Coming out swinging

A Chinese newspaper publishes some incendiary commentary on Japan.

中国:日本地図にきのこ雲　週刊紙に全面広告

毎日新聞　2014年07月08日　21時20分（最終更新　07月08日　21時35分）

　【北京・石原聖】中国重慶市の週刊紙「重慶青年報」が７月３日号で、「日本がまた戦争をしたがっている」との表題（英語と中国語）とともに、広島と長崎にきのこ雲が描かれた日本地図を掲載したことが８日明らかになった。

　紙面には「日本に対して友好的すぎたのではないか」とする論評も掲載。「戦争被害国の感情」を強調し、 集団的自衛権行使を容認した安倍晋三政権の閣議決定を批判した。「過去４０年間の対日政策は感情や行動の上で寛容過ぎた」とも主張した。同紙は共産党の青 年組織「中国共産主義青年団」（共青団）系の新聞で、地図は全面広告の形で掲載された。

http://mainichi.jp/select/news/20140709k0000m030088000c.html

China: Weekly newspaper displays mushroom clouds on map of Japan in full page advertisement

In the Chinese city of Chongqing, it was reported on the 8th that the weekly newspaper “Chongqing Youth Daily”’s July 3rd edition carried a map of Japan with mushroom clouds drawn over Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the headline “Japan wants to go to war again.”

On the page, a commentary saying “Have relations with Japan gotten too friendly?” was also carried.  Emphasizing the  “feelings of a country victimized by war”, it criticized the cabinet resolution of Shinzo Abe’s government approving the exercise of the right to collective self-defense.  It also asserted that, “On the grounds of feeling and action, there has been too much toleration in government policy towards Japan over the past 40 years.” The paper  is a newspaper published by the Communist Party’s youth organization “Chinese Communist Youth Organization” and the map was displayed as a full page advertisement.

Protesting Collective Defense or War

After many months off, I, Mogura, have been digging through the news and am back with a new translation for you.

集団的自衛権:首相官邸前で抗議デモ　数千人が参加

毎日新聞　2014年07月01日　21時19分（最終更新　07月01日　21時22分）

　東京・永田町の首相官邸前では、集団的自衛権の行使容認に反対する市民団体「戦争をさせない１０００人委員会」などの呼びかけで、抗議の集会やデモが続いた。 　参加者は時間がたつにつれて増加。閣議決定が迫った夕方には数千人が沿道に長い列を作り、太鼓を打ち鳴らしながら「集団的自衛権反対」「閣議決定今すぐやめろ」と声を上げ続けた。
　午後５時過ぎに閣議が始まると抗議は熱を帯び、同６時前に決定が伝えられると、参加者は「閣議決定撤回しろ」「あきらめないぞ」と絶叫。興奮した参加者が警察官と小競り合いになる場面も。
　「いてもたってもいられない」と午前中からデモに加わった東京都目黒区の主婦、竹内節子さん（７５） は、「自民党と公明党が密室で行使容認を決めてしまった。国民を愚弄（ぐろう）している」と憤った。戦時中に疎開を経験。「子や孫を戦場に駆り立てるの か。国民の声に耳を貸さない安倍政権に怒りを感じます」
　江戸川区の大学生、洞口朋子さん（２５）も「戦争をしない、武器を使わないと学校で習ったことが全部変わってしまう」と怒る。憲法の解釈変更は「でたらめ」とばっさり。「戦争に行くのは私たち若い世代」と危機感をあらわにした。【一條優太】

http://mainichi.jp/select/news/m20140702k0000m040117000c.html

Right to collective defense: Opposition demonstration in front of Prime Minister’s office has several thousand participants

In front of the Prime Minister’s office in Nagata-cho in Tokyo, an opposition gathering and demonstration occurred, called by citizen groups like “Committee of 1000 who won’t allow war” opposed to the approval of the exercise of the right to collective defense.

The number of participants grew as time passed.  As the evening of the cabinet resolution approached, several thousand people formed a line along the road and shouted “Down with the right to collective defense!” and “Stop this cabinet resolution!” while banging drums.

 When cabinet deliberations started after 5 pm, the opposition reached a fever pitch.  When the decision was delivered before 6 pm, the demonstrators shouted “Repeal this resolution!” and “We won’t give up!”  There were brief skirmishes between agitated participants and police as well.

“Even if it’s enacted, it can’t last,” said housewife Kotoko Takeuchi (75), a housewife from Meguro Ward in Tokyo who had been participating in the demonstration since the morning.  She said angrily that “the LDP and Komeito decided this behind closed doors.   They’re mocking the people.”   She had to evacuate during the war.  “Are we going to drive our children and grandchildren to war?  I’m angry with the Abe government that won’t listen to the voice of the people.”

Tomoko Horaguchi (25), a college student from Edogawa Ward, said angrily, “We shouldn’t go to war.  It will completely change what I learned in school about not using weapons.”  She said that the change of constitutional interpretation was clearly “nonsense.”  Her face showed a fear that “My generation are the ones who will go to war.”

Another misguided comment

Another Japanese politician says something obnoxious.  Where do these guys get off?

森元首相のフィギュア発言に反発　「ひどい」「かわいそう」

　ソチ五輪・フィギュアスケートの浅田真央選手について「大事なときには必ず転ぶ」などと森喜朗元首相が発言したことに対し、浅田選手の身近な人物からは２０日「ひどい」「かわいそう」などと反発する声が上がった。
　愛知県豊田市にある浅田選手行きつけの食堂の加藤節子さん（５７）は「悔しがっている本人を追い込むような言葉だ。森さんが滑ってみればいい」。
　浅田選手が小中学生時代によく訪れた名古屋市の定食屋の店主井上一夫さん（６７）も「人の心情を考えない発言だと思う。真央ちゃんには人の言うことは気にせず、自分の演技をしてほしい」と励ました。

http://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/sochi/article/71114

Opposition to former PM Mori’s figure skating comments – “Horrible” “Pathetic”

In response to former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori’s comments that Olympic figure skater Mao Asada “will definitely fall at a critical moment,” people close to Asada called those comments “Horrible” and “Pathetic” on the 20th.
 
At Asada’s favorite diner in Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, Kotoko Kato (57) said  “Those are the words of a frustrated man.  Mori should try skating some time.”
 
Kazuo Inoue, the owner of another diner in Nagoya that Asada often visited in her elementary school days said “He said that not thinking about others’ feelings.  I hope that Mao will ignore what others say and do her own performance.”
 

 

Straight from the Olympics, another translated update!

Team Japan finally gets some hardware.

平野、平岡が銀と銅＝日本勢今大会初メダル－スノーボード男子〔五輪・スノーボード〕

　スノーボードは１１日、男子ハーフパイプ決勝が行われ、１５歳の平野歩夢（バートン）が２回目に ９３．５０点をマークして銀メダルを獲得した。冬季五輪で日本選手最年少のメダリストとなった。１８歳の平岡卓（フッド）は２回目に９２．２５点を出して 銅。今大会の日本代表で初のメダルとなった。

　２回目に９４．７５点を記録したユーリ・ポドラドチコフ（スイス）が金メダル。ショーン・ホワイト（米国）は９０．２５点にとどまり、４位で３連覇を逃した。　（時事）（2014/02/12-04:58）

Hirano, Hiraoka take gold and bronze – Team Japan’s first medals – Mens Snowboarding [Olympics – Snowboarding]
 
In snowboarding on the 11th, the men’s halfpipe competition concluded with 15 year old Ayumu Hirano (Button) taking the silver medal with 93.50 points on his second run.  He is the youngest Japanese athlete to ever medal in a winter Olympics.  18 year old Taku Hiraoka (Food) took bronze with a score of 92.25 on his second run.  These are the first medals for Team Japan at this Olympics.
With a 2nd run of 94.75 points, Yuri Podladtchikov (Switzerland) took the gold.  Shaun White (America) only earned 90.25 at 4th place, missing out on a 3rd consecutive victory.

Not quite going up in flames.

When you get mad enough about something, I guess maybe arson is the only way to go, at least if you were this guy…

靖国神社:韓国籍の男が侵入容疑 放 火目的か

靖国神社（東京都千代田区）に侵入したとして、 警視庁公安部は２３日、韓国籍のカン・ヨンミン容 疑者（２３）を建造物侵入容疑で現行犯逮捕したと 発表した。逮捕直前、可燃性のトルエンとみられる 液体入りのペットボトルを拝殿に投げており、放火 目的とみて調べる。 発表によると、逮捕容疑は２２日午後５時 ごろ靖国神社の敷地内に侵入したとしてい る。調べに対し「（敷地内に）入ったのは 間違いない」と認めている。 捜査関係者によると、同９時ごろ、巡回 中の職員が南門近くのトイレ裏にいたカン 容疑者を発見。同容疑者は拝殿付近まで逃 げ、リュックサックから取り出したペット ボトルを投げた後、職員に取り押さえられ た。リュック内にはライターもあった。 同容疑者は２１日に成田空港から入国。 東京都中央区のホテルに宿泊していた。

http://mainichi.jp/select/news/m20130924k0000m040036000c.html

Yasukuni Shrine: South Korean male citizen accused of breaking and entering with purpose of arson

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Public Safety Division announced on the 23 rd that Korean national Yon Min Kan (23) had been arrested in the act of illegally entering Yasukuni Shrine (Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward). Just prior to his arrest, he threw a liquid containing PET bottle of what appears to be highly flammable toluene on the main shrine, and a motive of arson is being investigated.

According to the announcement, at approximately 5 pm on the evening of the 22 nd , the suspect entered the premises of Yasukuni Shrine. According to the investigation, he admitted to entering the premises.

According to investigators, at around 9 pm, security guard out on patrol discovered Kan behind the restroom near the south gate. The suspect ran close to the main shrine, pulled out a PET bottle from his backpack, and threw it. He was then subdued by the guard. A lighter was found in the backpack.

The suspect arrived in Japan via Narita Airport on the 21 st . He was staying at a hotel in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward.

Yo, yogurt drinks cost more now

In a movement not perhaps shocking but at least against 22 years’ worth of practice, Yakult is going up in price. It still won’t set you back very much, $0.50 or so, but still. To add insult to injury, you’ll be paying more tax on it too, if Abe has his way. Is it time to take this to the streets?

ヤクルト、コスト増加を吸収できず 22年ぶり値上げ

2013/9/10 22:17

ヤクルト本社は10日、乳酸菌飲料「ヤク ルト」を11月４日に値上げすると発表し た。乳酸菌の量を３割増やし、標準的なヤ クルト１本（65ミリリットル）の希望小 売価格（税別）を現行の35円から５円 （14％）引き上げて40円にする。22年半 以上、価格が変わらず「物価の優等生」と もいわれたヤクルトだが、容器の原材料高 騰と円安でコストを吸収しきれなくなっ た。

国内では乳酸菌飲料や清涼飲料の価格競 争が激しい。宅配の販路を主力にするヤク ルトはスーパーなどでも値崩れしにくく、 これまでは価格を据え置いてきた。ただ、 中国など海外に事業を広げる中、「国内の 収益改善が大きな課題」（同社幹部）と なっていた。消費増税も控え、値上げを決 断した。

値上げの対象になるのは通常のヤクルト とカロリーを抑えた「カロリーハーフ」。 中身を変更し、商品名も「Ｎｅｗ （ニュー）ヤクルト」にする。売れ筋の５ 本パックは両商品ともに現行の175円か ら200円になる。同じ乳酸菌飲料のカルピ スは「コスト削減策を進めており、今のと ころ値上げの予定はない」としている。

10日の東京株式市場ではヤクルト本社の 株価が上昇。前日比310円（７％）高 の4625円で取引を終えた。ＳＭＢＣ日興証 券の沖平吉康アナリストは「値上げによる 販売数量減は限定的。営業利益を40億円強 押し上げそう」と分析する。市場では４月 に仏食品大手ダノンとの事業提携を解消し たことで「より株価を意識した経営にシフ トした」との見方も聞かれた。

http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXNASDD100QE_Q3A910C1TJ0000/

Yakult, unable to absorb cost increases, raises prices for first time in 22 years

Yakult Co. announced on the 10 th that the price of fermented milk drink “Yakult” would go up on 11/4. The volume of fermenting bacteria has increased 30% so the per unit price of one bottle of Yakult (65 ml) (including tax) will rise from the current 35 yen by 5 yen (14%) to 40 yen. Often called “an honor student of commodities prices,” Yakult hadn’t changed price in more than 22 years but with the sharp increase in the cost of the materials for the container and the cheap yen, it wasn’t able to absorb costs any more.

Domestic cost competition among fermented milk drinks and other cold drinks is fierce. Yakult, who’s main market is in home delivery, has had difficulty with price collapse in supermarkets and has held prices constant to date. It is in the middle of expanding operations in overseas markets like China, and “domestic revenue improvement has become a big challenge” (according to company managers). In preparing for the consumption tax increase, they decided on the price increase.

The price increase effects normal Yakult as well as low-calorie “Calorie-Half.” The contents will be changed, and the product name will be changed to “New Yakult.” The popular 5 pack of the same products will be raised from the current 175 yen to 200 yen. Regarding the fermented milk drink “Calpis,” it was explained that “Cost reduction measures are continuing and there is no plan to raise prices at present.”

On the 10 th , Yakult Co.’s stock price rose on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. From the previous day’s average price of 310 yen, it finished the day trading at 462.5 yen (7% increase). SMBC Nikko Securities analyst Yoshiyasu Okihira said, “The loss in sales due to the price increase will be limited. Operating income will probably increase by 4 billion yen.” In the market, it terminated joint operations with French food maker Danon and some have said that “this was a shift in management to focus on costs.”

No tuna for you!

Don’t be too disappointed, but there will be less baby tuna for you to eat next year, if the WCPFC has anything to say about it.

未成魚漁獲、１５％ 以上削減＝太平洋ク ロマグロで新ルール －国際機関

太平洋クロマグロの漁業ルールを決める 国際機関「中西部太平洋まぐろ類委員会」 （ＷＣＰＦＣ）の小委員会は５日、福岡市 で、メジマグロなど産卵能力を持つ前の未 成魚（３歳以下）の漁獲量を２０１４年に ０２～０４年の平均値から１５％以上削減 することを各国に求める新ルール案をまと め、閉幕した。

１２月のＷＣＰＦＣ年次会 合で新ルールを正式決定する。 産卵能力を持つ３歳すぎの親魚の資源量 は１０年に２万２６０６トンまで減少し た。過去最低だった１９８４年の１万８５ ０２トンを下回る事態を防ぐため、小委員 会はクロマグロの資源回復計画を１４年９ 月までに策定し、１５年から実行する方針 でも合意した。１４年の漁獲量削減につい ては計画策定までの経過措置と位置付け、 １５年からは削減をさらに厳しくする。

日本は資源回復計画づくりを主導し、資 源量が５万トン近くへ回復するまで漁獲規 制を集中的に強化する内容としたい考え だ。
（2013/09/05-17:03

http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g= eco_30&k=2013090500431

Catching immature fish, decrease by more than 15% - new rule for Pacific Bluefin Tuna from international organization

The international organization “Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission” (WCPFC) subcommittee submitted a new rule on the fishing of Pacific Bluefin Tuna on the 5 th in Fukuoka, that decreases the permitted catch of immature tuna (less than 3 years old) for 2014 by a more than 15% less than the average catch in 2002-2004, to each country and concluded its meeting. The new rule will be formally decided at the December annual meeting of the WCPFC.

The catch of mature fish over 3 years old in 2010 decreased to 22,606 tons. In order to avoid approaching the condition of the smallest catch on record of 18,502 tons in 1984, the subcommittee will establish a Bluefin tuna resource recovery plan by September 2014 and plan to implement from 2015. The 2014 catch reduction is a transitional measure until the plan can be implemented and the reductions in 2015 will be more severe.

Japan is leading in efforts to develop the resource recovery plan, contemplating a plan that focuses on strengthening restrictions on fishing until resource levels recover to around 50,000 tons.

No giving up

I wonder if Korea ever gets tired of this?

韓国外務省、慰安婦請求権 で「遺憾」

2013.8.30 23:17

［韓国］ 韓国外務省は３０日、日本による朝鮮 半島統治時代の「慰安婦」に関する報道 官声明を発表し、韓国が要請している協 議に日本側が応じていないことに「深い 遺憾を表明する」とした。日本側に「歴 史的な過ちを勇気を持って直視」し、元 慰安婦の「痛みを癒やせる責任ある行動 を示すべきだ」と主張した。

声明は元慰安婦の対日請求権問題につ いて、韓国政府が措置を講じてこなかっ たことを「違憲」とした韓国憲法裁判決 から２年となるのを機に出された。この 間、韓国側は日本政府に対し、継続的に 協議に応じるよう要求してきたと強調し た。（ソウル 加藤達也）
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/world/news/130830/kor13083023180003-n1.htm

South Korean Foreign Ministry on claims of comfort women, “Regrettable”

The South Korean Foreign Ministry made a public statement regarding the period of Japanese rule over the Korean peninsula and the “comfort women,” saying that “it is extremely regrettable” that Japan would not respond to a request from South Korea for a discussion. It called on Japan to “have courage and take a hard look at its past mistakes” and that it “must take action to heal the pain” of the comfort women.

The statement was put out on the 2 nd anniversary of the South Korean Constitutional Court judgment that it was “unconstitutional” that the South Korean government had not taken measures concerning the problem of claims against Japan by former comfort women. During this time, South Korea has made continual requests for discussions with Japan.

Made a run for it

Another plucky North Korean has escaped to the south. This should be cause for celebration.

北朝鮮の住民が韓国亡命
2013.8.23 14:24 ［北朝鮮］

北朝鮮住民の男性が２３日未明、南北軍 事境界線に近い韓国北西部の喬桐島の海岸 に到着し、亡命の意思を示した。韓国軍関係者が明らかにした。

男性は何も持たずに泳いで喬桐島にたど り着いたとみられる。近くの島民に「北か ら来た」と伝え、島民が韓国当局に申告し た。韓国当局が男性の身柄を確保し、経緯 などを調べている。（共同）

http://sankei.jp.msn.com/world/news/130823/kor13082314260001-n1.htm

North Korean citizen seek asylum in South Korea

In the early morning of the 23 rd , a North Korean man arrived on the coast of the Jumun Island in the north-west of South Korea near the north-south military border and expressed a desire for asylum. This was reported by south Korean sources.

It appears that the man swam to Jumun, bringing nothing with him. He told island inhabitants, “I’ve come from the North” and they then reported it to the South Korean authorities. The authorities secured the man and are investigating the circumstances.

Making old life less awesome…

The guvmint is out to make your life more expensive, if you live in Japan and happen to be over the age of 70. Time to vote DPJ again?

社会保障改革の手 順、閣議決定…秋に 成立目指す

政府は２１日の閣議で、社会保障制度改 革の手順を定める「プログラム法案」の 「骨子」を決定した。社会保障制度改革国 民会議がまとめた報告書を基に医療、介 護、年金、少子化対策の改革の実施時期を 示したもので、秋の臨時国会での法案提 出、成立を目指す。

負担増となる改革には与野党に慎重意見 が根強いため、スケジュールに沿って個別 の法改正が進められるかが今後の焦点とな る。 「骨子」では、現在１割に据え置かれて いる７０～７４歳の医療費窓口負担を本来 の２割に戻すなど、医療分野の改革は「１ ７年度までをめど」に順次、実施するとし た。高所得者の介護サービスの自己負担引 き上げなど、介護分野の改革は「１５年度 をめど」とした。一連の改革の財源には消 費増税の税収を充てるとした。 （2013年8月22日01時28分 読売新聞）

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/news/20130821-OYT1T01455.htm?from=navr

Social Security Reform Procedures, Cabinet Resolution….goal of passage by autumn

In a cabinet resolution on the 21st, the government outlined a “program bill” to establish the procedures for social security reform. Based on a report from the Social Security System Reform National Committee, it outlines a timeframe for reforming healthcare, nursing, pensions, and population growth measures and will be submitted at a special session of Parliament in the autumn aiming to pass during the same session.

Because there is strong current of caution across all parties at present towards the reform because it includes cost increases, whether or not individual revisions will proceed on schedule or not is going to be a focal point.

“The essentials” of the plan are that the percent of medical fees born by those in the 70-74 age range will return to 20% from the current 10% along with other medical field reforms “occurring by 2017.” The personal cost of nursing service for high income earners will be raised as well as other reforms in the nursing field “finishing in 2015.” The reform funding would come from the tax revenues from the consumption tax increase.

The TPP returns!!!

Sorry for the long delayed silence. Here's a random quotation from some guy involved in TPP negotiations. Good luck trying to figure out what he'd actually talking about.

日本の貢献策を表明 へ＝甘利ＴＰＰ担当 相—ブルネイ会合

鶴岡公二ＴＰＰ首席交渉官は１９日夜、
ブルネイで２２日に始まる環太平洋連携協定（ＴＰＰ）閣僚会合について、甘利明ＴＰＰ担当相が安倍内閣の交渉に対する決意と、年内妥結に向けた日本の貢献策を表明するとの見通しを示した。

その上で鶴岡氏は、関税撤廃・削減の２国間協議の本格化を念頭に「交渉は佳境に入っている」と強調。「交渉の成果を出し、日本の国益を最大限発揮したい」と述べた。

http://jp.wsj.com/article/JJ12365004687482003324619218159292901278344.html

Announcing Japan’s contribution plan – TPP representative Amari – Brunei meeting

Koji Tsuruoka , the TPP negotiator predicted regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) committee meetings that begin on the 22 nd in Brunei, that Akira Amari, the minister over TPP negotiations would announce Prime Minister Abe’s decision on negotiations as well as Japan’s contribution plan towards a compromise this year.

Furthermore, Tsuruoka emphasized that “negotiations have entered a climax,” keeping in mind that intra-country negotiations are proceeding on tariff elimination/reduction. He also said, “We plan to produce negotiation results that demonstrate the maximum focus for Japan’s national interest.”

Busted again

These guys can’t get a break. And if they are guilty, nor should they. The message here is, if you commit financial crime in Japan, you’re going to get charged several times. Some might call this double jeopardy. It could also just be holding someone to account for all of their actions.

オリンパス損失隠しを指南 した会社社長ら３人起訴

オリンパスによる巨額の損失隠しを「指 南」し、受け取った報酬およそ２２億円を 海外に隠したとしてコンサルティング会社 の社長ら３人が東京地検特捜部に起訴され ました。

組織犯罪処罰法違反の罪で起訴されたの は、コンサルティング会社社長の横尾宣政 被告（５９）ら３人です。起訴状などによ りますと、横尾被告らはオリンパス側から 「粉飾決算」の手口を指南した報酬として 受け取ったおよそ２２億円を海外の複数の 銀行口座に送金し隠していたということで す。

３人はオリンパスによる巨額損失隠し事 件で旧経営陣の共犯として去年、金融商品 取引法違反の罪で逮捕・起訴されていまし た。（01日19:53）

http://news.tbs.co.jp/newseye/tbs_newseye5372154.html

Company president and 2 others charged with teaching how to hide losses at Olympus

The Tokyo Prosecutor’s office charged three men, including the president, at a consulting firm with concealing 2.2 billion yen in compensation overseas received for instructing provided in hiding large losses at Olympus.

Those charged with violations of the Organize Crime Punishment Law are consulting company president and Yoko Nobumasa and two others. According to the indictment, Nobumasa was compensated by Olympus for teaching fraudulent accounting techniques and then hid the approximately 2.2 billion yen in a number of overseas bank accounts.

The three were arrested and charged last year with violation of the Financial Instruments and Transactions Law last year for complicity in the hiding of large losses at Olympus by former managers.

Japan takes the leads on fuel cells!

Want to go green? You’re likely going to be going Japanese, if this article is to be believed. We’ll see how soon fuel cell cars actually go into production but here’s to hoping. Save gas for the rest of us!

燃料電池車、国際基準に日本案 国連 フォーラムが採択

【ジュネーブ共同】自動車の安全対策な どに関する国際基準を策定する国連欧州経 済委員会のフォーラムは２７日、ジュネー ブの国連欧州本部で会合を開き、燃料電池 車の安全基準案を全会一致で採択、基準の 大部分に日本の案が採用された。

燃料電池車は温室効果ガスをほとんど排 出せず、環境に優しい「究極のエコカー」 と注目されている。日本の基準採用で、国 内各メーカーは輸出が容易になり、国際的 なシェア獲得で優位に立てそうだ。

各社は２０１５年ごろに量産車の市販開 始を目指しており、世界販売台数は２５年 でも１３０万台程度の見通し。日本政府は 今月、「世界最速普及」方針を閣議決定し た。

http://www.sanin-chuo.co.jp/newspack/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1218072009

Fuel cell cars, UN forum adopts Japanese proposal on international standards

A UN Europe Economic Committee forum met at the UN’s European headquarters in Geneva on the 27 th to discuss the authoring of international standards on automobile safety. They unanimously adopted safety guidelines on fuel cell cars, of which the large part was based on a Japanese proposal.

Fuel cell cars emit almost no gasses that cause global warming and are known as the “ultimate ecocar” in terms of being kind to the environment. With Japan’s standards being adopted, it seems likely that domestic manufacturers will have an easy time exporting and gain a preeminent share of global markets.

All companies are aiming to bring mass production cars to market by 2015 and sales by 2025 are projected to be 1.3 million vehicles. The Japanese government adopted a policy aiming for “fastest spread in the world” this month.

Let’s make it a defense triangle!

Japan and the UK, long in military alliances with the United States, are finally sealing their own deal on the subject. It’s not exactly a love triangle, more like the proverbial cord of three strands that’s not easily broken…or something. Anyway, at the very least, we should see some new chemical protective gear out of the agreement. Woohoo!

日英、防衛装備の共 同開発加速 首脳会 談、情報保護協定で 合意

【ベルファスト共同】

安倍晋三首相は１ ７日昼（日本時間１７日夜）、英国のキャ メロン首相と北アイルランドのエニスキレ ンで会談した。防衛装備品の共同開発を加 速させるため、相互に技術の流出防止を図 る協定を締結することで一致。軍事面を含 む機密情報の交換を可能にする両国間の 「情報保護協定」締結でも正式合意した。

双方はそれぞれ米国と同盟関係にあり、 安全保障面での連携を強める狙いがある。

防衛装備品の共同開発に関する協定によ り、日英間で既に具体化している化学防護 服の共同開発が本格化する

http://www.47news.jp/CN/201306/CN2013061701002275.html

Japan and the UK sign agreement to accelerate joint development of defense equipment through information protection at leadership meeting.

Prime Minister Abe Shinzo met with the UK’s Prime Minister Cameron in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. They agreed to sign an agreement aimed at preventing leaks of technology in order to accelerate joint defense equipment development. As such, they formally concurred on the establishment of an “Information Protection Agreement” between the two countries, which will make possible the exchange of secret information, including of a military nature.

Both have alliances with the United States and are aiming to increase their links in the area of national security.

Based on the agreement for joint development of defensive equipment, the existing joint development of a chemical protective suit will get fully up to speed.

KDDI will take your iPhone

KDDI is finally trying make it right for those iPhone buyers who were deceived by their claims about massive 4G coverage that later proved inaccurate, at best.

So, if you hate your iPhone 5 because it doesn't get 4G signal in the boonies outside of Gifu, today, your respite g is announced.

KＤＤＩ、ｉＰｈｏｎｅ５下取り検討 広告誤記で

2013/6/10 21:00 ＫＤＤＩ（ａｕ）は10日、2012年９ ～12月にデータ通信エリアの広告に誤記が あった問題で、米アップル製スマートフォ ン（スマホ）「ｉＰｈｏｎｅ（アイフォー ン）５」の下取りを検討していることを明 らかにした。高速データ通信「ＬＴＥ」の 障害対策に加え、新たな収益圧迫要因とな りそうだ。

同日、ＫＤＤＩの田中孝司社長が記者団 に表明した。誤記は今年３月末時点でｉＰ ｈｏｎｅ５を使って、最大毎秒75メガ（メ ガは100万）ビットのＬＴＥが利用できる 地域を実際よりも広く表示していた。同社 が算出した実人口カバー率では96％と表記 したが、実際は14％にとどまるなど大きな 差があった。

同社は誤記を信じて端末を購入したユー ザーへの対応策が必要と判断した。下取り 額や時期は未定という。同端末の販売では 通常、端末代金を２年間にわたり毎月の利 用料金から割り引いている。設定期間の終 了前に下取りすれば、ＫＤＤＩにとってコ スト負担増は免れない。

同社は先月末に相次いで発生したＬＴＥ の通信障害対策として、今年度中に300億 円をかけてバックアップ設備を増強するこ とを同日、正式発表した。通信障害で影響 を受けたユーザーに対して７月以降 に700円を請求額から差し引くことも決め た。 「ＬＴＥ基盤強化対策本部」を10日付で 新設し、顧客の視点に立った情報発信や通 信網の安定に努める考え。携帯電話会社の 信用に直結する問題が相次ぎ発生したこと でユーザーをどうつなぎ留めるかが重い課 題となりそうだ。

http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXNASDD100O4_Q3A610C1TJ2000/

KDDI considering iPhone5 trade-ins due to advertising error

On the 10 th , KDDI(au) revealed that it is considering trade-ins for Apple iPhone5s due to an error in the advertisement for the data coverage area reported between September and December 2012. In addition to being a measure to prevent data issues in the high-speed mobile data service (LTE), it seems likely that this will put new pressure on its revenues.

KDDI’s president, Kouji Tanaka, announced this at a press conference. The incorrect advertisement occurred through March of this year and said that using the iPhone5, the area covered by the maximum of 75 MB per second LTE service was larger than it was in reality. The company calculated that it’s service covered 96% of inhabited areas when in reality it hovered around 14%.

KDDI decided that this was a necessary measure for users who had purchased the device believing the advertisement. The trade-in value and period have yet to be determined. Normally, when the device is sold, its cost is discounted from the monthly usage fees charged over a two year period. If a device is traded in before that fixed period ends, it becomes an inescapable cost increase for KDDI.

KDDI also formally announced a plan to spend 30 billion yen to strengthen its back-up infrastructure as a countermeasure to data transmission issues in its LTE network. It also decided to discount the bills of users impacted by the LTE network issues by 700 yen starting in July.

It established an “LTE Network Resilliency Group” on the 10 th , with the aim of stabilizing the data network from a customer’s perspective. It seems that how to connect to users who’s trust in mobile phone companies has been hit by multiple problems lately has become a major issue.

Nukes cost too much

I’m just saying. I’m glad I don’t operate any nuclear reactors or I might get hit with a bill like the below.

原発廃炉、上限４０ 年超は３基／費用不 足、最大は美浜１号

2013/06/07 19:34

原発の廃炉に備えて電力会社が積み立て なければならない費用が、運転期間の上限 の４０年を超えた３基でも不足しているこ とが７日、分かった。４０年超で最も不足 額が大きいのは、関西電力美浜原発１号機 の９４億円。原発の稼働率が想定を下回っ たためで、見通しの甘さが露呈した形だ。

経済産業省資源エネルギー庁が７日の自 民党部会に提出した資料で判明。国内の５ ０基について、２０１３年度に廃炉を決定 する場合を試算した。

営業運転開始から４０年超は、美浜１、 ２号機と日本原子力発電敦賀１号機の計３ 基。

http://www.shikoku-np.co.jp/national/science_environmental/20130607000538

Nuclear Reactor decommissioning, 3 have crossed the 40 year maximum that lack funds, with the largest being Mihama #1

It was reported on the 7 th that 3 reactors who have exceeded the 40 year operating lifespan lack the funds required to be saved in preparation for decommissioning. The reactor that has exceeded the 40 year limit with the largest shortfall is Kansai Electric’s Mihama #1 with 9.4 billion yen. The optimism of the forecasted amount was revealed through the reactor’s operating ratio being lower than projections.

It was revealed in a report by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Energy and Natural Resources Department to the LDP section. It looked at the country’s 50 reactors and estimated for those scheduled for decommissioning in 2013.

The three reactors that have passed their 40 year operating lifespan are the Mihama #1 and #2 reactors and Japan Nuclear Power’s Atsuga #1 reactor.

Taking it old-school

The Japan Restoration Party, no stranger to perhaps anachronistic ideas, has nominated a former pro- wrestler for elections for the House of Councillors set for this summer. Maybe a flying powerbomb from the upper rope is what this Parliament needs to get things moving again.

維新の会:アントニオ 猪木氏を擁立へ 参 院選比例代表

日本維新の会は４日、夏の参院選比例代表に元参院議員で元プロレスラーのアントニオ猪木氏（７０）＝本名・猪木寛至＝を擁立する方針を決めた。猪木氏は５日、記者会見し、立候補を発表する。猪木氏は１９８９年、スポーツ平和党から参院選に出馬し初当選。２期目を目指した９５年の参院選で落選した。

Japan Restoration Party: Nominates Inoki Antonio as proportionally selected representative in Upper House elections

The Japan Restoration Party announced on the 4 th that it would nominate former Upper House representative and pro-wrestler Inoki Antonio (70), real name Inoki Kanji, of as a proportionally elected representative for this summer’s Upper House elections. Inoki will announce his candidacy on the 5 th at an interview. Inoki first ran for the Upper house under the Sports Peace Party in 1989. He lost his seat while running for a second term in the 1995 election.

After another break, time to rock the boat!

北朝鮮、拿捕した中 国漁船を解放 外交 問題化避ける

【北京＝林望】

中国外務省の洪磊副報道 局長は２１日の定例会見で、北朝鮮当局に 拿捕（だほ）されていた中国漁船が同日未 明、解放されたことを明らかにした。北朝 鮮側が要求した６０万元（約１千万円）は 支払われなかったという。中朝双方が外交 問題化するのを避け、決着を図ったとみら れる。 すべての船員が解放され、漁船はすでに 中国側の海域に戻り、操業を再開したとい う。洪副局長は「北朝鮮側が事件について 全面的な調査を行い、説明することを望 む」と述べ、再発防止を求めた。

漁船は５日、操業中に北朝鮮の巡視船に 拿捕された。現場は漁業権などを巡って中 朝間で争いのある海域とみられ、北朝鮮側 は「罰金」の支払いを要求。１０日、船主 からの連絡を受けた中国外務省が北朝鮮政 府に解放を求めていた。

北朝鮮のミサイル発射や核開発を巡る緊 張が続く中、中朝が新たな火種を抱えるこ とを避けることで一致したとの見方が強 い。

http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0521/TKY201305210422.html

North Korea releases seized Chinese fishing boat –avoids issue becoming an diplomatic incident

Hong Lei, deputy public relations chief for the Chinese Foreign Ministry reported at his regularly scheduled interview on the 21 st that the North Korean authorities released a Chinese fishing boat it had seized early in the same morning. The 600,000 yuan (approximately 1 million yen) that the North Koreans had reportedly demanded was not paid. It appears that both sides reached this resolution in order to avoid it becoming a diplomatic incident.

He said that all of the boat’s crew were released and the ship had already returned to Chinese waters and had resumed operations. Lei said, “I hope that North Korea will conduct a full investigation and provide an explanation,” seeking to prevent a reoccurrence.

The ship was seized by a North Korean patrol vessel on the 5 th . It appears that the ship was fishing in waters that have fishing rights disputed by both China and North Korea. The North Koreans demanded payment of a “fine.” On the 10 th , the Chinese Foreign Ministry received contact from the vessel’s owner and then sought its release from the North Korean government.

In the midst of continued tensions with North Korea over its missile firings and nuclear development, it seems quite likely that China and Korea were agreed in seeking to avoid adding more fuel to the fire.

No cheating the sun!

Japan has had its day in WTO court.  I don’t think that means anything for competing with China on the creation of solar panels, but at least the Canadians can no longer unfairly favor their own when it comes to the sale of green power generating components.

カナダとの太陽光紛争、日本勝訴　ＷＴＯで確定
2013.5.7 01:30
　【ジュネーブ＝共同】カナダ・オンタリオ州が太陽光発電などで地元企業を優遇しているのは世界貿易機関（ＷＴＯ）協定に違反するとして、日本と欧 州連合（ＥＵ）が訴えていた通商紛争で、ＷＴＯ紛争処理手続きの「最終審」に当たる上級委員会は６日、日本とＥＵの主張をほぼ支持する報告書を公表した。
　「１審」にあたる昨年１２月の紛争処理小委員会（パネル）に続く日本の勝訴で、事実認定は確定する。
　 日本は２０１０年９月、太陽光パネルなどの輸出で、日本企業が不利な扱いを受けているとしてＷＴＯに提訴。その後、オンタリオ州は地元の部品などの使用率 をさらに引き上げた。このため日本はＷＴＯのパネル設置を要請し、ＥＵも続いた。昨年１２月には、パネルが日本、ＥＵの主張をほぼ認める最終報告書を発 表。カナダ側は上訴し、日本側も上訴していた。

http://sankei.jp.msn.com/economy/news/130507/biz13050701330000-n1.htm

Japan wins in WTO decision in dispute over solar power with Canada
 
The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) appeals committee released its “final ruling” paper in dispute resolution proceedings largely supporting Japan and the European Union’s (EU) position in a trade dispute that Ontario, Canada violated the WTO’s charter in giving preferential treatment to local companies in the solar power industry.

It confirms the facts acknowledged in “First Ruling” in December 2012 of the Dispute Resolution Committee where Japan won.
 
In September 201, Japan submitted a complaint to the WTO claiming that its companies that export solar panels had been unfairly treated.  After this, the province of Ontario raised the required percentage of parts produced locally to be used used. Because of this, Japan requested that the WTO establish a panel to review and the EU joined in the request.  In December of last year, the panel issued a final ruling largely concurring with the assertions of Japan and the EU.  Canada and Japan appealed.

Talking nukes with the Turks

Prime Minister Abe is in Turkey for the last visit of his Middle East tour, and the negotiations all sound great on paper. Still, wondering if Japan is the best country to be talking about exporting nuclear power right now…

原発受注、政府間合意へ 日本トルコ 首脳会談
2013/5/3 20:34
【アンカラ＝佐藤賢】安倍晋三首相は３ 日、トルコのアンカラでエルドアン首相と 会談した。黒海沿岸シノプでの原子力発電 所の建設を巡りトルコ政府が日本に優先交 渉権を与えることで合意する。両政府は日 本の原発輸出を可能にする原子力協定と、 シノプに原発を建設する土地をトルコが無 償で日本側に提供することなど政府間協力 を定めた協定に調印する。

原発建設に関する政府間合意を結ぶこと で、三菱重工業と仏アレバ連合の受注が事 実上確定する。東京電力福島第１原発事故 の後、日本勢による初の海外受注案件で、 日本の原発輸出に弾みがつきそうだ。総事 業費は２兆円規模。出力は４基で450万キ ロワット程度となる見通しだ。2023年まで に第１号機の稼働を目指す。

原子力協定は核の不拡散や原発の安全利 用と２国間で確認し、原発輸出の前提とな る。トルコの原発計画は日中韓とカナダの メーカーが受注を目指して激しく競ってき たが、技術力や信頼性、価格などで日本勢 の評価が上回った。

両首相は両国関係を「戦略的パートナー シップ」に格上げする共同宣言に署 名。(1)インフラ整備や医療、農業、人工衛 星打ち上げの協力(2)次官級協議の枠組みを 格上げし、外相の定期協議を開催(3)防衛当 局間の協議促進――を盛り込んだ。

共同研究を進めている経済連携協定（Ｅ ＰＡ）の交渉開始に向けた検討推進や、社 会保障協定の交渉促進で一致。北朝鮮問題 や中東情勢に関する連携も申し合わせる。 日本の首相のトルコ訪問は06年１月の小 泉純一郎氏以来、約７年ぶり。

http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXNASFS0301N_T00C13A5MM8000/? dg=1
Agreement between governments on accepting orders for nuclear power at Japan-Turkey leadership meeting

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan in Ankara, Turkey on the 3 rd . The Turkish government agreed to give priority negotiating rights to Japan for the construction of a nuclear power plant at Sinop on the shore of the Black Sea. Both governments signed an agreement on cooperation with regard to a further agreement on Japan exporting nuclear technology as well as Turkey offering land for free in Sinop for the construction site of the nuclear power plant.

With regard to the agreement on construction of the nuclear power plant, a joint venture of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and French company Areva will receive the orders. After the accident at Tepco’s Fukushima Daiichi reactor, this is the first overseas order for Japanese nuclear technology and it seems like Japanese nuclear exports might begin to gain momentum. The total cost of construction will be around 2 trillion yen. The generating capacity with 4 units is estimated to be 4,500,000 kilowatts. The first reactor is planned to come online in 2023.

The agreement on nuclear power confirmed between the two countries focuses on nuclear non-proliferation and safety in nuclear power as prerequisites for the export of nuclear technology. There was fierce competition among Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Canadian nuclear power makers for orders in Turkey’s nuclear power program but the Japanese were judged to be the best in terms of technology, reliability, and cost. The leaders issued a joint statement promoting relations between their countries to a “Strategic Partnership.” 3 points were included: (1) Cooperation on infrastructure, medicine, agriculture, and space technology; (2) upgrade the structure of ministerial discussions to begin regular foreign minister discussions; and (3) advance discussions between both countries’ militaries.

They also agreed to continue discussions on beginning negotiations on an economic partnership agreement and advance discussions on joint social security discussions. They also want to continue cooperation on the North Korean problem and the situation in the Middle East. Abe's visit to Turkey is the first by a Japanese prime minister since Koizumi visited in 2006.