation in the market, a plan is emerging to reexamine the current system. 多様な事業者が競う健全な電力市場を実現するのは、容易なことではない。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 22, 2012) World's tallest tower will invigorate Japan 東京スカイツリー 世界一の塔が日本を元気に（5月21日付・読売社説）
At long last, Tokyo Skytree will officially open on Tuesday. いよいよ、あす２２日、「東京スカイツリー」がオープンする。
Its height is 634 meters, nearly double that of Tokyo Tower. It is the world's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower. Views from the two observation decks, at 350 meters and 450 meters above the ground, must surely take every visitor's breath away. We would like to celebrate the opening of a structure that Japan can boast about to the world. 高さ６３４メートル。東京タワーの２倍に近く、自立式電波塔では世界一となる。地上３５０メートルと４５０メートルの展望台から望む光景には、誰もが息をのむことだろう。世界に誇るべき建築物の開業を祝いたい。
While construction was still going on in March last year, the Great East Japan Earthquake rocked Tokyo Skytree, which had nearly attained its ultimate height. However, no workers were injured and there was no damage to the tower itself. Construction steadily continued, and the tree's height reached 634 meters a week later. ツリー工事中の昨年３月、最高点に達する直前に、東日本大震災の激しい揺れに見舞われた。だが、作業員にもツリーにも被害はなく、建設は着々と続けられ、１週間後に６３４メートルに到達した。
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Symbol of overcoming ordeals
The incident demonstrated the reliability of Japan's earthquake-resistant construction technology. It also reinforced the image in many minds of Japan and the Japanese not yielding to difficulties. 耐震建築技術の確かさを証明した出来事であると同時に、日本と日本人の、困難に屈しない姿を、そこに重ね見た人も多かったのではないか。
Just as many people remember Tokyo Tower as a symbol of the rapid economic growth period from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, so may Tokyo Skytree become a new symbol of the present period, when Japan and the Japanese are overcoming ordeals of the Great East Japan Earthquake. 高度成長期の象徴として記憶された東京タワーのように、スカイツリーは、東日本大震災の試練を乗り越えていく、新たな時代の象徴となろう。
Tokyo Skytree embodies the best of Japan's construction technologies from the past to the present. 過去から現在に至る、日本の建築技術の結晶でもある。
Materials made with cutting-edge technologies and fine techniques of craftsmanship, such as steel pipes that distort very little even if they are piled up sky-high, were chosen from all over the country in a strict selection process. 天高く組み上げてもほとんどゆがみのない鋼管など、最新鋭の技術と職人技によって作られた建材が、全国から厳選された。
As the tower was constructed on a relatively small piece of land, its cross-sectional shape changes from an equilateral triangle at the base to a circle higher up. Here, shapes called "sori" and "mukuri," seen in temple and shrine construction and the design of Japanese swords, were utilized. 限られた広さの敷地に建設するため、塔の横断面が足元の正三角形から、上に行くにつれて円形に変わる。そこに「反り」「むくり」といった、寺社建築や日本刀などの造形が生かされた。
The use of a "shimbashira" cylindrical central column to dampen earthquake vibrations is taken from the technique used in Japanese five-story pagodas. 中心に「心柱」を通すという、地震の揺れを減じるための構造も五重塔の技法に学んでいる。
It has been reported that those who were involved in the construction of the Skytree engaged in the work with a zeal to surpass their engineering forebears who constructed Tokyo Tower. Their own efforts are now destined to become a similar target for engineers in the future. 建設に携わった人たちは、東京タワーを作った先輩技術者を乗り越える意気込みで取り組んだという。その姿が今度は、未来の技術者の目標となるだろう。
Tokyo Skytree is scheduled to take over the role of transmitting TV and radio waves from Tokyo Tower as early as January next year. テレビ電波などを発信する役目は、来年初めにも東京タワーから引き継ぐ予定だ。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 21, 2012) Let's enjoy a rare astronomical spectacle! あす金環日食 天空のドラマを堪能したい（5月20日付・読売社説）
An annular solar eclipse, a phenomenon in which the moon blocks out most of the sun, leaving a ring of light around its circumference, takes place on Monday morning, May 21. The annular eclipse will be visible along the Pacific side of the country, from southern Kyushu to the southeastern part of Fukushima Prefecture. 太陽の中心部が月に隠され、周囲が金の輪のように輝く金環日食が２１日朝、九州南部から福島県南東部にかけての太平洋側で観測できる。
About two-thirds of the nation's population live in areas where the eclipse can be observed. It is said to be first time in 932 years--since the late Heian period (794-1192)--that such a large proportion of the population will be able to see an annular solar eclipse. 観測が可能な地域に、日本の人口の３分の２が住む。これほど広範囲で観測できるのは、平安時代以来９３２年ぶりという。
Another annular solar eclipse can be observed in Japan in 18 years, but the area from which it can be viewed will be limited to Hokkaido. 日本では１８年後にも金環日食が観測できる。だが、北海道だけと範囲は狭い。
This time is definitely a precious opportunity to view a heavenly spectacle. Why not take advantage of a wonderful astronomical show? 天空のドラマを楽しむ貴重な機会だ。堪能したい。
The eclipse begins from the top right side of the sun at about 6 a.m., evolving into a perfect, golden "ring of fire," at about 7:30 a.m. This state of "annularity" will last a maximum of five minutes or so. 午前６時台から太陽の右上がかけ始め、同７時半ごろには、金色のリング状になる。この状態が最大５分間ほど続く。
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Be careful of accident
The moment the edge of the moon overlaps that of the sun should not be missed. Sunlight appears to trickle out from the sun, creating gleaming beads, a phenomenon known as "Baily's beads." 月と太陽の端が重なる瞬間も見逃せない。すき間から太陽光が漏れ出し数珠状に輝く。「ベイリービーズ」と呼ばれる現象だ。
Viewing parties and other events related to the eclipse are scheduled in many parts of the country. 各地で観望会などが予定されている。
Given that the phenomenon occurs while people are commuting to school or workplaces, however, care must be taken not to fall while looking up at the sky while walking or cause an accident while driving. だが、通勤通学の時間帯でもある。歩きながら空を見上げて転んだり、自動車運転中に事故を起こしたりするのは禁物だ。
Avoid observing the sun with the naked eye, which can harm your eyes. Injury of the retina can produce such symptoms as the appearance of black spots in your eyesight and distortion of objects. 太陽の直視も避けよう。目を痛めかねない。網膜が傷つくと視野の中に黒い斑点が見えたり、物がゆがんで見えたりする。
These symptoms usually disappear in about a week, but more long-lasting serious eye injuries can happen. １週間程度で回復する例が多いが、時に症状が長期化するので要注意だ。
Special eclipse sunglasses have been on sale for some time. Viewers can also enjoy the phenomenon by way of what is called the pinhole method, observing the sun's images that are projected onto a surface through a small hole made in a piece of paper. Sunshine filtering through leaves can also cast an image of the eclipsed sun onto the ground. 観測専用めがねが販売されている。紙に小さな穴を開けて太陽光を通し、映し出された像を見るピンホール法もある。木漏れ日でも欠けた太陽が地面に映る。
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and other expert organizations have introduced various observation methods, which can serve as a useful reference. 国立天文台など専門機関がインターネットで観測法を紹介している。参考になるだろう。
The annular solar eclipse provides astronomical researchers with an excellent opportunity. 研究者にも絶好の機会だ。
A project has been undertaken to gauge the size of the sun more exactly by recording precisely the scope of the full "ring of fire," or annularity. 金環日食が見える範囲を精密に記録し、太陽の大きさを従来よりも正確に測定しよう
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 20, 2012) Japan's space industry shoud build on H-2A rocket success Ｈ２Ａ成功 宇宙産業の地歩を築く一歩に（5月19日付・読売社説）
The 21st H-2A rocket was successfully launched Friday with four satellites aboard. One of them, from South Korea, was the first to be launched under a contract from overseas. 初めて海外から受注した韓国の衛星など４基を載せたＨ２Ａロケット２１号機が、打ち上げに成功した。
All four satellites entered their planned orbits. いずれの衛星も予定軌道に乗った。
Everything went flawlessly and on schedule. すべてスケジュール通りで、極めて順調だった。
One of the four, the Arirang-3 satellite developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute was the focus of special attention. The South Korean satellite is equipped with a high-resolution camera capable of photographing small objects on the ground. 注目された衛星は、韓国航空宇宙研究院の「アリラン３号」だ。高解像度のカメラを搭載し、地上を精密撮影できる。
The successful liftoff marked Japan's entry into the commercial launch business for non-Japanese payloads, a goal people involved in the nation's space development programs have longed for. The success should be used to broaden opportunities for the nation's commercial satellite launch business. 日本の宇宙関係者が悲願としてきた、海外衛星の打ち上げビジネスへの参入に一歩をしるした。成功を商機拡大につなげたい。
The success this time was the 15th consecutive successful launch of the H-2A rocket since the explosion of the sixth H-2A in 2003. The H-2A program's 95.2 percent success rate makes it comparable to the best in the world. Ｈ２Ａの打ち上げも、２００３年の６号機失敗後、１５回続けての成功となった。成功率９５・２％は世界のトップクラスだ。
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More extensive record needed
The European Ariane rocket, a formidable rival for Japan in the space business competition, also has a success rate of about 95 percent--but it is based on a more extensive record of about 200 successful launches. The H-2A's corresponding figure of 21 launches leaves it far from truly catching up with the world's best. ただし、打ち上げ回数では、日本の強力なライバルである欧州のロケット「アリアン」が約２００回に達している。成功率も約９５％だ。２１回のＨ２Ａは、世界水準には、まだまだ遠い。
Under the circumstances, Japan's commercial launch business faces a thorny and arduous path. それだけに、日本の打ち上げビジネスの前途は険しい。
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., the H-2A rocket manufacturer, began to seek contracts to launch commercial satellites around 2007. The company has had more than 100 inquiries from potential clients, but only one, the South Korean entity, actually signed on. Ｈ２Ａを製造している三菱重工業は、０７年ごろから打ち上げ契約獲得を目指してきた。打診は１００件を超えるが、成約に至ったのは、今回の衛星以外にない。
Further business efforts are needed for such purposes as cutting back on launch costs. 打ち上げ費用を低減する取り組みを強化するなど、さらなる営業努力が必要だろう。
Explaining its choice of the H-2A rocket, South Korea cited the "inexpensiveness" of the latest launch. 韓国側は、打ち上げにＨ２Ａを選択した理由として、費用の「安さ」を挙げている。
An H-2A launch usually costs about 10 billion yen. But the launch fee was reportedly reduced considerably due to the fact that the South Korean satellite blasted off together with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Shizuku, an observation satellite designed to scrutinize Earth's water environment. Ｈ２Ａの打ち上げには、通常１００億円前後かかるが、韓国の衛星は、地球の水環境を詳細に観測する日本の宇宙航空研究開発機構の衛星「しずく」と相乗りのため料金が軽減されたという。
Further cuts in the production costs for the rocket are also essential. ロケット製造コストの一層の削減も必要だ。
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has set the goal of halving costs through steps such as reviewing its procurement methods. 三菱重工業も部品調達の見直しなどで、将来の費用半減を目標に掲げている。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 19, 2012) Devise effective strategy for robust economic recovery ＧＤＰ高成長 景気の本格回復につなげたい（5月18日付・読売社説）
The nation's economy has finally begun to recover on the back of robust consumer spending and reconstruction projects launched after the Great East Japan Earthquake. 堅調な個人消費と東日本大震災の復興事業をテコに、ようやく景気が回復してきた。
It is crucial that the government use this tailwind to put the Japanese economy on a solid growth track. 追い風を生かし、日本経済を確かな成長軌道に乗せることが重要だ。
Japan's real gross domestic product for the January-March quarter of 2012 grew 1 percent from the previous quarter, marking positive growth for three consecutive quarters. GDP grew at a high rate of 4.1 percent on an annual basis. 今年１〜３月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は前期比１・０％増と、３四半期連続のプラス成長になった。年率換算で４・１％という高い成長率である。
Consumer spending, which accounts for 60 percent of GDP, marked its fourth straight quarterly increase. This was largely due to a surge in new car sales after a subsidy program for purchases of environmentally friendly vehicles was reinstated late last year. Consumption on entertainment, including amusement parks, also was brisk. ＧＤＰの６割を占める個人消費は、４四半期連続でプラスとなった。昨年末にエコカー補助金が復活し、新車販売が急増した影響が大きい。遊園地など娯楽関連の消費も順調だった。
More than one year has passed since the March 11, 2011, disaster. It seems consumer sentiment, which cooled due to a mood of self-restraint that enveloped the nation after the catastrophe, has started to pick up. 震災から１年たち、自粛ムードで冷えた消費者心理が好転してきたようだ。
Also, public investment increased for the first time in three quarters. We think it is safe to say that economic growth is being led by domestic demand. 公共投資も、３四半期ぶりに増加に転じた。内需主導の成長と言えるだろう。
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Recovery at crucial stage
Implementation of the almost 20 trillion yen reconstruction budget will soon enter a crucial stage. The government expects the economy will continue to log positive growth in the April-June quarter, supported by demand created by reconstruction projects. 総額２０兆円近い復興予算の執行は、これから本番を迎える。政府は４〜６月期も復興需要を支えにプラス成長が続くと見ている。
However, the ability of public expenditures to prop up the economy is limited. There is concern that the economy could lose steam in summer and beyond. ただし、財政支出による景気の押し上げ効果には限りがある。夏以降の息切れが心配だ。
The subsidy program for eco-friendly car purchases is scheduled to expire at the end of January next year, but its budget--which totals about 300 billion yen--could run out as early as this summer. If the subsidies end earlier than planned, car sales will inevitably drop sharply after the initial surge. エコカー補助金の制度は来年１月末までだが、約３０００億円の予算は夏ごろにも底をつく可能性がある。支給が早めに打ち切りになれば、自動車販売の反動減は避けられまい。
Reconstruction projects also will end up sitting idle if rebuilding plans for disaster-hit areas do not progress smoothly. 復興事業も、被災地の復興計画作りが順調に進まないと停滞を余儀なくされる。
A looming electricity shortage this summer also could put a brake on production and further accelerate the hollowing-out of domestic industries. 夏の電力不足が、生産にブレーキをかけ、産業空洞化を一段と加速させる恐れもある。
The government should steadily implement policies, including reconstruction support and the reactivation of idled nuclear reactors after confirming they are safe. 政府は、復興支援や安全を確認した原子力発電所の再稼働など、政策を着実に進めるべきだ。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 18, 2012) Hollande, Merkel should bridge gap to contain Greek crisis 混迷ギリシャ 独仏は協調し危機封じ込めを（5月17日付・読売社説）
The political turmoil in Greece has deepened after negotiations to form a coalition government fell apart following a general election in which no party secured a majority in parliament. A new election will take place next month. ギリシャで、総選挙後の連立交渉が失敗して再選挙が決まり、混迷が深まっている。
The international community is now casting anxious eyes on whether the eurozone economies can unite anew to prevent the debt crisis from flaring up again on the continent. 危機再燃を防ぐため、改めて欧州の結束が問われよう。
Parties that oppose Greece's austerity measures, such as the Radical Left Coalition (Syriza), may significantly increase the number of their seats in the next general election scheduled for mid-June. Such a situation could severely hinder Greece from compiling the necessary support for further spending cuts, a precondition for receiving financial support from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. ６月中旬に実施されるギリシャ再選挙では、急進左派連合など財政緊縮策に反対する勢力が大きく伸長する可能性がある。欧州連合（ＥＵ）などから支援を受ける前提となる歳出削減策の取りまとめが、頓挫しかねない事態だ。
After the collapse of the power-sharing talks, stock prices dropped across the board in global markets, including those in Europe, the United States and Japan, and the euro plunged. The markets' reactions reflect growing awareness that Greece's exit from the eurozone has become a real possibility. 欧米、日本など世界の株式市場の株価が全面安となり、ユーロが急落した。ギリシャのユーロ圏離脱が現実味を増したと市場が危機感を強めた影響と言える。
If the Greek crisis once again spills over to Spain and Italy, both of whom are rebuilding their finances, it would then spread to other eurozone economies and jeopardize the foundation of the European economy. ギリシャ危機が、財政再建途上のスペインやイタリアなどに再び飛び火すれば、欧州経済は揺らぎ、危機が拡大する。
Exports from China and other emerging economies to Europe will inevitably slow down if the financial crisis in Europe worsens, which would have a huge impact on the global economy. Europe is China's biggest market. 欧州を最大の市場とする中国など新興国の輸出も鈍化し、世界経済に大打撃を与えるだろう。
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Efforts to deter market fears
Newly elected French President Francois Hollande flew to Berlin shortly after taking office to hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The meeting was apparently meant to defuse market fears regarding the Greek crisis by emphasizing the willingness of the two countries to take the initiative in resolving it. フランスのオランド新大統領が就任直後にベルリンへ飛び、メルケル独首相と会談した。独仏主導で危機対応に取り組む姿勢を改めてアピールし、市場の不安を打ち消す狙いがあったと見られる。
Hollande and Merkel stressed they want Greece to stay in the eurozone. Regarding growth strategy for Europe, which has become the focal point in dealing with the financial crisis, Merkel expressed her plan to prepare specific proposals with France by an EU summit meeting scheduled for late June. 両首脳は、「ギリシャがユーロ圏にとどまることを望む」と強調した。焦点の成長戦略について、メルケル首相は、６月下旬のＥＵ首脳会議までに独仏共同の具体案をまとめる方針を表明した。
It is meaningful that the two leaders have agreed that Europe should not only focus on austerity measures, and acknowledged the necessity of a new growth strategy. We ask Germany and France to do their best to contain the financial crisis. 独仏両首脳が、欧州は財政緊縮一本やりでなく、新たな成長戦略を必要としている、との認識で一致した意義は大きい。危機封じ込めに全力を挙げてもらいたい。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 18, 2012) Hollande, Merkel should bridge gap to contain Greek crisis 混迷ギリシャ 独仏は協調し危機封じ込めを（5月17日付・読売社説）
The political turmoil in Greece has deepened after negotiations to form a coalition government fell apart following a general election in which no party secured a majority in parliament. A new election will take place next month. ギリシャで、総選挙後の連立交渉が失敗して再選挙が決まり、混迷が深まっている。
The international community is now casting anxious eyes on whether the eurozone economies can unite anew to prevent the debt crisis from flaring up again on the continent. 危機再燃を防ぐため、改めて欧州の結束が問われよう。
Parties that oppose Greece's austerity measures, such as the Radical Left Coalition (Syriza), may significantly increase the number of their seats in the next general election scheduled for mid-June. Such a situation could severely hinder Greece from compiling the necessary support for further spending cuts, a precondition for receiving financial support from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. ６月中旬に実施されるギリシャ再選挙では、急進左派連合など財政緊縮策に反対する勢力が大きく伸長する可能性がある。欧州連合（ＥＵ）などから支援を受ける前提となる歳出削減策の取りまとめが、頓挫しかねない事態だ。
After the collapse of the power-sharing talks, stock prices dropped across the board in global markets, including those in Europe, the United States and Japan, and the euro plunged. The markets' reactions reflect growing awareness that Greece's exit from the eurozone has become a real possibility. 欧米、日本など世界の株式市場の株価が全面安となり、ユーロが急落した。ギリシャのユーロ圏離脱が現実味を増したと市場が危機感を強めた影響と言える。
If the Greek crisis once again spills over to Spain and Italy, both of whom are rebuilding their finances, it would then spread to other eurozone economies and jeopardize the foundation of the European economy. ギリシャ危機が、財政再建途上のスペインやイタリアなどに再び飛び火すれば、欧州経済は揺らぎ、危機が拡大する。
Exports from China and other emerging economies to Europe will inevitably slow down if the financial crisis in Europe worsens, which would have a huge impact on the global economy. Europe is China's biggest market. 欧州を最大の市場とする中国など新興国の輸出も鈍化し、世界経済に大打撃を与えるだろう。
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Efforts to deter market fears
Newly elected French President Francois Hollande flew to Berlin shortly after taking office to hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The meeting was apparently meant to defuse market fears regarding the Greek crisis by emphasizing the willingness of the two countries to take the initiative in resolving it. フランスのオランド新大統領が就任直後にベルリンへ飛び、メルケル独首相と会談した。独仏主導で危機対応に取り組む姿勢を改めてアピールし、市場の不安を打ち消す狙いがあったと見られる。
Hollande and Merkel stressed they want Greece to stay in the eurozone. Regarding growth strategy for Europe, which has become the focal point in dealing with the financial crisis, Merkel expressed her plan to prepare specific proposals with France by an EU summit meeting scheduled for late June. 両首脳は、「ギリシャがユーロ圏にとどまることを望む」と強調した。焦点の成長戦略について、メルケル首相は、６月下旬のＥＵ首脳会議までに独仏共同の具体案をまとめる方針を表明した。
It is meaningful that the two leaders have agreed that Europe should not only focus on austerity measures, and acknowledged the necessity of a new growth strategy. We ask Germany and France to do their best to contain the financial crisis. 独仏両首脳が、欧州は財政緊縮一本やりでなく、新たな成長戦略を必要としている、との認識で一致した意義は大きい。危機封じ込めに全力を挙げてもらいたい。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 17, 2012) Wen's 'core interests' remark over Senkakus a cause for concern 温首相尖閣発言 「核心的利益」は穏やかでない（5月16日付・読売社説）
China is reinforcing its hard-line stance over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture against a backdrop of swelling military strength and economic wealth. 沖縄県の尖閣諸島を巡り、膨張する軍事力と経済力を背景に中国の強硬姿勢が目立ってきた。
During a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in Beijing on Sunday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reportedly mentioned the issues of the island chain, along with the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where there is an ongoing separatist movement. Wen reportedly stressed that it is important for Japan to respect "China's core interests and major concerns." 北京で行われた日中首脳会談で温家宝首相は、分離独立運動が続く新疆ウイグル自治区とともに尖閣諸島に言及し、「中国の核心的利益と重大な関心事項を尊重するということが大事だ」と強調した。
China uses "core interests" to describe national sovereignty, maintenance of territorial integrity and other areas over which it will make no compromise at any price. Beijing has applied the expression to Taiwan, Tibet and the Uygur region before, but in recent years, it has reportedly used the term in regard to the South China Sea. 「核心的利益」とは中国が絶対に譲歩できない国家主権や領土保全などに用いる言葉だ。これまで台湾やチベット、ウイグルなどに使ってきたが、近年は南シナ海にも使用しているとされる。
The Chinese government has never officially used the expression for the Senkaku Islands. However, the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, used "core interests" in connection with the islands for the first time in January this year. 中国政府は、この表現を尖閣諸島に公式に使った例はない。だが、今年１月、共産党機関紙「人民日報」が、初めて使用した。
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Semantic tactic
Wen is thought to have used "core interests" and "major concerns" together in referring to the Senkaku Islands so that his remark could be taken to mean the islets are part of China's core interests. 温首相の今回の発言は、「核心的利益」と「重大な関心事項」をひとくくりにすることで、尖閣諸島が「核心的利益」とも読み取れるように意図したものだろう。
In making the remark, the Chinese premier seems to have been thinking of the Chinese public's negative reaction to recent developments over the Senkakus--Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's announcement that his government plans to purchase part of the islands and the Japanese government's decision to give names to four uninhabited islets of the chain. 尖閣諸島に関し、東京都の石原慎太郎知事の買い取り構想や日本政府による無人島命名に、中国国内で反発が広がった。そのことが念頭にあるようだ。
Wen's remark can be seen as a reflection of the Chinese government's increasingly assertive stance in claiming sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands as Beijing tries to expand its maritime interests. 海洋権益の拡大を図る中国政府が、従来以上に領有権を主張する方針を鮮明にしたと言える。
China demonstrates its presence by sending fishery patrol vessels to waters near the islands almost every month. Japan should further reinforce its surveillance arrangements for the nation's remote islands and territorial waters. 中国の監視船は毎月のように尖閣諸島周辺で示威行動に出ている。日本は離島と領海の監視体制を一段と強化する必要がある。
It is natural for Noda to remind Wen that the Senkaku Islands are part of Japan's sovereign territory and call for self-restraint on China's part, saying, "China's stepped-up activities [around the islands] are upsetting the Japanese public." 野田首相が温首相に、尖閣諸島が日本固有の領土であると主張し、「中国の活動の活発化が日本国民の感情を刺激している」と、自制を求めたのは当然である。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 16, 2012) Okinawa economic development, national security both important 沖縄復帰４０年 経済と安保を両立させたい（5月15日付・読売社説）
Okinawa Prefecture celebrates the 40th anniversary of its reversion to Japanese sovereignty on Tuesday. 沖縄県はきょう、本土復帰４０周年を迎える。
An event to commemorate the anniversary in Ginowan will be attended by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and the heads of the other two branches of government, Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima and others. 宜野湾市で、野田首相ら三権の長や仲井真弘多知事などが出席して記念式典が行われる。
The prefecture continues to bear the excessive burden of hosting 74 percent of U.S. military facilities in this country, measured by land area. Under such circumstances, the government is urged to find a way to achieve both economic development of the prefecture and effective national security. 日本全体の米軍施設用地の７４％が集中する過重な負担が続く中、政府はいかに経済振興と安全保障を両立させるかが問われる。
The government last week decided on the basic policy for an Okinawa Prefecture economic development plan. The plan for the next decade, to begin this fiscal year, will be the fifth of its kind. A major pillar of the policy is to make the prefecture into an international distribution base through construction of a second runway at Naha Airport. The government aims to enable the prefecture to move toward self-supporting economic development. Based on the policy, the Okinawa prefectural government is to decide the details of the economic development plan on Tuesday. 政府は先週、今後１０年間の第５次沖縄振興計画の基本方針を決定した。那覇空港の第２滑走路整備による国際物流拠点化が柱で、沖縄の自立的な経済発展を目指す内容だ。この方針に基づき、沖縄県がきょう振興計画を決定する。
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Use development budget effectively
It is quite appropriate for the government to have changed the main entity to compile the plan from itself to the prefectural government. We hope the central and prefectural governments will steadily carry out projects in the plan to take full advantage of the geographical and international features of the prefecture, which is the closest part of Japan to many Asian countries. 計画の策定主体を政府から沖縄県に変更したのは、妥当である。アジアに近接する地理的特性や国際性を生かした計画を着実に実行に移してもらいたい。
Past development plans focused on "correction of disparities between the prefecture and other parts of the country." Despite those efforts, prefectural residents' incomes have remained around 70 percent of the national average. As the manufacturing industry can hardly grow there, manufacturers' contribution to gross prefectural product has fallen from 11 percent 40 years ago to 4 percent today. 過去の振興計画は「本土との格差是正」を掲げてきたが、県民１人当たりの所得は全国平均の７割前後にとどまる。製造業が育たず、県内総生産に占める割合は４０年前の１１％から４％に低下した。
The prefecture's economic structure stands on three main pillars: U.S. military bases, public works projects and tourism. Dependence on the central government's budget for the prefecture's development is also high. 基地、公共事業、観光に頼る「３Ｋ経済」の構造が続き、政府予算への依存度も高い。
The Democratic Party of Japan-led administration, partly as amends for having caused turmoil over the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station relocation issue, has beefed up its Okinawa Prefecture development budget to a handsome 293.7 billion yen this fiscal year. 民主党政権は、米軍普天間飛行場移設問題を迷走させた負い目もあり、今年度の沖縄振興予算を２９３７億円へ大幅に増やした。
To use the funds effectively, it is essential for the prefectural government and each municipality in the prefecture to compile economic development measures based on medium and long-term outlooks and continue their self-help efforts. これを有効に使うためには、沖縄県と各市町村が、中長期的展望に立った振興策を企画し、自助努力を続けることが大切だ。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 15, 2012) Japan, China, South Korea cooperation promising 日中韓首脳会談 ＦＴＡと「北」で具体的成果を（5月14日付・読売社説）
It is hoped that broad cooperation between Japan, China and South Korea will result in substantial progress on such key issues as the formation of a free trade zone and North Korea's nuclear development program. 日中韓３か国の幅広い協力を、自由貿易圏の形成や北朝鮮の核開発など重要課題における具体的な成果につなげたい。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda agreed with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and South Korean President Lee Myung Bak in their summit meeting in Beijing to launch negotiations on a three-way free trade agreement by the end of this year. 野田首相が北京で中国の温家宝首相、韓国の李明博大統領と会談し、日中韓の自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）交渉を年内に開始することで合意した。
The three countries signed a three-party investment accord, which specifies the protection of intellectual property rights and other issues, a prerequisite for the envisaged FTA. ３か国は、ＦＴＡの前提となる、知的財産権の保護などを定めた日中韓の投資協定に署名した。
Because South Korea initially indicated its priority was on concluding an FTA with China, it was considered uncertain whether the three countries would be able to agree on starting negotiations for the three-way accord. Given this background, we welcome the latest agreement among the three leaders. 韓国が当初、中韓２国間のＦＴＡを優先する姿勢を見せ、３か国の交渉入りが危ぶまれていただけに、今回の合意を歓迎したい。
It will be very significant if the three countries--which together account for about 20 percent of the global gross domestic product--form a free trade zone. In addition, it is vital for Japan's growth strategy to increase its trade with China and South Korea, countries that are rapidly boosting economic activities. 世界の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の約２割を占める日中韓が自由貿易圏を作る意義は大きい。急速に経済を拡大させている中韓両国との貿易を活発化することは、日本の成長戦略にも欠かせない。
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Japan still stuck at home
China became positive about forming a three-party FTA partly because Japan began full-fledged moves toward participating in negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership framework, the establishment of which the United States, Australia and seven other countries are now negotiating. 中国が日韓とのＦＴＡに前向きになった背景には、米豪など９か国が交渉中の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加に日本が本格的に動き始めたことがある。
Yet, Japan is still unable to announce its participation in the TPP negotiations due to delayed coordination of different opinions at home. The later our country participates in the negotiations, the less room there will be for it to become involved in setting the rules of international trade within the framework. だが、日本は国内調整の遅れから、ＴＰＰ交渉参加を表明できないでいる。参加が遅れるほど、日本は国際貿易のルール作りに関与する余地が狭まってしまう。
In addition to taking part in the U.S.-led TPP negotiations as soon as possible, the government must proactively promote reforms and strengthen competitiveness of the domestic farming sector. We believe such efforts would favorably affect the establishment of an FTA between Japan, China and South Korea. 米国主導のＴＰＰ交渉に早期に参加するとともに、国内農業の改革と競争力強化に積極的に取り組む必要がある。それが日中韓ＦＴＡにも良い影響を与えよう。
The three leaders also agreed to beef up cooperation over North Korea's nuclear activities. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said it is important to prevent the country from resorting to further provocative actions, including a new nuclear test. 首脳会談では、北朝鮮の核問題について日中韓の連携を強化することで一致した。野田首相は「核実験を含む、さらなる挑発行為を防ぐことが重要だ」と語った。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 14, 2012) Establish rules to protect watershed areas quickly 外資の森林買収 水源地保全のルール作り急げ （5月13日付・読売社説）
Foreign purchases of Japan's woodlands are on the rise. 外国資本による森林の買収が拡大している。
A total of 157 hectares of forest was acquired with foreign capital in 2011, almost four times the amount from a year earlier, according to data compiled by the Forestry Agency and the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry. The total from 2006 to 2011 reached as much as 785 hectares in seven prefectures, including Hokkaido, where nearly 90 percent of such purchases took place. 林野庁と国土交通省がまとめた２０１１年の買収実績は１５７ヘクタールで、前年の約４倍に増加した。０６年からの累計は、７道県で７８５ヘクタールに及び、北海道が全体の９割以上を占めている。
However, a survey of prefectural governments by The Yomiuri Shimbun this spring found the total area purchased with foreign capital reached 1,100 hectares, greatly exceeding the government's figures. 読売新聞が今春、都道府県を対象に実施した調査では、買収面積は計１１００ヘクタールに達し、政府の統計を大きく上回った。
As cases have been coming to light of Chinese companies acquiring land under the names of Japanese intermediary firms, the survey finding is probably just the tip of the iceberg. 中国企業などが、仲介する日本企業の名義で買収する事例も表面化しており、調査結果は「氷山の一角」に過ぎないだろう。
Worrisome is the fact that many of the acquired forested areas are in watersheds on which local communities depend. There have also been acquisitions of forested areas for purposes that are not clear. Should vital watershed areas be developed without restraint, the daily lives of local people could be threatened. 懸念されるのは、買収案件に地域の水源にかかる森林が多く含まれていることだ。利用目的がはっきりしないケースもある。水源地が乱開発される事態になれば、住民生活が脅かされかねない。
Even among those Western countries where land ownership by foreigners is permitted, a number of them restrict the ownership or development of areas near water sources. 外国人の土地保有を認める欧米でも、水源地周辺は所有や開発を規制している国が多い。
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Keep an eagle eye on forests
The government must become more aware of land ownership and transactions, and discuss restrictions for protecting these areas. 政府は、水源地の売買や保有の実態を十分把握し、保全のために必要な規制を検討すべきである。
With its enforcement last month, the revised Forest Law makes it mandatory for transactions involving forest lots of less than one hectare to be reported to authorities upon acquisition. Previously, there was no reporting requirement for lots of that size. ４月に施行された改正森林法は、従来は対象外だった１ヘクタール未満の森林売買についても取得後の届け出義務を課した。
Although the enforcement of the revision is a step forward, it is hardly sufficient since authorities will learn of such purchases only after the deals are made. 一歩前進ではあるが、事後に取引を把握するため、十分とは言い難い。
With their own ordinances enforced in April, the prefectural governments of Hokkaido and Saitama have made it obligatory for land transactions around the headwaters of rivers to be reported to them in advance. 北海道と埼玉県は４月施行の条例で、水源周辺の土地取引には事前の届け出を義務付けた。
Four other prefectures, including Yamagata and Gunma, are considering the enactment of similar ordinances. 山形、群馬など４県も同様の条例制定を検討中という。
May 11, 2012(Mainichi Japan) Editorial: Japan should work with Russia to solve territorial dispute as Putin becomes president 社説:プーチン新体制 関係深めて突破口探れ
Japan should seek a breakthrough in its deadlocked territorial dispute with Russia by strengthening its relations with the new administration of Russian President Vladimir Putin. （プーチン新政権との関係強化で行き詰まっている北方領土問題も解決して欲しい trans. by srachai ）
Putin, former prime minister, has been sworn in as president again and appointed his predecessor Dmitry Medvedev as prime minister, whose role is to handle domestic affairs. ロシアでプーチン前首相が４年ぶりに大統領に復帰し、メドベージェフ前大統領はその下で内政を取り仕切る首相に就任した。
In other words, the two swapped their positions, and Putin, who had been the second-in-command in the Russian government under the Constitution, has become the top leader again and is expected to show his strong leadership in governing the country. ２人が役どころをかえた形だが、これまで憲法上は「ナンバー２」だったプーチン氏が名実ともに国家指導者の座に返り咲き、ロシアの一層の国力強化に向けて強い主導権を発揮していくことになるだろう。
However, the second Putin administration, which follows his first administration from 2000 to 2008, faces a thorny path. だが、００〜０８年に続く「第２次プーチン政権」の船出は波乱含みだ。
More than 20,000 citizens gathered for a demonstration in Moscow on May 6 to express their opposition to Putin's return to the presidency, and some of them clashed with police, leading to the arrests of over 400 people. 大統領就任式を前に６日、プーチン氏の復帰に反対するモスクワの抗議デモに２万人以上が集まり、一部が警官隊と衝突して４００人以上が拘束された。
Massive demonstrations against Putin, which had continued since a lower house election in December last year, did not cause major confusion. 昨年１２月の下院選後、今年３月の大統領選をはさんで続いてきた政権への大規模な抗議行動は、これまで大きな混乱はなかった。
This time, however, some participants went off the designated course during their demonstration march and security authorities suppressed them. 新体制の船出としては異例の事態といえる。
It is certain that such confusion and disturbance will continue to occur frequently unless the government changes its autocratic nature, which is represented by its lack of a system to respond to the public's dissatisfaction. 今回はデモ隊の一部が既定のコースを外れ、当局が力で抑え込みにかかった。 国民の不満をくみ上げる政治システムに欠ける強権的な政権の体質が変わらなければ、こうした混乱が今後も頻発するのは確実だ。
One cannot help but wonder whether Putin is serious about strengthening Russia's democracy as he pledged in his inaugural address. プーチン氏は、就任あいさつで約束した「ロシアの民主主義の強化」に真剣に取り組むつもりなのか。
He should be aware that the international community as a whole is worried about Russia's democracy. 国際社会に懸念があることを自覚してもらいたい。
On the diplomatic front, concerns have been voiced over whether Putin will revive the hard line that he had adopted when he was president from 2000 and 2008. 外交政策でも、プーチン氏が前回の大統領時代にとった強硬路線の復活を懸念する声がある。
He has so far shown no sign of responding to U.S. President Barack Obama's proposal to launch negotiations toward further arms reductions. オバマ米大統領からの一層の核軍縮へ向けた交渉開始の呼びかけには、今のところ応じる気配は見せておらず、
Moreover, he reportedly has no intention of attending the Group of Eight summit meeting to be held in the United States in May. ５月に米国で開かれる主要８カ国（Ｇ８）首脳会議にも出席しないという。
Putin is highly likely to make his diplomatic debut since he assumed the presidency again at a summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). 大統領復帰の「外交デビュー」は６月初めに北京で開かれる上海協力機構の首脳会議になる可能性が高い。
