Confused yet?

So I launched into this article without realizing what it was other than it was about baseball. Well, it helps to have watched the game in question if you’re trying to translate an article related to specific comments made by a club president about a specific player. Or maybe the reporter should have supplied more details. Either way, the translation for this one relies on some inferences about what the article is talking about and hoping that I conveyed the appropriate meaning. That said, I really couldn’t tell you what they are talking about in this one.

会長、キューバなめ たらアカン／強化試 合

２００６年の第１回ＷＢＣで日本代表監 督を務めたソフトバンク王貞治球団会長 （７２）は、７回の２点目につながったプ レーを評価した。「角中のツーベースも良 かったし、炭谷もいいバントだった」と笑 顔で話した。 キューバ相手に若手中心で臨んだ一戦 で、試合内容には満足した様子。それでも 「キューバがこんなもんだと思ったら大間 違い」と警鐘を鳴らすことも忘れなかっ た。 ［2012年11月16日23時15分］ http://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/f-bb-tp0-20121116-1047875.html

President – “Don’t put down Cuba”/ He strengthens the game

Sadaharu Ou, present of the Softbank baseball club who coached the Japan National team in the first World Baseball Classic in 2006, praised the play that led to the 2 nd point in the 7 th inning. “It was a nice two base run, and Sumiya had a nice bunt,” he said with a smile.

Approaching the game focusing on young players like Cuba, he was quite satisfied with the game. Even so, he wasn’t able to forget sounding the alarm, saying “I was quite mistaken when I thought ‘Cuba is that kind of guy’.”

It’s all coming down!

Crazy times for Japan it seems. With the governing coalition now a minority in the lower house, everything seems to be coming apart for the DPJ. It will interesting to see what happens in the next few days as all these new parties start to compete for votes. We could truly have a 3 pole constellation in the Japanese parliament if this keeps up. May you live interesting times…

民主大揺れ＝執行 部、離党にお手上げ

１６日の衆院解散を前に、民主党から逃 げ出す議員が続出し、同党は大揺れとなっ た。世論の厳しい「逆風」を受け、民主党 に所属して衆院選は戦えないと判断してい るためだ。執行部は特に慰留せず、「去る 者は追わず」の姿勢を取るしかない状況 だ。 「民主党として戦うことはできな い」。野田佳彦首相の環太平洋連携協定 （ＴＰＰ）交渉参加の姿勢に反発する山田 正彦元農林水産相（衆院長崎３区）は１５ 日午後、都内で記者団に離党を明言し た。同日夜は「新党を立ち上げたい」と述 べ、同志の糾合を急ぐ考えを強調。解散後 に離党届を提出する考えも示した。 同日は民主党衆院議員の中川治（大阪 １８区）、富岡芳忠（比例北関東）、山崎 誠（比例南関東）各氏が離党届を提出。長 尾敬（大阪１４区）、初鹿明博（東京１ ６区）両氏も離党の意向を固めた。日本維 新の会に合流する小沢鋭仁元環境相（山梨 １区）と合わせ離党者は７人。国民新党 （３議席）を含む与党統一会派は事実上 ２３８議席となり、過半数を割り込んだ。

富岡氏は離党の理由について「民主党は もはや官僚に依存するだけの自民党政治と 全く変わらないものになってしまった」と 強調したが、いずれも１２月１６日投開票 の衆院選をにらんでの行動だ。 相次ぐ離党の動きに、民主党執行部は お手上げ状態だ。輿石東幹事長は解散確定 前の１３日の会合で「ドジョウは泥水の中 でも生きている。金魚は水槽から飛び出 せば死んじゃう」と、若手議員の落選を懸 念して解散に反対していたが、党幹部は周 囲に「出たいやつはほっておけばいい。金 魚とは、ああいう連中のこと」と突き放 した。 別の党幹部は「出て行くやつは箸にも棒 にも掛からないような者ばかりだ」と決め 込んだが、止まらぬ「離党ドミノ」になす すべがないのが実態だ。 http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g= pol_30&k=2012111501034

DPJ Crumbling: Leadership raising white flag due to party defections

Prior to the dissolution of the Lower House on the 16 th , members of parliament (MPs) continue to flee the DPJ and the party has been shaken. The defections are being driven by the judgment that there are severely strong headwinds in public opinion and that they won’t be able to compete in the Lower House elections if they stay in the DPJ. The party leadership is in the situation where they are not trying to dissuade the defectors, saying “We won’t pursue those who are leaving.” Saying “I can’t compete as a member of the DPJ,” former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Masahiko Yamada (MP, Nagasaki 3 rd District) announced his resignation at a press conference in Tokyo, citing opposition to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s plan to participate in negotiations related to the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). He also stated, “I would like to start a new party,” emphasizing a desire to rally kindred spirits to his cause. He plans his letter of resignation after dissolution. This same day, Osamu Nakagawa (Osaka, 18 th district), Yoshitada Tomioka (north Kanto, proportional appointment), Makoto Yamazaki (south Kanto, proportional appointment), all members of the DPJ, submitted their letters of resignation. Kei Nagao (Osaka, 14 th district) and Akihiro Hajika (Tokyo, 16 th district) also confirmed their intention to resign. Former Environmental Minister Sakihito Ozawa (Yamagata, 1 st district) plans to join the Japan Restoration Society, bringing the total number of defectors to 7. The governing coalition, including the People’s New Party (3 members), has shrunk to 238 members, and no longer has a majority in the Lower House. Tomioka explained his defection, emphasizing that “the DPJ has come to rely solely on bureaucrats and nothing has changed from the LDP era. “ His actions are motivated with a view towards the snap Lower House elections scheduled for December 15. With the continuing defections, the DPJ leadership is in a helpless state. At a meeting on the 13 th before announcing of dissolution, chief party secretary Koshiishi said, “The loach can live even in muddy water. If a goldfish jumps out of its fishbowl, it will die.” He feared that young MPs might lose elections and opposed the dissolution but with the party leadership around him, said “Those who want to get out should do so and leave us be. Goldfish are those kind of people.” Another party boss took for granted that “those who are running away are completely useless” but in reality, the unstoppable “Party defection domino” has them at wits end.

He actually did it!

Despite all the speculation to the contrary, it looks like Japan will finally get the election the opposition has been looking for. Hard to say from my perspective if things will really change. I’m guessing it’ll be just the two main parties swapping places, but who knows, maybe the “third pole” will actually manage to garner enough seats to be part of the political conversations. But enough of that, what do a couple of people have to say about the dissolution announcement? Let’s read and find out. I’m not 100% confident in my translation on this one. The people quoted talk in circles and vagueness so I tried to translate their overall points rather than word for word.

野田首相「16日解散」表明 政府、与野党からさ まざまな反応

野田首相は14日に行われた国会の党首討論で、自 民党などが議員定数削減の実現を確約することを条 件に、16日に衆議院を解散する方針を表明した。 政府、与野党はさまざまに反応している。 民 主党の輿石幹事長は、「踏み切っても、いいと か悪いとかじゃなくて、これは、総理の唯一最大の 権限ですから。それは、そういうことになったら、 そういう態 勢を早くつくるということしかな い」、「(首相の発言は解散が16日にあるというこ と?)そういうことでしょう。16日に解散をしたいと 言ったんだから、 それを撤回することはないで しょう」と述べた。 自民党の石破幹事長は「わが党として、総理の姿勢 を誠実に受け止め、協力するという方針を決定しま した。その手法などについては、今後、話し合うこ とになると思いますが、きょうの総理の提案をわれ われとして誠実に受け止め協力するということに、 合意を いたしました」と述べた。 前原国家戦略担当相は「総理がおっしゃったのは、 特例公債の成立と、それから0増5減、定数削減、 何らかの取りまとめを 16日までにするということ ですから。その前提で、16日の解散とおっしゃっ たことは、やはり、野党には重く受け止めてもらい たい。条件なしの16日解散 ではないということ は、重く受け止めてもらいたいと、わたしはそう思 います」と述べた。

http://www.fnn-news.com/news/headlines/articles/CONN00235402.html

Prime Minister Noda announces dissolution on the 16 th -- Reactions from various parties

At Prime Minister’s questions conducted at the Parliament on the 14 th , Prime Minister Noda announced a plan to dissolve the Lower House on the 16 th , contingent the Liberal Democratic Party and others making a firm promise to enact a reduction in the number of parliamentary members. There were various reactions from the government, and all parties.

The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ)’s chief secretary Koshiishi said, “Even though it’s a bold start, it’s not that it’s good or bad but only that this is the prime minister’s unique and ultimate privilege. As it’s come to this, we have only to get ready as quickly as possible.” “If the Prime Minister said he wants to dissolve on the 16 th , there’s no point in resisting it.”

The LDP’s chief secretary Ishiba said, “Our party has sincerely received the Prime Minister’s position and agreed to cooperate. The exact method will be agreed upon hereafter, I believe. I full agree with the Prime Minister’s proposal today and our cooperating with it.”

State Policy minister Maehara said “What the Prime Minister said, the extraordinary sovereign debt issue, the reduction of the number of Lower House seats by 5, are things that must be done by the 16 th . With that as prerequisite, I would expect the opposition parties would thoughtfully receive what the Prime Minister has said about dissolution on the 16 th . I believe that they will understand that dissolution on the 16 th will not happen without these requirements.”

One step at a time

While traditional Japanese parties have traditional sounding names like “Liberal Democratic Party” or “Democratic Party of Japan” that have absolutely no bearing on the actual party policies represented thereby, some of the new parties that have formed in the past few years are way better. With glorious names like “Stand Up Japan!” or “Everybody’s Party,” “People’s Life First,” and now “Party of the Sun,” one can only hope for grandiose new times ahead for Japanese politics.

太陽の党結成 石原氏、 「既存政党との『関ヶ原』 に挑む」 2012.11.13 22:26 新党「太陽の党」の結成を発表する共同代 表の石原慎太郎前東京都知事＝１３日午 後、東京・紀尾井町のホテルニューオータ ニ（大里直也撮影） 石原慎太郎前東京都知事とたちあがれ日 本は１３日、石原氏とたちあがれの平沼赳 夫代表を「共同代表」とする新党「太陽の 党」を結成した。石原氏は同日夕、都内 のホテルで記者会見を開き、次期衆院選前 に日本維新の会やみんなの党と合併するこ とを視野に入れた「大同団結」を急ぐ考え を改めて示し、「既存政党と新たな『関 ケ原の戦い』に挑む」と表明した。 石原氏は「かねがね国政に大きな不満を 抱いていたが、このまま衆院選になると、 自民、公明両党が過半数を取りかねな い。許せない」と発言。「太陽の党はほん の一過程にしかすぎない。必ず衆院選の前 に大同団結する。太陽の党が吸収され、 消えても構わない」とも述べた。自身の芥 川賞受賞作「太陽の季節」に似た新党名に ついては、「たちあがれの園田博之幹事長 の発案だ」と強調した。 綱領には、自主憲法の制定や国の危機管 理体制の立て直し、教育基本法に基づく 「国民の育成」を目的とした教育の振興な どを盛り込んだ。 記者会見に先立ち、たちあがれは、政党 名を太陽の党に、党の代表を平沼氏から石 原氏に変更すると総務相に届け出た。 http://sankei.jp.msn.com/politics/news/121113/stt12111322270018-n1.htm

At Party of the Sun’s formation, Ishihara says “I want to challenge the existing parties to a ‘Sekigahara’”

Former Tokyo Mayor Shintaro Ishihara and Stand Up Japan! party representative Takeo Hiranuma announced on the 13 th the formation of a new party, “Party of the Sun.” At a hotel in Tokyo, Ishihara held a press conference and reiterated his desire to quickly enter into a “united coalition” with the Japan Restoration Society and Everybody’s Party before the next Lower House elections. “I challenge the existing political parties to a ‘Battle of Sekigahara’,” he said.

Ishihara said, “I have lately come to hold a deep dissatisfaction with politics, but if I let the Lower House elections happen, the LDP and Komeito will take likely get a majority. I can’t allow that. The Party of the Sun is nothing more than part of the process. We must form a coalition before the next Lower House election. Even if the Party of the Sun is absorbed or disappears, it won’t matter.” Regarding the resemblance of the new party’s name to his own Akutagawa Prize-winning novel, “The Season of the Sun,” he explained that it was Stand Up Japan!’s Party Secretary Hiroyuki Sonoda’s idea.

The party platform contains the following planks: writing an autonomous constitution, reforming the country’s disaster response administration, promotion of “The People’s Education” based on basic education law.

Prior to the press conference, Stand Up Japan! notified the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications that its name was changing to Party of the Sun and its representative from Hiranuma to Ishihara.

The Sun also rises?

BYIt does if you’re Ishihara. Stand Up Japan! is hitching it’s wagon to Ishihara so maybe there really will be a rash of new political movement in Japan in the next election. And the Hanshin Tigers might win the national pennant the next three years. Or Japan could win a gold medal in curling at the next winter games in Sochi. All are possible, but some less so than others.

石原新党「太陽の 党」結成へ…綱領案 に自主憲法

たちあがれ日本（平沼赳夫代表）は１２ 日、石原慎太郎前東京都知事を党首とする 新党を１３日に結成すると発表した。 党名は石原氏の芥川賞受賞作「太陽の季 節」にちなみ、太陽の党とする。結成時の 国会議員はたちあがれ日本の５人（衆院２ 人、参院３人）となる見通し。 １２日判明した綱領案は、「自主憲法の 制定」を掲げるなど保守色を打ち出した。 「国・地方の財政運営と税のあり方を『見 える形』に抜本改革する」と明記し、消費 税の地方税化や地方交付税廃止を主張する 新党「日本維新の会」（代表・橋下徹大阪 市長）との連携に配慮した。 石原氏は民主、自民の２大政党に対抗す る「第３極」の結集を目指しており、次期 衆院選に向け、維新の会やみんなの党との 連携協議を加速させたい考えだ。

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/election/shugiin/news/20121112-OYT1T01349.htm?from=ylist

Ishihara’s new party “Party of the Sun” forms… includes autonomous constitution in platform

Stand up Japan! (representative Takeo Hiranuma) announced on the 12 th that it would combine with former Tokyo mayor Shintaro Ishihara’s new party on the 13 th .

The new party’s name, “Party of the Sun,” is reminiscent of Ishihara’s Akutagawa Prize winning work, “The Season of the Sun.” At the time of party formation, the party’s MPs will include the 5 members of Stand up Japan! (2 in the lower house, 3 in the upper house).

In its party platform released on the 12 th , it struck a conservative stance with a call for “establishing an independent constitution.” In calling for radical reform of the national and local financial administration and tax systems into an “understandable form,” it also contemplates cooperation with the new party “Japan Restoration Society” (representative Toru Hashimoto, mayor of Osaka), which asserts a decentralization of consumption tax and abolishment of redistribution of local taxes.

Ishihara is aiming to become the “third pole” in opposition to the two majority parties, the LDP and DPJ, having voiced a desire to accelerate coalition discussions with the Restoration Society and Everybody’s Party.

Yea, we’re still friends!!!

400 years on and they’re still talking to each other. Not only that, their princes are going to be best friends. Japan may not get along with its nearer neighbors, but Spain and Japan are getting on famously 400 years on. 皇太子さま:日本スペ イン交流４００周年 事業の名誉総裁に

毎日新聞 2012年11月12日 19時06分 （最終更新 11月12日 21時08分） 宮内庁は１２日、皇太子さまが１３年６ 月１４年７月に開催される「日本スペイ ン交流４００周年」事業の名誉総裁を務 めると発表した。スペイン側はフェリペ皇 太子が就任する。江戸時代に仙台藩の伊達 政宗が慶長遣欧（けんおう）使節団をスペ インとローマに派遣して４００年になる ことを記念し、両国で交流行事が行われ る。皇太子さまのスペイン訪問も検討され る見通し。 The Crown Prince to service as honorary chair of anniversary festival celebrating 400 years of Japan-Spain exchange

The Imperial Household Agency announced on the 12 th that the crown prince would serve as the honorary chair of the “400 Years of Japan-Spain Exchange” festival that runs from June 2013 to July 2014. Prince Phillip will represent Spain. Both countries are having events marking the 400 th anniversary of Masamune Date sending the Kenou Keicho delegation to Spain and Rome during the Edo Period. The possibility of the crown prince visiting Spain is also being considered.

The other soccer

It’s not soccer, but futsal, and Japan made it to the finals, woohoo! I didn’t know there was a futsal World Cup but I shouldn’t be surprised, I suppose. If there’s arena football, why can’t there be a world level competition for short field soccer, err, I mean, futsal. 日本、決勝Ｔ１回戦 はウクライナ／フッ トサル

フットサルのワールドカップ（Ｗ杯）は ９日、バンコクで１次リーグＥ組とＦ組の 最終戦を行い、Ｃ組を３位で突破して初の 決勝トーナメント進出を決めていた日本は １１日の１回戦で、Ａ組１位通過のウクラ イナと対戦することが決まった。 日本は９日にバンコク市内で調整した。 ８日を休養に充ててリフレッシュした選手 は、強豪に挑む決勝トーナメントに向けて 短期間でコンディションを上げ、連係を高 める。ロドリゴ監督は「格上相手だが、こ こまでやってきたことを信じて戦う」と意 気込んだ。（共同） The Futsal World Cup, with the finals of Tier 1, E and F group being held in Bangkok, announced on the 11 th that C group, 3 rd place Japan, who is making its first appearance in finals tournament play, will square off against A group, 1 st place Ukraine in the first round on the 11 th ..

Japan did some fine tuning in Bangkok on the 9 th . After setting aside the 8 th for resting, the refreshed players worked on short-term conditioning and improving teamwork in preparation for taking on the league heavyweight in the finals tournament. Coach Rodrigo declared that “Our opponent is better ranked, but we’ve come this far and we believe we can compete.”

http://www.sanspo.com/soccer/news/20121109/jpn12110919540015-n1.html