美日在八十年代初幫金大中免死

Recently the NHK News reported the following:
韓国のキム・デジュン元大統領が３０年余り前に内乱陰謀罪で死刑判決を受けた際、日本政府が、キム氏に対して死刑が執行されないよう、韓国政府に圧力をかけていたことが明らかになりました。
これは、韓国の外交通商省が２１日に公開した外交文書の中で明らかになったものです。それによりますと、１９８０年５月に民主化を求める学生デモを軍が鎮圧した、いわゆる「光州事件」を巡り、当時の民主化運動のリーダーだったキム・デジュン氏がデモを首謀したとして、内乱陰謀罪で死刑判決を受けました。これについて、当時の鈴木総理大臣が、同じ年の１１月に、日本駐在の韓国のチェ・ギョンノク大使に会って「極刑が執行される事態となれば、韓国との協力関係は難しくなる」として、日韓関係にマイナスの影響を与えると伝えたということです。あわせて鈴木総理大臣は、仮に死刑が執行されれば、日本国内で韓国より北朝鮮との関係強化を求める世論が高まるという見方も伝えていたことが明らかになりました。また外交文書には、このころアメリカの下院議員９人も当時のチョン・ドゥファン大統領に書簡を送り、「キム氏が処刑されれば、アメリカと韓国との関係は破綻する」と警告したことも記録されています。キム氏に対する死刑判決は、１９８１年になって無期懲役に減刑され、その後、刑の執行が停止されましたが、外交文書の公開で、その背景に、日本やアメリカなどの働きかけがあったことが改めて浮き彫りになりました。
(試譯)
It was clarified that more than 30 years ago Japanese Government had been putting pressure on the South Korea government so that capital punishment was not carried out on the former President Kim Dae-jung of South Korea after Kim was given the death sentence for the crime of plotting the civil war.
This was clarified in the diplomatic document that the South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affair and Trade had opened to the public on the 21st. According to it, in May 1980 in a student-led demonstration the so-called "Gwangju Indicant" that was suppressed by the army, it was assumed that Kim Dae-jung was the leader of the democracy movement at that time and was taking the lead in plotting the demonstration that requested democratization; he received the death sentence for the crime of plotting the civil war. In the same year in November, it was said that Prime Minister Suzuki at that time met ambassador Tse Gyonnoku of South Korea who was residing in Japan to convey the message that "if the maximum penalty is carried out, cooperation with South Korea would turn into a difficult situation" because a minus influence would be given to the relations between Japan and South Korea. In addition, it was clarified that Prime Minister Suzuki had been telling the view that the public opinion in Japan that requested the strengthening of relations with North Korea then South Korea would arise if the capital punishment was carried out. Moreover, in the diplomatic document, it was also recorded that nine assembly members of the House of Representatives of the United States had sent a letter to president Chun Doo-hwan at that time to give a warning that "the relation between the United States and South Korea would fail if Kim is executed". The death sentence on Kim was commuted to life imprisonment in 1981; with the opening of the diplomatic document to the public as the background, it stood out that the change was due to the appeal from Japan and the United States.

In the early 1980s, the course of history in South Korea was changed by efforts of the US and Japan. Kim Dae-jung (1925-2009) less than 20 years later was given the chance to serve his country as the president, from 1998 to 2003.

日本家庭供樓開支增加

Recently the Yomiuri News reported the following:
可処分所得に占める住宅ローン返済額の割合も２０・６％と過去最高だった。
　住宅ローン返済額の月平均は１０万２０６９円（年間約１２２万円）で、前年より名目で０・５％増えた。住宅ローン世帯の割合が増えたことについて、農林中金総合研究所の南武志氏は「金利が低いことや住宅ローン減税が要因」と指摘している。
　また、１０年のサラリーマン世帯（単身世帯を含む）の実収入の月平均は４７万１７２７円で、物価変動の影響を除いた実質で前年比２・３％増えた。このうち税金や社会保険料などを除いた可処分所得は３８万９８４８円。食料費や光熱・水道費などの消費支出は２８万３４０１円だった。
(試譯)
The amount of housing loan repayment in the disposable income was 20.6%, being the highest in the past.
The monthly average amount of housing loan repayment was 102,069 yen (It was about 1.22 million yen a year), and in terms of figures, it had increased by 0.5% compared with the previous year. Minami Takeshi of the Norinchukin Bank General Institute was pointing out that the ratio of homes with the housing loan had increased, "the low interest rate and tax break for those who buy houses are factors".
Moreover, the 10-year monthly average household net income of business employees (the single-person household included) was 471,727 yen, and it had increased by 2.3% in substance compared with the previous year after excluding the influence of price changes. The disposable income excluding tax and social insurance premium etc. would be 389,848 yen. Consumer spending on food expenses and light and fuel, and water service expenses etc. were 283,401 yen.

It seems that the living standard of average business employees has not changed much.

中國暫停轉播NHK"茉莉花"集會新聞

Recently the NHK News reported the following:
中東各地で続いている反政府デモを受け、中国の都市でも政治改革を訴える集会が呼びかけられ、北京などで２０日、大勢の人が集まり騒然としたことについて、中国国内で２１日夜、このニュースを伝えるＮＨＫの海外向けテレビ放送の映像が遮断され、中国政府が神経をとがらせていることがうかがえます。
中国国内で映像が遮断されたのは、ＮＨＫの海外向けテレビ放送の「ワールドプレミアム」です。北京や上海など中国の１３の都市では、中東各地で起きている反政府デモを受けて２０日、政治改革を訴える集会を開催するよう、インターネットを通して呼びかけられました。北京や上海では、集会が呼びかけられた場所の周辺に、一時、大勢の人が集まるなどして騒然となりました。このニュースを伝える「ワールドプレミアム」の映像が、中国国内で２１日夜、２分余りにわたって遮断され、見ることができませんでした。中国では、去年、民主活動家で、作家の劉暁波氏がノーベル平和賞を受賞したときにも同じような対応が取られました。北京や上海での混乱について、中国国内のメディアは、これまでのところほとんど伝えておらず、インターネットで情報が広がった中東各地の反政府デモなどの影響が国内に波及することに、中国政府が神経をとがらせていることがうかがえます。
(試譯)
Noting the anti-government demonstrations that had continued in various parts of the Middle East, in China in cities, meetings that appealed for political reforms were called; many people gathered in Beijing etc. on the 20th, images in the NHK's overseas Television Broadcasting that passed on the news of this gathering were intercepted inside China on the night of the 21st; it was possible to note the nervousness of the Chinese government.
It was the image of the "World Premium " of NHK's overseas Television Broadcasting that was intercepted in China. Noting that anti-government demonstrations were staged in various parts of the Middle East, through the Internet, meetings that appealed for political reforms were called to be held on the 20th in 13 Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. Temporarily many people gathered around the place where the meeting was called and people's appeal were noted in Beijing and Shanghai. The images in the "World Premium" that passed on this news were intercepted in China for over two minutes on the 21st at night, and it was not possible to view the images. Last year when the pro-democracy activist and writer Liu Xiaobo won the Nobel Peace Prize, similar response was taken by China. Media in China hardly talked about the confusion in Beijing and Shanghai up to now, and it was possible to note the nervousness of the Chinese government over the spread of information in the Internet about the anti-government demonstrations influence seen in various locations in the Middle East would affect China.

The appeal for political reforms will continue if the the top leaders continue to turn a blind eye to the request.

中島哲也監督「告白」獲最優秀作品賞

Recently the NHK News reported the following:
映画関係者が選ぶ日本アカデミー賞のことしの最優秀作品賞は、中島哲也監督の「告白」が受賞しました。
授賞式は、１８日、東京都内のホテルで開かれ、各賞が発表されました。このうち最優秀作品賞には、中島哲也監督の「告白」が選ばれました。「告白」は、湊かなえさんのベストセラー小説が原作で、幼い娘を自分のクラスの生徒に殺害された中学校の女性教師の復しゅう劇を描いた作品です。このほかの部門では、殺人を犯した男と出会い系サイトで知り合った女性との逃避行を描いた李相日監督の「悪人」が、妻夫木聡さんが最優秀主演男優賞、深津絵里さんが最優秀主演女優賞を受賞するなど、俳優部門の賞を独占し、最も多い５部門で受賞しました。記者会見で、中島哲也監督は「こうした題材の映画を受け入れてもらい、日本映画のバリエーションを増やすことに役立てたと思う」と話していました。また、深津絵里さんは「最高の監督、スタッフ、共演者などみんなの力で頂けたと思う。この場にいない妻夫木さんとはあとで一緒に抱き合って喜びたいです」と話していました。
(試譯)
Film director Tetsuya Nakashima's "Confession" won this year's best film award of the Japanese Academy Award that chose people who were related to movies.
The ceremony was held at the hotel in Tokyo on the 18th, and each award was announced. Film director Tetsuya Nakashima's "Confession" was picked out among others and chosen for the best film award. "Confession" was created based on the original story in a best-selling novel of Soukanae-san , and the drama was about a female junior high school teacher who revenged for her infant daughter murdered by a student of her class. Besides, in other awards, film director Riaiasa's "Bad Man" that described a man who had committed homicide escaped with a woman acquainted through the online dating Web site, actor Tsumaottokisatoshi-san won the award for best actor, Fukatsueri-san won the Best Actress award, monopolised the awards for Film Acting, and as much as 5 awards were won. Film director Tetsuya Nakashima spoke in a press interview that "Movies with such themes are accepted, and it is thought that it is useful to increase the variation of Japanese movies". Moreover, Fukatsueri-san said "I think I was able to get every one's effort such as the top supervisor, the staff, and the costars. Later I want to embrace happily with Tsumaottoki-san together who is not here at the moment".

My congratulations go to film director Tetsuya Nakashima.

日本郵政業務有赤字

Recently the NHK News reported the following:
日本郵政グループの郵便事業会社（日本郵便）は１５日、１０年度の事業計画について総務省に変更申請を提出した。昨年１１月の中間決算で示した１１年３月期の業績予想では、営業損益で１０５０億円の赤字を見込んでいたが、赤字額が１００億円程度膨らむ模様だ。
　同社は、総務省の事業計画の認可を受けて営業しているが、宅配便事業の統合で遅配が発生したことなどから、中間決算で当初の計画に比べて赤字が大幅に拡大していた。今回さらに下方修正となったのは、昨年の中元時期に起こった遅配の再発防止のため、歳暮シーズンに人員などの体制を増強したためと見られる。
On the 15th, the mail business company of the Japan Post group (Japanese mail) submitted an application to the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications to change the business planning for the 2010 fiscal year. The amount of the deficit would swell by about 10 billion yen while a loss of 105 billion yen in operating profit and loss was expected in the performance forecast for the period to March, 2011, based on the interim account in November last year.
The deficit had increased greatly due to the delay generated by integrating the courier service businesses etc. when compared with the interim account planned initially, although this company had obtained the business planning authorization from the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications to do business. Noting further downward revision this time, it was observed that the system would be strengthen by adding the number of men etc. during the year-end gift season in order to prevent the relapse of delay that had occurred during gift-time last year.

In view of the overall tight economic situation in Japan, the postal service should be more careful in using their resources.

日本反對北方領土有第三国経済活動

Recently the NHK News reported the following:
日本政府が北方領土での第三国の経済活動を容認できないとするなか、中国の企業が、国後島で水産物を養殖するプロジェクトをロシア側と共同で始めることで合意したことが分かりました。
合意したのは、北方領土の国後島の有力者が代表を務めるロシアの水産会社「ボズロジジェーニエ」社と中国・大連の水産会社です。このロシアの水産会社によりますと、両者は今月初め、地元の行政府の立ち会いの下、国後島で水産物を養殖するプロジェクトを始めることで合意し、覚え書きに署名しました。ナマコやホタテ貝などを養殖する施設を共同で建設して、主に中国に輸出する計画で、ことし４月にも中国側の関係者が現地を訪れ、詳細を詰めるということです。ロシア側の企業の代表は、ＮＨＫに対し、「中国企業の豊富な資金力を生かしてビジネスを発展させたい」と述べました。北方領土を事実上管轄しているサハリン州政府によりますと、北方領土で第三国と合弁会社を設立するなど、共同で事業を運営するケースはこれまでにはなかったということです。北方領土での第三国の経済活動を巡っては、先の日ロ外相会談後の記者会見で、ラブロフ外相が「中国や韓国からの投資を歓迎する」と述べたのに対し、前原外務大臣は、ロシアによる実効支配を正当化しかねないとして、容認できないとの立場を重ねて示し、神経をとがらせています。

While it had been understood that the Japanese Government would not be able to allow third country's economic activities in the northern territories, a Chinese enterprise had agreed to cooperate with Russia to start a project there that cultivated marine products in Kunashirito.
What was agreed was between the influential fishery company "Bozurojije-nie" of Russia in Kunashirito in the northern territories that served as the representative together with a Chinese fishery company from Tairen. According to the Russian fishery company, it was agreed to start the project that cultivated marine products at Kunashirito, and both signed the memo under the attendance of the executive branch of local authorities at the beginning this month. Facilities were jointly constructed, the sea cucumber and the scallop etc. would be cultivated and scheduled mainly to be exported to China, parties concerned in China would visit the location in April this year to come up with the details. The representative of the enterprise in Russia described to NHK that "It wants to make use of the abundant funding abilities of the Chinese enterprise and to develop the business". So far there was no case of managing the business jointly with a third country, and establishment of joint venture companies in northern territories would depend on the Sakhalin state government that had the actual jurisdiction over northern territories. Foreign Minister Maehara was uneasy in the response, repeatedly showing the standpoint that it was not possible to allow it, as Russia openly formally assumed the effective rule,and that Foreign Minister Lavrov had earlier spoken at the press conference after the foreign ministerial meeting between Japan-Russia over economic activities of a third country in the northern territories, saying that "The investment from China and South Korea is welcome".

Obviously Japan is having a diplomatic hard time in dealing with China and Russia over the northern territories.

廣島縣宮島牡蠣節慶祝年度收獲

Recently the NHK News reported the following:
広島県廿日市市の宮島で、特産のかきを使った土手鍋やグラタン、シチューなど、さまざまな料理を味わうことができる恒例のかき祭りが開かれました。「宮島かき祭り」は１３日も開かれます。
宮島のかき祭りは、かきが旬を広島県廿日市市の宮島で、特産のかきを使った土手鍋やグラタン、シチューなど、さまざまな料理を味わうことができる恒例のかき祭りが開かれました。「宮島かき祭り」は１３日も開かれます。
宮島のかき祭りは、かきが旬を迎えるこの時期に毎年開かれているもので、宮島の桟橋前の広場に設けられた会場には、土手鍋やグラタン、シチューなどさまざまなかき料理の出店が並びました。１２日は、みぞれ混じりのあいにくの天気でしたが、観光客や地元の人が多く訪れ、出来たてのかき料理を味わったり、地元の新鮮なかきを買い求めたりしていました。地元の漁業組合によりますと、ことしのかきは、年末に海水の温度があまり下がらなかったため、例年よりも小ぶりですが、身は引き締まっていて味がよいということです。家族と一緒に宮城県から訪れた男性は「広島に来てまで雪に降られるとは思いませんでしたが、アツアツのかきを食べることができ満足です」と話していました。「宮島かき祭り」は１３日も開かれます。
The customary oyster festival was held to enable the tasting of various dishes like the hand pan, the gratin, and the stew, etc. that used the oyster which was the special product of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture Hatsukaichi City. "Miyajima Oyster Festival" was also opened on the 13th.
The oyster festival of Miyajima was held and the oyster festival was an established custom held in Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture Hatsukaichi City. In season oysters as a special product was used for the hand pan, the gratin, and the stew, etc. so that various dishes could be tasted. "Miyajima oyster festival" was already opened on the 13th.
The oyster festival of Miyajima was the one that opened every year at this time when the in season oyster was harvested, and restaurant branch shops with a variety of oyster dishes like the hand pan, the gratin, and the stew lined up in the plaza that was set up in the open space in front of the pier in Miyajima. Although on the 12th it was unfortunate that the weather was mixed with sleet, there were lots of tourists and local visitors, it was possible to taste the oyster dishes that had been prepared, and fresh local oysters could be bought. According to the local fishing guild, because the temperature of seawater did not fall too much at the end of the year, the oyster this year was smaller than the ordinary year, yet the body was tightened and that would mean the taste was good. A man from Miyajima Prefecture who visited with the family was saying that "To be able to eat hot oysters was satisfying though do not think that it would snow to the point that it comes to Hiroshima". "Miyajima Oyster Festival" was already opened on the 13th.

The Miyajima Oyster Festival is started, come to share the joy if you have the opportunity.

中國製造氣體火爐需要回收

Recently the NHK News reported the following:
中国製の電気ストーブが原因で住宅が焼けるなどの火災が２か月余りで４件発生し、製品を輸入・販売している会社は、近く製品の回収を始めることにしています。
回収が行われるのは、東京・台東区に本社がある「燦＊クン日本電器」が、中国から輸入し販売した電気ストーブです。消費者庁によりますと、岩手県盛岡市で、先月３日、住宅にあった電気ストーブから出火し、住宅の２階部分が焼けたほか、去年１２月から先月にかけて、東京や大阪、それに福岡でもストーブから火が出る火事があわせて４件発生しました。けが人はいないということです。問題の商品は「ＵＨＣ－３Ｔ」など、３つの機種で、おととしまでの４年間に全国でおよそ２万８０００台が販売されました。消費者庁は、「ストーブの火の強さを調節する部品に不具合があった」とみて、詳しい原因を調べています。「燦＊クン日本電器」は同じ製品で火災が相次いでいることを重くみて、近く製品の回収を始めることにしています。（＊クン＝「土へん」の右に「申」）

Four fire incidents in residential buildings had occurred in two months because of the electric stoves made in China, and the company that imported and sold the product recently started recalling the products.
The stove recall was held by the "Can Kun Japanese Electric Appliance" with its headquarters in Taito Ward of Tokyo that imported electrical stoves from China to sell. According to the consumer agency, in Iwate Prefecture Morioka City, on the 3rd last month, fire came out from an electric stove in the house, part of the second floor of the house was burnt; in addition from December last year to last month in Tokyo and Osaka, and also Fukuoka, four fire incidents occurred because fire came out from the stove. It was reported that no one was injured. The commodity in question the "UHC-3T" had three models, and in the whole country about 28,000 was sold in the four years up to the year before last. The consumer agency thought that "Trouble was found in parts that adjust the strength of the fire of the stove" and was investing the cause in details. "Can Kun Japanese Electric Appliance" repeatedly saw the same product had caused fire one after another, started recalling the product recently.

For safety reasons the recall should be carried out as soon as possible.

自衛隊宣傳設施由收費參觀變免費

Recently the NHK News reported the following;
政府の事業仕分けを受けて、への入館を無料から有料にしたところ、入館者数が前の年の半数以下に減ったことが分かり、防衛省は、２月１日から入館料を無料に戻したうえ、今後の方針を検討することになりました。
おととし１１月に行われた政府の事業仕分けで、陸上自衛隊の朝霞駐屯地にある「陸上自衛隊広報センター」と長崎県佐世保市にある海上自衛隊の「佐世保史料館」、静岡県浜松市にある航空自衛隊の「浜松広報館」の３つの施設は入館料を徴収し、運営費などの予算を減らすよう求められました。これを受けて防衛省は、去年１１月から１月３１日までの３か月間、３つの施設で入館料として、１８歳以上の人からは４００円から５００円、小中学生と高校生からは２００円を試験的に徴収しました。その結果、この間の３つの施設の入館者数は、およそ６万２０００人と前の年の同じ時期よりも７万５０００人（５５％）減ったということです。防衛省は「有料化の影響についてデータが得られた」として、２月１日から３つの施設の入館料を再び無料に戻したうえ、最終的に有料にするか無料にするか検討することにしています。

Affected by government's decision on business specialization, entering Self Defense Force's public relations facilities was changed from free of charge to fees payable, it was understood that the number of visitors had decreased more than half when compared to the previous period, and the Ministry of Defense returned back to free of charge on February 1 and would review the policy in the future.

In November last year, because of the government decision on specialization, three facilities, the "Public Relation Center of the Ground Self-Defence Force" at the Sasaka station ground, the "Sasebo Historical Materials Museum" of the Maritime Self-Defence Force at the Nagasai Prefecture Sasebo city, and the "Hamamatsu Public Relation Center" of the Air Self-Defences Force at Shizuoki Prefecture Hamamatsu city started collecting admission fees, hoping that the management expense budget etc. could be reduced. This was approved by the Ministry of Defense, in the three months from November last year to January 31, people 18-year-old or over were collected 500 yen from 400 yen, and for school children and the high school students 200 yen were collected as admission fees experimentally. As a result, during that period the number of visitors of three facilities was 62,000 people, a decrease of 75,000 (55%) from the same previous period. The Ministry of Defense, because "Data on the influence of applying charges was obtained", decided that from February 1 admissions to the 3 institutions would return to free of charge again and would review whether to keep charge or not eventually.

In order to reduce expenses, Japanese government is seeking ways to limit its budget.

麒麟啤酒與華潤創業有生產合作

Recently the NHK News reported the following:
大手ビールメーカーの「キリンホールディングス」は、中国で清涼飲料の市場が急速に伸びていることから香港にある大手食品会社との合弁会社を設立し、中国向けに日本の缶コーヒーなどの販売を拡大していくことになりました。
発表によりますと、キリンホールディングスは、香港に本社がある中国の大手食品会社「華潤創業」と合弁会社を設立することで合意しました。キリン側は、この会社に４０％出資し、共同で清涼飲料の生産や販売を行う計画で、グループ会社の「キリンビバレッジ」が展開する缶コーヒーや紅茶飲料などの販売も拡大する方針です。中国では、経済成長に伴って清涼飲料の市場も急速に拡大しており、おととしには「サントリーホールディングス」がアメリカの大手飲料メーカー「ペプシコ」と提携して、コーヒー飲料の販売を始めています。キリンホールディングスの三宅占二社長は「両社の強みを生かして、新たな飲料ブランドの開発にも取り組み、中国での飲料事業のトップを目指したい」と述べました。
Kirin Holdings, a major beer manufacturer would establish a joint venture company with a major food company in Hong Kong because markets for soft drinks had expanded rapidly in China, and to expand sales such as Japanese canned coffees in China.
According to the announcement, Kirin Holdings agreed to the establishment of a joint venture company with a major food company "China Resources Enterprise" of China where the headquarters was in Hong Kong. In the joint venture company, Kirin Beverage was scheduled to invest 40% in this company, they would jointly produce soft drinks and sell it, "Kirin Beverage" group business policy direction was to expand sales such as canned coffees and tea beverages. In China, the market for soft drinks expanded rapidly along with the economic growth, and "Santori Holdings" had started sales of the coffee beverage the year before last in cooperation with a major beverage manufacturer the "PepsiCo" of the United States. Kirin Holdings' president Miyake described that "I want to make the best use of the strong points of the two companies, to work on the development of a new beverage brand, and to aim at the top of the beverage business in China".

When the economy in China continues to improve, beverage markets will also grow.

俄國在北方領土擴展軍備

Recently the Yomiuri News reported the following:
ロシアのメドベージェフ大統領は９日、「ロシアに不可分の（北方領土を含む）クリル諸島の安全を保障するため、近代的な武器を必要なだけ十分に配備する必要がある」と述べ、セルジュコフ国防相に対し、北方領土での軍備拡充を指示した。国防相とバサルギン地域発展相との会合で語った。
大統領はまた、「クリル諸島は戦略的重要地域だ」と強調した。北方領土には択捉と国後に露軍部隊が駐留しており、国防相は２月末までに軍備更新計画を作成する計画を示した。
　大統領は、北方領土での近隣国との経済協力の重要性を強調しつつ、「招かれるのは、そうした協力が自国への侮辱と考えない国だ」と語り、自らの訪問を「許し難い暴挙」と非難した菅首相の発言に強く反発した。

President Medvedev of Russia described on the 9th that "It was necessary to deploy modern armament to secure the safety of Kuril islands which was an inseparable part of Russia (Northern territories were included)", and directed Defense Minister Serujukofu to expand armament in northern territories. He talked with Defense Minister at the meeting in respect of the development at the Basarugin region.
The president also emphasized that "Kuril islands are strategically important regions". In the northern territories, Russian military corps were stationed in Etorofu and Kunashiri, and Defense Minister showed the plan to finish making an armament update project by the end of February.
The president said, "In the country that was invited, not to think that the cooperation was an insult to the home country", emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation with neighbouring countries in northern territories, and responded strongly towards the remarks made by Prime Minister Gan who had said that "Violence is not easily permitted" when criticizing his visit.

In recently months Russia is increasing its development activities in the northern territories, in spite of Japan's negative response.

NEC與联想集团有新合作

Recently the NHK News reported the following:
大手電機メーカーの「ＮＥＣ」は、中国の大手パソコンメーカー「レノボ・グループ」と合弁会社を設立して共同で事業を展開し、主力のパソコン事業の収益改善を目指すことになりました。
発表によりますと、ＮＥＣは、ことし６月にもレノボ・グループと合弁で持ち株会社を設立し、その傘下にＮＥＣのパソコン事業とレノボの日本法人を移管する形で、共同でパソコン事業を行います。合弁会社にはレノボが過半数を出資し、両社は共同で資材を調達したり、開発で連携したりして、コスト競争力の高い製品を販売していくとしています。ＮＥＣはブランドを残し、レノボの世界的なサービス網などを利用して、一度撤退した海外市場でも日本企業向けに販売します。また、世界的に需要が伸びている多機能端末などの共同開発も検討するとしています。レノボは、６年前、アメリカの「ＩＢＭ」からパソコン事業を買収した中国・北京に本拠を置く世界４位のパソコンメーカーです。ＮＥＣは、国内のパソコンの販売で長年首位ですが、価格競争が激化するなか、今回の提携で収益の改善を目指すことにしています。ＮＥＣの遠藤信博社長は会見で、「提携による規模のメリットを生かすことで、国内シェア首位を維持し、パソコン事業の強化を目指したい」と述べました。
"NEC" the major electric machine manufacturer would, together with a major personal computer manufacturer the "Lenovo group" of China, establish a joint venture company to develop the business jointly that aimed at improving earning in the key business of personal computer.
According to the announcement, a holding company would be established under joint management with the Lenovo group in June this year, as a subsidiary, NEC's personal computer business and Lenovo's Japanese corporation were transferred to it to jointly carry out the computer business. In the joint venture company the majority investment was from Lenovo; the two companies would jointly procure materials, and jointly do development, assuming that it could sell products with high competitiveness in cost. With NEC leaving behind the brand name, and making use of worldwide service net of Lenovo, this company aimed at the Japanese firms to sell the products although temporarily withdrew from the overseas market. Moreover, it intended to examine the joint development in items such as multifunctional terminals that the demand had expanded worldwide. Lenovo was a personal computer and media manufacturer in the fourth place in the world that opened its base in Beijing of China and had purchased its personal computer business from "IBM" of the US six years ago. NEC was aiming at improving earnings; its sales in domestic personal computer was in the head position for years, but as price competition had intensified it hoped to increase its profit through the co-operation. President Nobuhiro Endo of NEC said in an interview that "I want to maintain the domestic share in the head position by making the best use of the advantage in scale through this co-operation, and aim at strengthening the personal computer business".

To co-operate with other companies through joint venture, NEC is making the necessary adjustment in preparation for the keen competitions ahead.

日本有癌症放射醫療新装置

Recently the NHK News reported the following:
がんに当てる放射線をこれまでより１００倍ほど速く操り、肺といった呼吸で動く臓器でも、正確な治療ができる新しい装置が千葉市にある放射線医学総合研究所に完成し、ことし３月から臨床試験が始まることになりました。
放射線医学総合研究所では、新しい装置を披露する式典が行われ、関係者がテープにはさみを入れて完成を祝いました。新しい装置では、放射線をがん全体に一度に当てる従来の方法を改良し、直径およそ１センチに細くしたうえでペン先でなぞるように当てることで、がんの周りにある正常な細胞を傷つけるリスクが減りました。また、放射線を今ある最新の装置より１００倍ほど速く操り、肺といった呼吸で動く臓器にあるがんでも、息を吐き切ったわずかな瞬間に正確な治療ができるということです。放射線医学総合研究所の鎌田正センター長は「より正確で速いことで治療費も抑えられる。患者にとっては、がんの治療が気軽に受けられるようになる第一歩だ」と話しています。新しい装置は、ことし３月から臨床試験が始まる予定で、数年後には佐賀県や神奈川県にも導入されることになっています。
A new device that could apply radiation to the caner about 100 times faster than those available to-date, and could do accurate treatment even with the internal organs moving such as a breathing lung, was completed in the National Institute of Radiological Sciences in Chiba City, clinical trials would be started in March this year.
National Institute of Radiological Sciences held the ceremony that announced the new device; the ceremony was completed by the cutting of the ribbon by parties concerned. The risk of damaging normal cells surrounding the cancer was decreased because the method used up to this moment that applied the radiation to the entire cancer had been improved, the new device could minimize the area to one centimeter in diameter and it could be used like a pen. Moreover, the radiation could be applied at about 100 times faster then devices so far available. Although the cancer was in the organ such as the lung that was moving, accurate treatment could be done in extremely short period of time when the lung was breathing air in and out. Kamadasei as the center head of the National Institute of Radiological Sciences said that ｢Accuracy and speed have reduced the therapy cost. It is a first step that this cancer treatment would be readily accepted by the patients｣. The new device was scheduled to start clinical trials in March this year, and was supposed to be introduced into Saga Prefecture and Kanagawa Prefecture in several years.

The invention of this new medical device is a good news to many cancer patients in Japan.

涼宮春日的驚愕

Recently the Mainichi News reported the following:
　
4年ぶりの最新刊「涼宮ハルヒの驚愕」初回版が5/25発売、予約受付スタート.

谷川流さんの人気ライトノベル“涼宮ハルヒ”シリーズの最新刊「涼宮ハルヒの驚愕」初回限定版の発売日が5月25日（水）に決定しました。初回限定版は前編・後編の2冊にオールカラーの小冊子が付いた特別仕様です。
2007年6月から約4年の“発売延期”を経て、ついに「涼宮ハルヒの驚愕」が発売されます。初回限定版には前編・後編の本編2冊に加え、64ページのオールカラー特製小冊子も同梱。いとうのいぢさんによる描き下ろしイラストも収録される予定です。価格は1,260円（税込)です。

After an interval of four years, the first edition of the latest issue " The Shock of Ryoumiya Haruhi" would be on sale on May 25, and reservation for the book had been started.
The release date of the limited edition of the latest issue of the popular light novel series the "Ryoumiya Haruhi" by Tanigawanagaru-san, "The Shock of Ryoumiya Haruhi", was decided to be Wednesday May 25. This first limited edition had a special feature in that an all-color small booklet would be attached to the first and second volume.
Counting from June, 2007, "The Shock of Ryoumiya Haruhi" had gone through a "sales delay" of four years, and it was finally put on the market. Added to the first and second volume would be an all-color specially made 64-page booklet which would be bundled to this two-volume limited first edition. Lower illustration drawing by Itounoiji-san was scheduled to be included. The price would be 1,260 yen (including tax).

The release of the first limited edition of this popular novel would be a good news to many of the novel fans.