11年9月28日（水）付
「とにかく時間の中は動けやしないさ。現在の瞬間からは逃れられないよ」「そこが君の間違っている点だ」。ＳＦの巨人ウェルズの短編「タイム・マシン」（橋本槙矩〈まきのり〉訳、岩波文庫）から引いた。発表は１８９５年。時間旅行を、神秘ではなく科学で料理した快作とされる▼１０年後、本物の科学が、光速を超す物質はない、時間はさかのぼれないと示すことになる。若きアインシュタインの相対性理論だ。かくて夢の機械は空想の世界に封じられた▼ところが、である。ニュートリノなる素粒子が光より速いと報告された。スイスの加速器から飛ばして、イタリアの検出器に届く時間を繰り返し測ったところ、どうやっても１億分の６秒早かったという。速度では光を０．００２５％上回る▼本当なら、あらゆる分野で検証されてきたアインシュタインの偉業、現代物理学の土台が揺らぐ大事である。だから計測誤差とみる向きも多い。研究チームも担当者を変えて確かめるらしい▼「行けるなら未来か過去か」「やり直すとしたら×歳から」「１０年前の自分に伝言を」。罪がない設問で遊べるのは、時間旅行が現実離れしているからこそだ。このまま夢にとどまってほしいやら、光に先回りして未来からわが間抜け面を眺めてみたいやら、心は乱れる▼宇宙の始まりや果てを思い詰め、自らの存在を問うた夜もあった。戻るならあの年頃がいい。今年のいつかということであれば、迷わず３月１１日の朝に飛ぶ。ハンドマイクを携えて。
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
28/09 大統領と広島―なぜ原爆と向き合わぬ
ふだんはうまくいっている外交関係にも、触れ方が難しい問題はある。たとえば、日本と米国における原爆だ。
広島・長崎では２０万人以上が犠牲になり、いまも多くの人々が後遺症に苦しんでいる。日本側から見れば、許せない無差別攻撃だ。だが、米側は戦争終結を早めるために必要だったと正当化する。
原爆観の対立は、安保条約を結ぶ日米関係の底深く刺さった「歴史のトゲ」といえる。
難題だけに、トゲを抜こうとする人もいれば、あえて関わろうとしない人もいる。
内部告発サイト「ウィキリークス」が入手していた米外交文書で、この問題の一端がのぞいた。０９年８月、オバマ米大統領の初来日を前に、当時の薮中三十二外務次官がルース駐日大使と会談した。薮中氏は、大統領の広島訪問は「時期尚早」と伝えた、というのだ。
その年の４月、オバマ大統領はプラハで「核なき世界」を訴えていた。その演説を受けて、大統領の広島訪問を期待する声が、被爆地を中心に盛り上がっていたころだ。
結局、大統領は広島に行かなかったが、米側が強い関心を抱いていたのは事実だ。外務次官が消極的な見解を伝えたのだとしたら、どういうことなのか。理解できない。
「ここに来て事実を知ってください。未来を生きる子どものために」。この夏に亡くなった被爆の語り部、沼田鈴子さんは大統領への期待をそう言葉にしたことがある。
これこそ、被爆国日本が世界に発すべきメッセージだ。外務省はその広報役のはずだ。
もちろん、外務次官が広島行きを強く勧めても、米国内の保守派の反発は大きく、実現したかどうかはわからない。
同時に、もし実現すれば、日本はアジアに対する戦争責任を果たしたのか否かが、国内外で問い直されたかもしれない。
どちらも、政権や外務省には波乱要因に映っていた可能性がある。だからといって、避けて通るのは健全ではない。
すでに０８年には、当時のペロシ米下院議長が広島を、河野洋平衆院議長がハワイの真珠湾を訪ねて献花した実例もあった。こんな努力の先に、大統領の広島訪問が実現できるならば、日米両国は原爆ともっと正面から向き合えるに違いない。
今回たまたま、政権交代期の外務官僚の発言が問題になったことで、改めて確信する。「歴史のトゲ」は政治全体で抜いていくしかないのだ、と。
広島・長崎では２０万人以上が犠牲になり、いまも多くの人々が後遺症に苦しんでいる。日本側から見れば、許せない無差別攻撃だ。だが、米側は戦争終結を早めるために必要だったと正当化する。
原爆観の対立は、安保条約を結ぶ日米関係の底深く刺さった「歴史のトゲ」といえる。
難題だけに、トゲを抜こうとする人もいれば、あえて関わろうとしない人もいる。
内部告発サイト「ウィキリークス」が入手していた米外交文書で、この問題の一端がのぞいた。０９年８月、オバマ米大統領の初来日を前に、当時の薮中三十二外務次官がルース駐日大使と会談した。薮中氏は、大統領の広島訪問は「時期尚早」と伝えた、というのだ。
その年の４月、オバマ大統領はプラハで「核なき世界」を訴えていた。その演説を受けて、大統領の広島訪問を期待する声が、被爆地を中心に盛り上がっていたころだ。
結局、大統領は広島に行かなかったが、米側が強い関心を抱いていたのは事実だ。外務次官が消極的な見解を伝えたのだとしたら、どういうことなのか。理解できない。
「ここに来て事実を知ってください。未来を生きる子どものために」。この夏に亡くなった被爆の語り部、沼田鈴子さんは大統領への期待をそう言葉にしたことがある。
これこそ、被爆国日本が世界に発すべきメッセージだ。外務省はその広報役のはずだ。
もちろん、外務次官が広島行きを強く勧めても、米国内の保守派の反発は大きく、実現したかどうかはわからない。
同時に、もし実現すれば、日本はアジアに対する戦争責任を果たしたのか否かが、国内外で問い直されたかもしれない。
どちらも、政権や外務省には波乱要因に映っていた可能性がある。だからといって、避けて通るのは健全ではない。
すでに０８年には、当時のペロシ米下院議長が広島を、河野洋平衆院議長がハワイの真珠湾を訪ねて献花した実例もあった。こんな努力の先に、大統領の広島訪問が実現できるならば、日米両国は原爆ともっと正面から向き合えるに違いない。
今回たまたま、政権交代期の外務官僚の発言が問題になったことで、改めて確信する。「歴史のトゲ」は政治全体で抜いていくしかないのだ、と。
28/09 原発損賠機構―東電救済に陥るな
福島第一原発の事故賠償を支援する原子力損害賠償支援機構がスタートした。
理事長に就任した前一橋大学長の杉山武彦氏は、賠償規模について「当面は３兆～４兆円」との見通しを示した。東京電力の純資産はすでに１兆円強にまで減っており、機構からの資金支援がなければ、すぐにも債務超過に陥る経営状況にある。
このため、政府は第３次補正予算案で機構向け交付国債の発行枠を３兆円追加し、５兆円規模の資金を確保する。
機構からの交付金は東電の決算上、特別利益に計上され、賠償に伴う損失と相殺される。賠償負担と日常の電力供給業務とを切り離すことで東電は利益を確保し、国に少しずつお金を返済していく、という皮算用だ。
一方、東電は当面の代替電源として必要な火力発電の燃料代を賄うためとして、３年限定で電気料金を１５％程度値上げする方針を関係先に打診した。原発が再稼働したら元に戻し、半減した社員の賞与水準も回復させることを検討中という。
賠償支援の枠組みが整ったことで、東電が数年後には元のような経営に戻れると考えているなら、勘違いも甚だしい。
公的資金による賠償支援は、あくまで被害者を保護するためのもので、東電救済が目的ではない。
機構は、東電の経営状況を洗い出す政府の調査委員会が来月初めにも提出する報告書を元に、資金提供の条件となる東電の特別事業計画（１０年間）をつくる。機構設立の趣旨を踏まえ、東電の手ぬるいリストラや安易な料金値上げを許さないよう目を光らせてほしい。
仮に賠償負担にめどがついたとしても、原発事故の処理や除染にかかる費用は相当額にのぼる。何より、原子炉や燃料棒の廃棄費用の問題がある。
廃炉は、通常でも１基５００億円以上かかるとされる。ましてや炉心溶融を起こした炉の処理となれば、兆円単位にのぼるとの見方がもっぱらだ。
事故が収束し、こうしたコストが顕在化した時点で、東電の経営が行き詰まるのは目に見えている。首都圏の電力供給を担う東電が不健全なまま事業を続ける状態が長引けば、新たな設備投資や新エネルギー開発をてこにした成長の芽も育たない。
野田政権は、いずれ東電の法的処理が避けられないことを念頭に、脱・原発依存の方針に基づいた新しいエネルギー政策を具体化し、電力分野の活性化に向けた作業を急がなければならない。
理事長に就任した前一橋大学長の杉山武彦氏は、賠償規模について「当面は３兆～４兆円」との見通しを示した。東京電力の純資産はすでに１兆円強にまで減っており、機構からの資金支援がなければ、すぐにも債務超過に陥る経営状況にある。
このため、政府は第３次補正予算案で機構向け交付国債の発行枠を３兆円追加し、５兆円規模の資金を確保する。
機構からの交付金は東電の決算上、特別利益に計上され、賠償に伴う損失と相殺される。賠償負担と日常の電力供給業務とを切り離すことで東電は利益を確保し、国に少しずつお金を返済していく、という皮算用だ。
一方、東電は当面の代替電源として必要な火力発電の燃料代を賄うためとして、３年限定で電気料金を１５％程度値上げする方針を関係先に打診した。原発が再稼働したら元に戻し、半減した社員の賞与水準も回復させることを検討中という。
賠償支援の枠組みが整ったことで、東電が数年後には元のような経営に戻れると考えているなら、勘違いも甚だしい。
公的資金による賠償支援は、あくまで被害者を保護するためのもので、東電救済が目的ではない。
機構は、東電の経営状況を洗い出す政府の調査委員会が来月初めにも提出する報告書を元に、資金提供の条件となる東電の特別事業計画（１０年間）をつくる。機構設立の趣旨を踏まえ、東電の手ぬるいリストラや安易な料金値上げを許さないよう目を光らせてほしい。
仮に賠償負担にめどがついたとしても、原発事故の処理や除染にかかる費用は相当額にのぼる。何より、原子炉や燃料棒の廃棄費用の問題がある。
廃炉は、通常でも１基５００億円以上かかるとされる。ましてや炉心溶融を起こした炉の処理となれば、兆円単位にのぼるとの見方がもっぱらだ。
事故が収束し、こうしたコストが顕在化した時点で、東電の経営が行き詰まるのは目に見えている。首都圏の電力供給を担う東電が不健全なまま事業を続ける状態が長引けば、新たな設備投資や新エネルギー開発をてこにした成長の芽も育たない。
野田政権は、いずれ東電の法的処理が避けられないことを念頭に、脱・原発依存の方針に基づいた新しいエネルギー政策を具体化し、電力分野の活性化に向けた作業を急がなければならない。
28/09 EDITORIAL: After aides' guilty verdicts, Ozawa should consider retiring
2011/09/28
The Tokyo District Court on Sept. 26 found three former aides to ruling party kingpin Ichiro Ozawa guilty of falsifying political fund reports. Against the backdrop of collusive ties with companies based on public works, the court ruling said, the three former Ozawa aides falsified the entries, which are the bases for public criticism and monitoring of political activities, thereby deepening public distrust of politics.
The case concerns a dubious land purchase by a political fund management organization of the former Democratic Party of Japan chief. The court also acknowledged that a middle-ranking general contractor offered dubious money to the Ozawa camp. The ruling can be described as a sharp rebuke for the money-driven politics of the political bigwig.
In their trial, the former aides argued that even if they were guilty it was a minor offense. But the court didn't agree. Tomohiro Ishikawa, one of the three convicted former Ozawa aides, who remained a member of the Lower House even after his indictment, should now resign.
Ozawa should also be held strictly accountable for the case. While the issue of his criminal liability should be determined through his own trial, he cannot escape political responsibility for the funding scandal. Since the scandal came to light, Ozawa has refused to offer convincing and straightforward answers to the public's questions about the affair, inventing convenient excuses for ducking his responsibility. The ruling echoed public distrust of Ozawa's claims concerning the scandal by pointing out the fact that Ozawa has failed to offer a clear explanation about where the 400 million yen (about $5 million) he provided to his political fund organization for the land purchase came from.
In our past editorials, we criticized the way Ozawa was responding to the allegations and urged him to retire from politics so that this nation can bid farewell to old-fashioned politics. The Sept. 26 ruling has only reinforced our argument.
When his party membership was suspended, Ozawa said, "There were politicians who took responsibility for scandals involving their aides, but only in cases where the aides admitted wrongdoing." Now that his three former aides have all been found guilty, Ozawa has a duty to seriously consider how he should take responsibility.
The claims the former Ozawa aides made during their trial were totally out of sync with common sense and general ideas about justice among the people.
For instance, they said that transfers of funds between Ozawa's different political fund organizations were like moving money from one pocket to another, and such transfers of funds may or may not be reported. They also claimed it didn't matter if money transfers were not entered into political fund reports in a timely manner. The ruling rightfully rejected all these arguments.
We hope that all other politicians will also remember the purpose of the Political Fund Control Law and take steps to ensure that all the relevant facts concerning their political funds will be accurately reported according to the rules.
Although the ruling mostly endorsed the picture painted by public prosecutors, they have also some soul-searching to do. The court did not admit many of their records of interrogation as evidence, saying they were made by using a mix of intimidation and the lure of rewards.
Prosecutors should change their approach to building cases by gathering sufficient objective evidence instead of depending on statements by suspects and witnesses. Prosecutors should listen carefully to what the suspects say so that they can show inconsistencies in their remarks to the judges. The ruling shows that prosecutors can convince the judges by gathering enough materials to prove their cases.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 27
The Tokyo District Court on Sept. 26 found three former aides to ruling party kingpin Ichiro Ozawa guilty of falsifying political fund reports. Against the backdrop of collusive ties with companies based on public works, the court ruling said, the three former Ozawa aides falsified the entries, which are the bases for public criticism and monitoring of political activities, thereby deepening public distrust of politics.
The case concerns a dubious land purchase by a political fund management organization of the former Democratic Party of Japan chief. The court also acknowledged that a middle-ranking general contractor offered dubious money to the Ozawa camp. The ruling can be described as a sharp rebuke for the money-driven politics of the political bigwig.
In their trial, the former aides argued that even if they were guilty it was a minor offense. But the court didn't agree. Tomohiro Ishikawa, one of the three convicted former Ozawa aides, who remained a member of the Lower House even after his indictment, should now resign.
Ozawa should also be held strictly accountable for the case. While the issue of his criminal liability should be determined through his own trial, he cannot escape political responsibility for the funding scandal. Since the scandal came to light, Ozawa has refused to offer convincing and straightforward answers to the public's questions about the affair, inventing convenient excuses for ducking his responsibility. The ruling echoed public distrust of Ozawa's claims concerning the scandal by pointing out the fact that Ozawa has failed to offer a clear explanation about where the 400 million yen (about $5 million) he provided to his political fund organization for the land purchase came from.
In our past editorials, we criticized the way Ozawa was responding to the allegations and urged him to retire from politics so that this nation can bid farewell to old-fashioned politics. The Sept. 26 ruling has only reinforced our argument.
When his party membership was suspended, Ozawa said, "There were politicians who took responsibility for scandals involving their aides, but only in cases where the aides admitted wrongdoing." Now that his three former aides have all been found guilty, Ozawa has a duty to seriously consider how he should take responsibility.
The claims the former Ozawa aides made during their trial were totally out of sync with common sense and general ideas about justice among the people.
For instance, they said that transfers of funds between Ozawa's different political fund organizations were like moving money from one pocket to another, and such transfers of funds may or may not be reported. They also claimed it didn't matter if money transfers were not entered into political fund reports in a timely manner. The ruling rightfully rejected all these arguments.
We hope that all other politicians will also remember the purpose of the Political Fund Control Law and take steps to ensure that all the relevant facts concerning their political funds will be accurately reported according to the rules.
Although the ruling mostly endorsed the picture painted by public prosecutors, they have also some soul-searching to do. The court did not admit many of their records of interrogation as evidence, saying they were made by using a mix of intimidation and the lure of rewards.
Prosecutors should change their approach to building cases by gathering sufficient objective evidence instead of depending on statements by suspects and witnesses. Prosecutors should listen carefully to what the suspects say so that they can show inconsistencies in their remarks to the judges. The ruling shows that prosecutors can convince the judges by gathering enough materials to prove their cases.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 27
28/09 Govt N-liability fund may take over TEPCO
The government's nuclear damage liability fund, which began operation Monday, may put Tokyo Electric Power Co. under its control because costs to decommission reactors at the crisis-hit Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant are expected to reach several trillion yen.
Former Hitotsubashi University President Takehiko Sugiyama, who became head of the organization on Monday, told a press conference the entity would inject capital into TEPCO and put the utility under public management when the decommissioning costs reach an extremely high level.
Although Sugiyama said the final cost of the decommissioning work is not yet known, he made clear a capital injection by his organization "will be necessary."
The corporation was established to support TEPCO's payment of compensation for damages resulting from the crisis, including those from the spread of radioactive material from the power plant.
Despite the expected costs of several trillion yen for decommissioning the Fukushima No. 1 plant's reactors, TEPCO has only about 1 trillion yen of its own capital.
Therefore, if the company bears the burden only by itself, it is almost certain that its liabilities will exceed its assets.
In this regard, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano said, "TEPCO has no competition at present [because of its regional monopoly] and profits are surely secured. It is natural that [pay for executives and employees] must be decided in a way similar to that of public employees and staffers at independent administrative institutions."
He was essentially calling on TEPCO to step up efforts to reduce its personnel costs.
Meanwhile, TEPCO President Toshio Nishizawa suggested the firm would study an additional restructuring program, saying "We're not in a situation to consider raising electricity rates."
The company earlier sought an opinion from the government's TEPCO Management and Finance Investigation Committee on a charge hike.
TEPCO and the fund will compile a special program plan in October, which will feature restructuring programs. If Edano does not approve the plan, the government will not extend capital assistance to the firm.
===
Severe programs expected
Sugiyama, the head of the fund's board of directors, emphasized at his press conference, "It is important for us to carefully understand how victims feel now."
In October the fund will establish a local office in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, to answer questions from the victims.
A major focus in terms of TEPCO's management issues will be restructuring programs to be included in the special business project plan that the fund will compile jointly with the utility.
Edano, who will decide whether the government will accept the plan, intends to ask TEPCO to make thorough cuts in expenses, including personnel costs, saying the company's executive and employee pay should be significantly lowered.
Sugiyama also took a stance of not allowing an easy increase in power charges. He said the current system, which allows power companies to decide electricity charges by adding profits onto their actual power generation costs, needs to be reviewed.
With the launch of the fund, worries over how TEPCO will raise money to pay compensation are somewhat eased.
Sugiyama put the amount of necessary money for immediate compensation payments at 3 trillion yen to 4 trillion yen. This amount of money is to be provided by the fund to TEPCO.
However, no money from the fund can be used for decommissioning reactors. Therefore, it is almost certain that the company's liabilities will exceed its assets.
For this reason, Sugiyama thinks it necessary to put TEPCO under public control.
(Sep. 28, 2011)
28/09 福島市、除染目標は１マイクロ・シーベルト以下
東京電力福島第一原発事故による放射能対策として、福島市は２７日、市内全域について、今後２年間で、地表から１メートルの空間放射線量を毎時１マイクロ・シーベルト以下に低減させる除染計画を発表した。
１マイクロ・シーベルトを下回っている地域では６０％低減させる。除染で取り除いた土壌などの仮置き場を確保した地域で、１０月から始める。１０年後を目安に、国際放射線防護委員会が一般人の被曝(ひばく)限度と定めた年間１ミリ・シーベルト以下にすることを目標としている。
発表によると、計画期間は５年で、最初の２年間を重点期間に設定。線量の高い地域から、民家の玄関や庭先のほか、通学路や公園など子供や市民の利用が多い場所を優先して除染する。市が主体となって取り組むが、放射線量の低い場所などでは、市民や企業、さらに全国からボランティアを募って実施するという。
（2011年9月28日00時25分 読売新聞）
１マイクロ・シーベルトを下回っている地域では６０％低減させる。除染で取り除いた土壌などの仮置き場を確保した地域で、１０月から始める。１０年後を目安に、国際放射線防護委員会が一般人の被曝(ひばく)限度と定めた年間１ミリ・シーベルト以下にすることを目標としている。
発表によると、計画期間は５年で、最初の２年間を重点期間に設定。線量の高い地域から、民家の玄関や庭先のほか、通学路や公園など子供や市民の利用が多い場所を優先して除染する。市が主体となって取り組むが、放射線量の低い場所などでは、市民や企業、さらに全国からボランティアを募って実施するという。
（2011年9月28日00時25分 読売新聞）
28/09 原発コスト再検証、原子力委が小委設置決定
内閣府原子力委員会（委員長＝近藤駿介・東大名誉教授）は２７日、原子力発電のコストを再検証する小委員会の設置を決めた。
原発の発電コストはこれまで、石油火力や太陽光、風力などに比べて安いとされてきた。しかし、東京電力福島第一原発事故を受け、事故対応や津波対策の費用を加えて計算し直す必要が出てきた。
小委員会の座長は鈴木達治郎・原子力委員長代理が務め、６人の委員で構成。１０月から、原発や核燃料サイクルの経済性について議論を始める。使用済み核燃料を再処理せずに直接処分する脱・核燃料サイクルのコストも検討する。
同日開かれた原子力委の政策大綱策定会議でも、細野原発相が「原子力に対する国民の目は極めて厳しい。さまざまな状況の変化を踏まえて、徹底したコストの検証をお願いしたい」と発言していた。
（2011年9月28日03時04分 読売新聞）
原発の発電コストはこれまで、石油火力や太陽光、風力などに比べて安いとされてきた。しかし、東京電力福島第一原発事故を受け、事故対応や津波対策の費用を加えて計算し直す必要が出てきた。
小委員会の座長は鈴木達治郎・原子力委員長代理が務め、６人の委員で構成。１０月から、原発や核燃料サイクルの経済性について議論を始める。使用済み核燃料を再処理せずに直接処分する脱・核燃料サイクルのコストも検討する。
同日開かれた原子力委の政策大綱策定会議でも、細野原発相が「原子力に対する国民の目は極めて厳しい。さまざまな状況の変化を踏まえて、徹底したコストの検証をお願いしたい」と発言していた。
（2011年9月28日03時04分 読売新聞）
28/09 福島第一１号機の水素濃度６３％…爆発恐れなし
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所１号機の格納容器に通じる配管から高い濃度の水素が検出された問題で、東電は２８日、濃度は６３％に上ると発表した。
配管内で酸素が検出されなかったことから爆発の恐れはないとしているが、東電は２９日に配管内に窒素を注入し、水素を排出する。
高濃度の水素は、格納容器から放射性物質の漏出を抑えるための排気装置で使用する配管から見つかった。２、３号機でも同様の配管の水素濃度を調べる。
水素は、事故直後に核燃料が高温になり燃料を覆う金属と水が反応して発生したものとみられる。空気中に４％以上の水素と５％以上の酸素が同時にあると爆発の危険性が高まる。東電では、格納容器の上部やほかの配管にも水素がたまっている可能性があることから、今後の作業では水素がある可能性を前提にして安全対策を行うとしている。
（2011年9月28日20時39分 読売新聞）
配管内で酸素が検出されなかったことから爆発の恐れはないとしているが、東電は２９日に配管内に窒素を注入し、水素を排出する。
高濃度の水素は、格納容器から放射性物質の漏出を抑えるための排気装置で使用する配管から見つかった。２、３号機でも同様の配管の水素濃度を調べる。
水素は、事故直後に核燃料が高温になり燃料を覆う金属と水が反応して発生したものとみられる。空気中に４％以上の水素と５％以上の酸素が同時にあると爆発の危険性が高まる。東電では、格納容器の上部やほかの配管にも水素がたまっている可能性があることから、今後の作業では水素がある可能性を前提にして安全対策を行うとしている。
（2011年9月28日20時39分 読売新聞）
28/09 福島第一、１～３号機原子炉１００度以下に
東京電力は２８日、福島第一原子力発電所２号機の原子炉底部の温度が、同日午後５時時点で９９・４度と、３月１１日の事故後、初めて１００度を下回ったと発表した。
これで１～３号機すべてで、原子炉を安定して冷却する「冷温停止状態」の２条件の一つである「１００度以下」を達成した。
１、３号機に比べ原子炉の冷却が遅れていた２号機では、今月１４日から毎時３～４トンだった注水量を徐々に増やし、冷却を進めてきた。原子炉上部からシャワーのように水を入れる手法も新たに導入し、２６日までに注水量を毎時１０トンに増加させた。
冷温停止状態の実現は、政府が年内をめどに進める事故収束に向けた工程表の「ステップ２」の大きな柱で、避難住民の帰宅に向けた検討を本格化させる目安となる。実現には「１００度以下」の冷却の継続のほか、放射性物質の放出の大幅な抑制が条件となる。東電は、９月上旬の原子炉からの放出量を毎時約２億ベクレルと見積もり、追加放出による敷地境界の線量は目標（年１ミリ・シーベルト）を下回る年０・４ミリ・シーベルトと推定する。しかし、推定精度は低く、東電は放出量を確定させる詰めの作業を進めている。
（2011年9月28日21時20分 読売新聞）
28/09 復興財源捻出に向け法制定…政府・民主党方針
政府・民主党は、東日本大震災からの復興に向けた臨時増税の実施に関連し、税外収入などによる財源捻出策を盛り込んだ「復興財源の確保に関する法律」（仮称）を制定する方針を固めた。
野田首相や民主党の輿石幹事長らが出席して２７日に開かれた「政府・民主三役会議」で合意した。与野党に税外収入などの上積みを求める声が根強く、法制化で可能な限り捻出する姿勢を明確にする狙いがあるとみられる。法案は、自民、公明両党と協議した上で、次期臨時国会にも提出する。
２７日の政府・民主三役会議での合意文によると、臨時増税は、まず歳出削減と税外収入による財源確保額が「５兆円程度」であることを前提に講じると位置づけた。さらに、「政府は税外収入等による財源確保に努める」とし、〈１〉日本郵政株〈２〉日本たばこ産業（ＪＴ）株〈３〉エネルギー対策特別会計の保有株――について「売却可能となった株式をできる限り速やかに売却する」とした。その上で、与野党協議を前提に、こうした点を法律に規定すると打ち出した。
（2011年9月28日14時33分 読売新聞）
野田首相や民主党の輿石幹事長らが出席して２７日に開かれた「政府・民主三役会議」で合意した。与野党に税外収入などの上積みを求める声が根強く、法制化で可能な限り捻出する姿勢を明確にする狙いがあるとみられる。法案は、自民、公明両党と協議した上で、次期臨時国会にも提出する。
２７日の政府・民主三役会議での合意文によると、臨時増税は、まず歳出削減と税外収入による財源確保額が「５兆円程度」であることを前提に講じると位置づけた。さらに、「政府は税外収入等による財源確保に努める」とし、〈１〉日本郵政株〈２〉日本たばこ産業（ＪＴ）株〈３〉エネルギー対策特別会計の保有株――について「売却可能となった株式をできる限り速やかに売却する」とした。その上で、与野党協議を前提に、こうした点を法律に規定すると打ち出した。
（2011年9月28日14時33分 読売新聞）
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
27/09 春秋
- 2011/9/27付
時代はちょうど日本の幕末。池上永一さんの小説「テンペスト」は、滅亡へと至る琉球王国の末期を、壮大なロマンを織り交ぜて描いた大作だ。仲間由紀恵さんが主演し、ＮＨＫのＢＳ時代劇でも放映された。ご存じの人も多いだろう。
▼主人公は頭脳明敏な美少女の真鶴。男装して名を孫寧温と改め、王府入りして、次々と難題を解決していく。奇想天外な物語だ。かのペリーの琉球来航も、巧みな外交術で上手にあしらってしまう。寧温が実在してくれたら……。読み進めていくと思わず、いまの沖縄の米軍普天間基地の移設問題と重ねてしまう。
▼「結果を出す時期」。先の日米首脳会談で、米国が普天間問題の進展を促した。現実はどうか。辺野古移設の日米合意は風前のともしび。地元の安全を考えれば、周囲に住宅が密集する普天間の固定化も避けたい。一方で、日米同盟の重みも無視できない。首相は沖縄説得に全力を挙げるというが、解はあるのか。
▼「どうか琉球を愛し続けてください」「日本に併合されたことを五十年後、百年後の民が心から喜べるように琉球を愛すると約束します」。かの「テンペスト」の終章。真鶴と、互いに恋する日本の内務官僚の間にこんな会話がある。沖縄出身の池上さん、いや沖縄の人々の悲痛な願いのようにも、聞こえてくる。
27/09 Japanese couples going to Thailand to pick sex of child
BY AKIKO OKAZAKI STAFF WRITER
2011/09/27
A growing number of married Japanese couples are paying big bucks in Thailand to ensure their baby is the sex they want.
In the past year, at least 30 married couples have traveled to the country for gender selection, which requires the diagnosis of fertilized eggs, according to a survey by The Asahi Shimbun.
In Japan, diagnoses of fertilized eggs are allowed only for serious genetic diseases or possible miscarriages, on the grounds that it could lead to selective breeding.
According to Thai brokers, they communicate with their Japanese customers through e-mail messages and meet them when they come to Thailand. Many of these married couples have already had two or more male children and are wanting a female child.
The cost for the diagnosis is about 1.5 million yen ($19,600). The brokers report that the number of customers is increasing, and since summer, they have been receiving requests from seven or eight couples a month.
A clinic in Bangkok said, "In addition to Japanese, we have many customers from China and India. Almost all of our customers from those countries are hoping for male children."
Thailand, which has been improving its medical technology, is becoming advanced in the medical treatment field and is enjoying a growing popularity among overseas patients. About 15 medical institutions are conducting diagnoses of fertilized eggs.
The Asahi Shimbun interviewed two medical institutions that are often used by Japanese couples. There, they found that Japanese couples have been increasing over the past two or three years, with about 30 couples undergoing diagnoses of fertilized eggs during the past year for gender selection.
Originally, diagnosis of fertilized eggs was conducted to see whether the babies that will be born are suffering from genetic diseases. After an in vitro fertilized egg divides into four or eight cells, one or two of them are removed to see whether there are abnormal genes or chromosomes.
When doctors diagnose the fertilized egg, however, they can also see whether the baby will be male or female.
The diagnosis requires in vitro fertilization. Therefore, even married couples who are not infertile are offering their sperm and eggs for in vitro fertilization.
According to the Thai royal society of obstetrics and gynecology, diagnosis of fertilized eggs is conducted about 600 times a year in Thailand. Of those, about 60 to 70 percent are used for gender selection.
According to the society's guidelines, diagnosis of fertilized eggs is not allowed except for the checking of genetic diseases. However, the society's guidelines are not binding on doctors, and there is no punishment mandated even if they break them. Therefore, the diagnoses are used widely for gender selection.
In Germany, diagnosis of fertilized eggs is prohibited on the grounds that it could lead to selective breeding and the concept of eugenics. In particular, the diagnosis has many ethical concerns in the case of gender selection because the fertilized eggs are abandoned when the sexes of the children are not what the parents want.
Many of the countries that allow the diagnosis of fertilized eggs for genetic diseases do not do so for gender selection.
In Japan, the necessity of diagnosis of fertilized eggs is individually examined only for serious genetic diseases or possible miscarriages under the guidelines of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Those genetic diseases include muscular dystrophy.
Since 2004, only about 200 cases have been approved at 11 facilities, including Keio University and Nagoya City University.
2011/09/27
A growing number of married Japanese couples are paying big bucks in Thailand to ensure their baby is the sex they want.
In the past year, at least 30 married couples have traveled to the country for gender selection, which requires the diagnosis of fertilized eggs, according to a survey by The Asahi Shimbun.
In Japan, diagnoses of fertilized eggs are allowed only for serious genetic diseases or possible miscarriages, on the grounds that it could lead to selective breeding.
According to Thai brokers, they communicate with their Japanese customers through e-mail messages and meet them when they come to Thailand. Many of these married couples have already had two or more male children and are wanting a female child.
The cost for the diagnosis is about 1.5 million yen ($19,600). The brokers report that the number of customers is increasing, and since summer, they have been receiving requests from seven or eight couples a month.
A clinic in Bangkok said, "In addition to Japanese, we have many customers from China and India. Almost all of our customers from those countries are hoping for male children."
Thailand, which has been improving its medical technology, is becoming advanced in the medical treatment field and is enjoying a growing popularity among overseas patients. About 15 medical institutions are conducting diagnoses of fertilized eggs.
The Asahi Shimbun interviewed two medical institutions that are often used by Japanese couples. There, they found that Japanese couples have been increasing over the past two or three years, with about 30 couples undergoing diagnoses of fertilized eggs during the past year for gender selection.
Originally, diagnosis of fertilized eggs was conducted to see whether the babies that will be born are suffering from genetic diseases. After an in vitro fertilized egg divides into four or eight cells, one or two of them are removed to see whether there are abnormal genes or chromosomes.
When doctors diagnose the fertilized egg, however, they can also see whether the baby will be male or female.
The diagnosis requires in vitro fertilization. Therefore, even married couples who are not infertile are offering their sperm and eggs for in vitro fertilization.
According to the Thai royal society of obstetrics and gynecology, diagnosis of fertilized eggs is conducted about 600 times a year in Thailand. Of those, about 60 to 70 percent are used for gender selection.
According to the society's guidelines, diagnosis of fertilized eggs is not allowed except for the checking of genetic diseases. However, the society's guidelines are not binding on doctors, and there is no punishment mandated even if they break them. Therefore, the diagnoses are used widely for gender selection.
In Germany, diagnosis of fertilized eggs is prohibited on the grounds that it could lead to selective breeding and the concept of eugenics. In particular, the diagnosis has many ethical concerns in the case of gender selection because the fertilized eggs are abandoned when the sexes of the children are not what the parents want.
Many of the countries that allow the diagnosis of fertilized eggs for genetic diseases do not do so for gender selection.
In Japan, the necessity of diagnosis of fertilized eggs is individually examined only for serious genetic diseases or possible miscarriages under the guidelines of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Those genetic diseases include muscular dystrophy.
Since 2004, only about 200 cases have been approved at 11 facilities, including Keio University and Nagoya City University.
27/09 Pro-nuclear mayor wins re-election in Kaminoseki
BY JUNKO WATANABE STAFF WRITER
2011/09/27
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Shigemi Kashiwabara after winning re-election as mayor of Kaminoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, on Sept. 25. (Shoma Fujimaki)KAMINOSEKI, Yamaguchi Prefecture -- Shigemi Kashiwabara, the incumbent mayor who backed a plan to build a nuclear power plant in this western Japanese city, easily won re-election against an anti-nuclear opponent on Sept. 25.
In the first local government leadership election in an area where a new nuclear power plant is planned since the Fukushima disaster, Kashiwabara, 62, secured a third term with 1,868 votes. His opponent, Sadao Yamato, 61, got only 905 votes.
During the campaign, Kashiwabara said he would concentrate on town development and leave the issue of whether to construct the nuclear power plant to the central government.
"I still believe that there is no revenue that can replace that associated with nuclear power," he said after his victory. "It has become unclear how the Kaminoseki nuclear power plant will be handled since the Fukushima accident. We ask the central government to (make a decision) while taking our stance into account."
Yamato argued that there was no longer a national policy supporting nuclear power and called on residents to develop their town without relying on nuclear subsidies.
The accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant has forced Chugoku Electric Power Co. to suspend preparatory work for the Kaminoseki nuclear facility. Many residents suspect the plant may never be built, and Kashiwabara appears to have won support from these neutral voters as well as supporters of nuclear power.
Many voters apparently preferred Kashiwabara's local administrative skills to Yamato's experience as leader of an anti-nuclear organization.
A 71-year-old woman who works part time said she voted for Kashiwabara because she believed that he could revitalize the community.
"I am concerned about risks involved in a nuclear power plant, but our town will decline without it," she said. "I don't care whether it will be built or not."
The town has been divided between pro-nuclear and anti-nuclear camps since plans for the Kaminoseki nuclear power plant surfaced in 1982. Since then, pro-nuclear candidates have won all nine mayoral elections.
27/09 U.S. secretly asked Japan to help dump nuclear reactors
BY TAKUYA SUZUKI STAFF WRITER
2011/09/27
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A Russian Navy vessel dumps liquid radioactive waste into waters near Japan in October 1993. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)The United States secretly sought Japan's support in 1972 to enable it to dump decommissioned nuclear reactors into the world's oceans under the London Convention, an international treaty being drawn up at the time.
Countries working on the wording of the pact wanted to specifically prohibit the dumping of radioactive waste at sea.
But Washington wanted to incorporate an exceptional clause in the case of decommissioned nuclear reactors.
These facts came to light in diplomatic records held by the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo and released at the request of The Asahi Shimbun.
Japan did not offer a clear answer when it was approached by the United States on the issue. Eventually, however, Washington succeeded in incorporating the clause into the treaty.
In 1972, the United States was already dismantling early-stage nuclear reactors that had been used for testing. However, the disposal method of large-scale nuclear reactors for commercial purposes had not been decided although it was an issue that could not be shelved indefinitely.
Since Japan, a key U.S. ally, had already started its own nuclear power generation program, Washington did not hesitate to seek Tokyo's backing for its request.
It was apparent that the United States constructed nuclear reactors without having decided on disposal methods, forcing it to consider dumping them at sea after they were decommissioned.
The documents obtained by The Asahi Shimbun were signed by Japan's ambassador to Britain and designated as top secret.
According to the records, a U.S. State Department official who was part of the U.S. delegation discussing the terms of the treaty, met his Japanese counterpart in November 1972. In that meeting, the official explained that the United States had a number of early-stage nuclear reactors which had reached their life spans. He said Washington was facing problems disposing of them.
The official noted that any attempt to bury the reactors on land would invite a public backlash.
He also pointed to the financial difficulty of scientifically processing the reactors until the risk of radioactive contamination was totally eliminated.
Then, the official said the only other option was to dump them at sea, and asked Japan for cooperation.
According to Kumao Kaneko, now aged 74 and then a member of the Foreign Ministry team involved in the negotiations, Japan did not take specific steps to assist the United States in this delicate matter.
Eventually, during the general meeting of countries for the London Convention, the United States proposed incorporating a clause that would enable it to dump nuclear reactors at sea in exceptional cases in which all other means of disposal presented a risk to human health.
When presenting the proposal, the United States made no mention of its intention to dump its nuclear reactors at sea far into the future. The proposal was accepted.
In the early 1970s, sea pollution was a huge international issue.
Against that backdrop, countries worked feverishly to put the finishing touches on the London Convention. The treaty designated high-level radioactive substances as well as other materials, including mercury and cadmium, as waste whose dumping at sea is prohibited.
In 1993 revisions to the London Convention, the dumping of radioactive waste at sea was totally prohibited. However, the clause that approved of dumping in exceptional cases remained.
For this reason, under the London Convention, it is possible for member countries of the treaty to dump radioactive waste at sea if they obtain the OK from the other parties as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency.
According to the IAEA, the United States has not dumped radioactive waste at sea since 1970. Instead, it buries decommissioned nuclear reactors underground.
27/09 Fishermen's livelihoods still drowning in Fukushima
2011/09/27
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Katsushi Abe looks at his fishing boat in Matsukawaura Port in Soma, Fukushima Prefecture, on Sept. 3. (Satoshi Otani)FUKUSHIMA -- Fisherman Katsushi Abe is still drawn to the sea each day where he has fished for more than 45 years, although these same troubled waters are now filled with fish that scare many customers.
So, the 61-year-old man just watches his boat moored in Matsukawaura Port in Soma in northern Fukushima Prefecture, where fishing in coastal waters is prohibited due to concerns of radioactive contamination.
"I know that even if I come here, I cannot go fishing," Abe said. "But I come here because I have much free time."
During the peak commercial fishing seasons for Japanese sand lances, he enjoyed sales of more than 3 million yen (about $39,200) a month.
Currently, however, Abe is working in an effort by the government to remove rubble left from the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, for which he is paid 12,000 yen a day.
When he goes to the offing to help researchers of radioactive materials at sea, the nets are often filled with fish.
"The fish are there," he said.
Fishing is gradually resuming at ports in Miyagi and Iwate prefectures that were hit hard in the disaster. In Fukushima Prefecture, however, coastal fishing is still suspended even more than six months later, as contamination of fish and other marine products by radioactive materials is continuing.
Though local fisheries cooperative associations are considering resumption of operations on an experimental basis, fishermen fear being hurt by rumors that Fukushima products are contaminated by radioactive materials from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
Immediately after the accident at the plant, the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations asked that coastal fishing throughout the prefecture be halted. Since then, fishing has been suspended along there.
A few months after the nuclear accident, some fishermen in the northern part of the prefecture campaigned strongly for the resumption of fishing. In the areas, damages to fishing boats were relatively minor. In addition, there were few cases in which radioactive materials that exceeded the government's permissible standards were detected in fish and other marine products that were caught in sampling.
In late July, the federation decided to allow fishing by the Soma-Futaba fisheries cooperative association in Soma to resume on an experimental basis. Around the same time, news of the radioactive contamination of beef from the prefecture spread.
In the federation's meeting held in late August, a participant said, "Seeing the beef situation, no one will buy fish (from Fukushima Prefecture) even if the contamination level is lower than the government's standards. In that case, who will assume responsibility?"
Similar opinions were repeatedly expressed. Eventually, the federation was forced to postpone the resumption of fishing by Soma-Futaba fisheries cooperative association members.
In a meeting held Sept. 22, the federation decided that each fisheries cooperative association should work out plans for resumption of fishing and resume operations on an experimental basis as early as November. However, whether they can actually resume fishing is not certain.
Radioactive contamination at sea is a reality that exists and is adding to the fishermen's anxieties.
Immediately after the accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant, radioactive materials that exceed the government's permissible standards were detected in fish, including the Japanese sand lances, which swim near the surface.
Since May, radioactive materials that exceed the government's standards have also been detected in fish and other marine products that swim or live on the sea floor. They include bastard halibuts, fat greenlings and shellfish.
On Aug. 29, 18 tons of bonito were unloaded at Onahama Port in Iwaki in southern Fukushima Prefecture, marking the first time since the March 11 disaster that fish were offloaded there. The fish were caught in the sea off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, and no radioactive contamination was detected in the fish in checks conducted immediately after they were caught.
With the label that read, "No detection," the fish were shipped not only to areas in Iwaki but also in the Tokyo metropolitan area. In Iwaki, wholesalers paid between 340 yen and 350 yen per kilogram for the fish. In some supermarkets there, the bonitos were sold out within two hours after they were put on sale.
In Tsukiji market in Tokyo, however, they brought only 100 yen a kilogram.
"As I expected, the price was extremely low," said the 57-year-old owner of the fishing boat that caught the bonitos.
"I fully realized that fish won't sell in Tokyo (at appropriate prices) if they were landed (on ports) in Fukushima Prefecture. People's anxieties over products (from our prefecture) is strong," he added.
Before catching bonitos in the sea off Miyagi Prefecture, the fleet of bonito fishing boats based in Onahama had fished 11 times in waters around Hachijojima island, about 290 kilometers south of Tokyo, since June.
Told by brokers that they would not be able to find customers and retailers if the fish were unloaded at Onahama Port, the fishing boats had been forced to offload their fish in Choshi, Chiba Prefecture, and Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture. Some middlemen there had bought the fish at a price of as high as 360 yen a kilogram.
This time, however, they persuaded the brokers to let them sell their catch at Onahama. However, sales in Tokyo were disappointing.
At Hisanohama Port in Iwaki, in a normal year, this would be the busiest time. On Sept. 1, the ban on trawl fishing of bastard halibuts and some other fish was lifted. Fishing of whitebaits would also be at its peak.
This year, however, fishermen there are only busy removing rubble from the quiet fish market.
Fifty-three-year old fisherman Masayuki Shirado is worried that members' fishing skills are becoming dulled.
"We look for fish by seeing the water colors and climate. Young fishermen cannot learn that sense unless they go fishing."
He fears that young fisherman will look for other jobs to stabilize their incomes.
"If such a situation takes place, the fishing in Fukushima (Prefecture) will end," he added.
(This article was written by Satoshi Otani and Takemichi Nishibori)
天声人語 2011年9月27日（火）付
ごつい鉄扉の前で、石川知裕衆院議員は一つ深呼吸をしたそうだ。昨秋、逮捕から９カ月ぶりに小沢一郎氏と再会した時の様子が自著にある。小沢邸の茶の間、ちゃんちゃんこ姿の主は右手を上げて「おー」と言っただけだった▼鉄板を貼られたような「懐かしい緊張」の中、「無罪を勝ち取ります」と意気込んでも小沢氏は表情を崩さない。そして帰り際に、「お互い、裁判がんばるしかないな」と声をかけられたという。氏の関心はすでに、自身の強制起訴にあったらしい▼石川議員ら元秘書３人の裁判は、小沢氏にとって、オール検察との政治闘争の一部といえる。全員が有罪の東京地裁判決は、一審とはいえ眉間（みけん）への三太刀に値しよう。「おー」と突き放してはいられない▼大勢の秘書を雇い、周囲に高い石垣、深い堀を巡らす小沢氏である。億単位で動く政治資金は、石川議員が法廷で口ごもった通り、透明度を欠く。小沢事務所の「天の声」をおそれ、裏金を貢ぐ建設会社。判決は癒着ぶりを処断した▼来週には、城主自らの初公判が控える。どう「がんばる」にせよ、国会で説明を避けたあまたの疑問に答えてほしい。無口や無表情が政治家のすごみになる時代ではないし、国民も納得しまい▼その人は与党内で、時の首相とは別の権力を振るう。焦点が二つある「楕円（だえん）の政権」が、この難局にうまく転がるはずもない。小沢氏はひとまず一線を退くべきだ。氏を説き伏せ、「おー」と言わせる側近はいそうにないけれど。
27/09 ３秘書有罪―小沢氏の責任は明白だ
「公共工事をめぐる企業との癒着を背景に、政治活動の批判と監視のよりどころである政治資金収支報告書にウソを書き、不信感を増大させた」
小沢一郎氏の政治資金団体に関する裁判で、東京地裁はそう指摘し、元秘書３人に有罪を言い渡した。中堅ゼネコンから裏金が提供された事実も認定した。政界の実力者の金権体質を糾弾した判決といえる。
秘書らは「有罪としても軽微な事案」と訴えていたが、これも退けられ、執行猶予つきながら公民権停止につながる禁錮刑が選択された。起訴後も衆院議員にとどまってきた石川知裕被告は、潔く辞職すべきだ。
小沢氏の責任も極めて重い。刑事責任の有無は氏自身の公判の行方を見る必要があるが、政治的責任は免れない。疑惑発覚以来、その場その場で都合のいい理屈を持ち出し、国民に向き合ってこなかった。判決は、問題の土地取引の原資４億円について氏が明快に説明できていないことをわざわざ取り上げ、不信を投げかけている。
私たちは社説で、こうした氏の姿勢を批判し、古い政治との決別を図るため、政界引退を迫ったこともある。判決を受け、その感はいよいよ深い。
小沢氏は民主党の党員資格停止処分を受けた際、「秘書の不祥事の責任をとった政治家はいるが、それは秘書が容疑を認めた場合だ」と唱えていた。その秘書にそろって有罪が宣告されたいま、改めて身の処し方を考えるのが筋だろう。
裁判での秘書らの言い分は、国民の常識や正義感からおよそかけ離れたものだった。
例えば、小沢氏の政治団体間で資金のやり取りがあっても、ポケットの中身を移すようなものだ。報告書に記載することもあれば、しないこともある。カネの動きと記載時期がずれても問題はない――。判決がこれらを一蹴したのは当然である。
他の政治家も政治資金規正法の目的を胸に刻み、自らに関連する資金の流れを緊張感をもって報告してもらいたい。
描いた構図がほぼ全面的に認められたとはいえ、検察にも反省すべき点は多い。捜査段階の調書の多くは、威迫と利益誘導を織り交ぜながら作られたとして証拠採用されなかった。
供述に頼らず、客観証拠を積み上げ、それによって物事を語らせる。取り調べでは相手の話をじっくり聞き、矛盾を法廷に示し判断を仰ぐ。そんな方向に捜査を見直すことが急がれる。丁寧に立証していけば主張が通ることを、判決は教えている。
小沢一郎氏の政治資金団体に関する裁判で、東京地裁はそう指摘し、元秘書３人に有罪を言い渡した。中堅ゼネコンから裏金が提供された事実も認定した。政界の実力者の金権体質を糾弾した判決といえる。
秘書らは「有罪としても軽微な事案」と訴えていたが、これも退けられ、執行猶予つきながら公民権停止につながる禁錮刑が選択された。起訴後も衆院議員にとどまってきた石川知裕被告は、潔く辞職すべきだ。
小沢氏の責任も極めて重い。刑事責任の有無は氏自身の公判の行方を見る必要があるが、政治的責任は免れない。疑惑発覚以来、その場その場で都合のいい理屈を持ち出し、国民に向き合ってこなかった。判決は、問題の土地取引の原資４億円について氏が明快に説明できていないことをわざわざ取り上げ、不信を投げかけている。
私たちは社説で、こうした氏の姿勢を批判し、古い政治との決別を図るため、政界引退を迫ったこともある。判決を受け、その感はいよいよ深い。
小沢氏は民主党の党員資格停止処分を受けた際、「秘書の不祥事の責任をとった政治家はいるが、それは秘書が容疑を認めた場合だ」と唱えていた。その秘書にそろって有罪が宣告されたいま、改めて身の処し方を考えるのが筋だろう。
裁判での秘書らの言い分は、国民の常識や正義感からおよそかけ離れたものだった。
例えば、小沢氏の政治団体間で資金のやり取りがあっても、ポケットの中身を移すようなものだ。報告書に記載することもあれば、しないこともある。カネの動きと記載時期がずれても問題はない――。判決がこれらを一蹴したのは当然である。
他の政治家も政治資金規正法の目的を胸に刻み、自らに関連する資金の流れを緊張感をもって報告してもらいたい。
描いた構図がほぼ全面的に認められたとはいえ、検察にも反省すべき点は多い。捜査段階の調書の多くは、威迫と利益誘導を織り交ぜながら作られたとして証拠採用されなかった。
供述に頼らず、客観証拠を積み上げ、それによって物事を語らせる。取り調べでは相手の話をじっくり聞き、矛盾を法廷に示し判断を仰ぐ。そんな方向に捜査を見直すことが急がれる。丁寧に立証していけば主張が通ることを、判決は教えている。
27/09 EDITORIAL: Noda must win public support for his U.N. pledges
2011/09/27
Despite the unprecedented disaster caused by the March 11 earthquake and the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, Japan will never become "inward-looking."
To the contrary, it will continue to contribute to the solution of world problems.
No doubt that was the main intent of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's address to the U.N. General Assembly.
At the outset, the prime minister presented three earthquake-related anecdotes:
(1) That an Indonesian nurse candidate and trainee in Miyagi Prefecture evacuated patients just before the massive tsunami hit;
(2) That Brazilian children living in poor conditions in their own country collected small change and sent the money to Japan; and
(3) That university students in Kenya held a memorial for Japanese victims, and sang "Sukiyaki," whose original Japanese title is, "I shall walk looking up."
And then the prime minister pledged, "These bonds between Japan and the international community will be forever remembered by the Japanese."
Postwar Japan, contrite from the country's experiences of World War II, sought to become a peaceful state and actively provided assistance to developing countries.
That so many countries offered to help Japan in its time of need is surely not unconnected with our half-century's worth of development assistance. Clearly, those countries appreciated our efforts.
That is why, despite our need for speedy recovery and reconstruction, as well as bringing the crisis at the nuclear power plant under control, we believe our country still needs to contribute as a major economic power to the solution of the many challenges facing the international community.
The prime minister made new international promises to:
(1) Contribute to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS);
(2) Provide humanitarian assistance toward relief of the famine in Somalia; and
(3) Offer $1 billion worth of yen loans to assist the democratization process in the Middle East and North African region.
These efforts will no doubt help solidify Japan's international stature.
In contrast, the prime minister's statement at the U.N. High-Level Meeting on Nuclear Safety and Security was problematic.
He proclaimed, "Japan will send out to the whole world lessons learned through this accident."
We have no problem with that statement. But then Noda announced that Japan will continue to export nuclear power plant technology. He said nothing concrete about the nation's future energy policy.
Before leaving for the United States, Noda told an American newspaper that Japan will aim to re-start its nuclear plants "by next summer."
Clearly, Noda is trying to peel back the vision of his predecessor, Naoto Kan, of a country that is "free from its dependency" on nuclear power.
At an international conference in May, Kan presented an ambitious numerical target to expand the use of renewable energy. In comparison, Noda's speech was lackluster.
What does Noda plan to follow through on from the previous administration, and what is he going to change? The prime minister has a responsibility to spell this out to the public.
Domestically, debate continues over whether or not to raise taxes for reconstruction, or raising the consumption tax to fund social security.
For Noda to implement the overseas assistance he pledged at the United Nations, the administration must cultivate widespread understanding and support among the public. This is essential.
Noda's diplomatic schedule is over for now. Meantime, the budget committee in the Diet convened for business on Sept. 26. The debate there will be the prime minister's first touchstone.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 25
Despite the unprecedented disaster caused by the March 11 earthquake and the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, Japan will never become "inward-looking."
To the contrary, it will continue to contribute to the solution of world problems.
No doubt that was the main intent of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's address to the U.N. General Assembly.
At the outset, the prime minister presented three earthquake-related anecdotes:
(1) That an Indonesian nurse candidate and trainee in Miyagi Prefecture evacuated patients just before the massive tsunami hit;
(2) That Brazilian children living in poor conditions in their own country collected small change and sent the money to Japan; and
(3) That university students in Kenya held a memorial for Japanese victims, and sang "Sukiyaki," whose original Japanese title is, "I shall walk looking up."
And then the prime minister pledged, "These bonds between Japan and the international community will be forever remembered by the Japanese."
Postwar Japan, contrite from the country's experiences of World War II, sought to become a peaceful state and actively provided assistance to developing countries.
That so many countries offered to help Japan in its time of need is surely not unconnected with our half-century's worth of development assistance. Clearly, those countries appreciated our efforts.
That is why, despite our need for speedy recovery and reconstruction, as well as bringing the crisis at the nuclear power plant under control, we believe our country still needs to contribute as a major economic power to the solution of the many challenges facing the international community.
The prime minister made new international promises to:
(1) Contribute to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS);
(2) Provide humanitarian assistance toward relief of the famine in Somalia; and
(3) Offer $1 billion worth of yen loans to assist the democratization process in the Middle East and North African region.
These efforts will no doubt help solidify Japan's international stature.
In contrast, the prime minister's statement at the U.N. High-Level Meeting on Nuclear Safety and Security was problematic.
He proclaimed, "Japan will send out to the whole world lessons learned through this accident."
We have no problem with that statement. But then Noda announced that Japan will continue to export nuclear power plant technology. He said nothing concrete about the nation's future energy policy.
Before leaving for the United States, Noda told an American newspaper that Japan will aim to re-start its nuclear plants "by next summer."
Clearly, Noda is trying to peel back the vision of his predecessor, Naoto Kan, of a country that is "free from its dependency" on nuclear power.
At an international conference in May, Kan presented an ambitious numerical target to expand the use of renewable energy. In comparison, Noda's speech was lackluster.
What does Noda plan to follow through on from the previous administration, and what is he going to change? The prime minister has a responsibility to spell this out to the public.
Domestically, debate continues over whether or not to raise taxes for reconstruction, or raising the consumption tax to fund social security.
For Noda to implement the overseas assistance he pledged at the United Nations, the administration must cultivate widespread understanding and support among the public. This is essential.
Noda's diplomatic schedule is over for now. Meantime, the budget committee in the Diet convened for business on Sept. 26. The debate there will be the prime minister's first touchstone.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 25
27/09 VOX POPULI: U.S. veto could spark a wave of violence
Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a daily column that runs on Page 1 of the vernacular Asahi Shimbun.
2011/09/27
Such things are not of any real significance, but Eisaku Sato (1901-1975) was the first Japanese prime minister born in the 20th century, while Shinzo Abe was the first prime minister born after World War II. Our new leader, Yoshihiko Noda, is the first prime minister born after Japan became a member of the United Nations in 1956.
Joining the United Nations was a cherished dream for postwar Japan, because it signaled the country's return to the international community. The dream took a while to be realized, because the Soviet Union used its veto power repeatedly to prevent Japan from becoming a U.N. member.
After Japan finally became a member, then-Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu (1887-1957) addressed the General Assembly. The thunderous applause with which he was welcomed is still talked about to this day.
I was reminded of this history by Palestine's bid for full U.N. membership. In his address before the General Assembly, President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority said it was time for a "Palestinian spring." The rapturous applause this drew was enough to eclipse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rebuttal speech.
The United States is in a bind. Every U.N. membership application is sent to the Security Council, and the pro-Israel United States has vowed to use its veto power to block the Palestinian bid. French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned that a U.S. veto would "spark a new wave of violence in the Middle East." I should imagine that many world leaders agree with Sarkozy.
The United States has a track record of repeatedly vetoing resolutions unfavorable to Israel. The power of veto is a prerogative of the five permanent members of the Security Council, of which the United States is one. But using it this time will cause all sorts of repercussions. Tense negotiations will continue in the Security Council.
Prime Minister Noda has returned from his U.N. visit. Was he able to assert himself on the international stage? The only impression I got was that he was pressured by an increasingly testy United States to produce results on the Futenma relocation issue.
Predictably, Japan seems to be paying dearly for its annual comings and goings of prime ministers.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 25
* * *
Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
2011/09/27
Such things are not of any real significance, but Eisaku Sato (1901-1975) was the first Japanese prime minister born in the 20th century, while Shinzo Abe was the first prime minister born after World War II. Our new leader, Yoshihiko Noda, is the first prime minister born after Japan became a member of the United Nations in 1956.
Joining the United Nations was a cherished dream for postwar Japan, because it signaled the country's return to the international community. The dream took a while to be realized, because the Soviet Union used its veto power repeatedly to prevent Japan from becoming a U.N. member.
After Japan finally became a member, then-Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu (1887-1957) addressed the General Assembly. The thunderous applause with which he was welcomed is still talked about to this day.
I was reminded of this history by Palestine's bid for full U.N. membership. In his address before the General Assembly, President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority said it was time for a "Palestinian spring." The rapturous applause this drew was enough to eclipse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rebuttal speech.
The United States is in a bind. Every U.N. membership application is sent to the Security Council, and the pro-Israel United States has vowed to use its veto power to block the Palestinian bid. French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned that a U.S. veto would "spark a new wave of violence in the Middle East." I should imagine that many world leaders agree with Sarkozy.
The United States has a track record of repeatedly vetoing resolutions unfavorable to Israel. The power of veto is a prerogative of the five permanent members of the Security Council, of which the United States is one. But using it this time will cause all sorts of repercussions. Tense negotiations will continue in the Security Council.
Prime Minister Noda has returned from his U.N. visit. Was he able to assert himself on the international stage? The only impression I got was that he was pressured by an increasingly testy United States to produce results on the Futenma relocation issue.
Predictably, Japan seems to be paying dearly for its annual comings and goings of prime ministers.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 25
* * *
Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
27/09 N-research funding set to be cut / Up to 80% reduction eyed for fast-breeder reactor development
The Yomiuri Shimbun
The science and technology ministry plans to cut spending on research into the development of high-efficiency fast-breeder nuclear reactors by 70 percent to 80 percent in the budget for the next fiscal year, according to sources.
The ministry reportedly intends to suspend research into practical applications of fast-breeder technology--which reincorporates spent nuclear fuel into the fuel cycle--while the national nuclear policy is reviewed in the wake of accidents at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry allocated 10 billion yen to such research and development this fiscal year. This figure may be cut by as much as 8 billion yen, the sources said.
Meanwhile, the sources said funding for the prototype Monju fast-breeder nuclear reactor in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, to cover maintenance and other costs will be about 21 billion yen next fiscal year--about the same as this fiscal year.
The total budget allocation for fast-breeder technology in fiscal 2011 was 40 billion yen. Thus, an 8 billion yen cut in research and development would be about 20 percent of the total.
The planned budget cuts suggest the ministry has decided to suspend research and development for nuclear fuel cycle technology until the government compiles a review of the basic national energy strategy.
In July, the government's Energy and Environment Council decided to conduct a comprehensive review of the nation's nuclear policy, and is expected to complete the task next summer.
At a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in August, then Prime Minister Naoto Kan--who supported a move away from nuclear power--said he would consider reversing the national energy policy and shutting down the Monju reactor. However, Kan's successor, Yoshihiko Noda, has said the nation should continue to use nuclear power but try to reduce reliance on it as much as possible.
The ministry's decision to suspend research and development spending but keep the Monju reactor running appears to be in line with Noda's stance.
(Sep. 27, 2011)
The science and technology ministry plans to cut spending on research into the development of high-efficiency fast-breeder nuclear reactors by 70 percent to 80 percent in the budget for the next fiscal year, according to sources.
The ministry reportedly intends to suspend research into practical applications of fast-breeder technology--which reincorporates spent nuclear fuel into the fuel cycle--while the national nuclear policy is reviewed in the wake of accidents at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry allocated 10 billion yen to such research and development this fiscal year. This figure may be cut by as much as 8 billion yen, the sources said.
Meanwhile, the sources said funding for the prototype Monju fast-breeder nuclear reactor in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, to cover maintenance and other costs will be about 21 billion yen next fiscal year--about the same as this fiscal year.
The total budget allocation for fast-breeder technology in fiscal 2011 was 40 billion yen. Thus, an 8 billion yen cut in research and development would be about 20 percent of the total.
The planned budget cuts suggest the ministry has decided to suspend research and development for nuclear fuel cycle technology until the government compiles a review of the basic national energy strategy.
In July, the government's Energy and Environment Council decided to conduct a comprehensive review of the nation's nuclear policy, and is expected to complete the task next summer.
At a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in August, then Prime Minister Naoto Kan--who supported a move away from nuclear power--said he would consider reversing the national energy policy and shutting down the Monju reactor. However, Kan's successor, Yoshihiko Noda, has said the nation should continue to use nuclear power but try to reduce reliance on it as much as possible.
The ministry's decision to suspend research and development spending but keep the Monju reactor running appears to be in line with Noda's stance.
(Sep. 27, 2011)
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