日本鰻魚有滅絶危險

A few weeks ago the NHK News on-line reported the following:

ニホンウナギ 絶滅危惧種に指定

6月12日 9時05分

世界の野生生物の専門家などで作るＩＵＣＮ＝国際自然保護連合は１２日、ニホンウナギについて、近い将来、絶滅する危険性が高いとして絶滅危惧種に指定し、レッドリストに掲載しました。
これにより今後、ニホンウナギの保護を求める国際的な世論が高まることも予想されます。

スイスに本部があるＩＵＣＮでは、専門家のグループが、世界のさまざまな野生生物について絶滅のリスクなどを評価し、「すでに絶滅」から「情報不足」までの８段階に分類したレッドリストを毎年数回、改定し発表してきました。
生息数が激減しているニホンウナギについても、去年７月から検討を進めてきましたが、１２日発表されたレッドリストの最新版では、ニホンウナギは絶滅のリスクが上から４番目に当たる「近い将来、野生での絶滅の危険性が高い」絶滅危惧種として分類されました。
ニホンウナギが絶滅危惧種として指定された理由として、ＩＵＣＮでは、生息地の減少や水質の悪化、海流の変化、それに乱獲などを挙げています。
レッドリストに法的な拘束力はないものの、絶滅危惧種のリストとしては世界で最も権威のあるものとされるため、ニホンウナギが掲載されたことで、今後、国際的な取り引きの規制など保護を求める世論が高まる可能性もあります。
今回、ウナギの評価に当たった作業部のゴロック議長はコメントを発表し、「ニホンウナギの状況は大きな懸念だが、生息数などの情報を集めて評価が行われたこと自体は大きな前進だ。今後は、この情報を活用して保護へ向けた取り組みを進めることが可能になる」と述べています。

(試譯文)

On the 12th (June) the IUCN : International Union for Conservation of Nature formed by wildlife specialists in the world specified Japanese eel as an endangered species noting that it had high danger of extermination in the near future; it was published in the Red List.

It was also expected that from now on international public opinions asking for the protection of Japanese eel would increase because of this.

In the IUCN which had its headquarters in Switzerland, the risk of extinction etc. for various wildlife in the world were evaluated, and the specialist's group updated the Red List which classify them into eight stages: from "already being exterminated" to "insufficient information", and announced the list several times a year.

While examination had proceeded from July last year and the number of habitat for the Japanese eel was decreasing sharply, according to the latest version of the Red List announced on the 12^th, the Japanese eel was classified as endangered species that had a "high" risk of extinction in the wilderness in the near future, with the risk of extinction hitting the 4th from a top.

The reasons for the Japanese eel being specified as endangered species as mentioned by IUCN were: reduction in habitat, aggravation of water quality, change of ocean currents, and also over hunting etc.

Although there was no legal binding force in the Red List, it was the most authoritative list on endangered species in the world. As the Japanese eel was on the list, public opinion asking for its protection, such as to regulate international dealings, from now on might increase.

This time, chairman Gorokku of the task force in charge of evaluating the eel announced a comment that "while the situation of Japanese eel is a huge concern, there is a big improvement in it: in collecting information used for performing evaluation, for example information on the number of habitat. From now on, by utilizing these information, it becomes possible to advance measures aiming at protection".

     The aggravation of water quality and change of ocean currents etc. are common factors that affect marine lives. So, the supply of Japanese eel will decrease gradually.

本田小型噴射機試飛成功

A few weeks ago the Yomiuri News on-line reported the following:

ホンダジェット量産機初飛行…４億５０００万円

2014年06月29日 14時06分

　ホンダは２８日、小型ジェット機「ホンダジェット」の量産１号機が米国で初飛行に成功したと発表した。

　ホンダジェットは７人乗り。エンジンを主翼の上に据えて、他社の競合機種に比べ高い燃費性能と客室空間の広さを実現した。価格は４５０万ドル（約４億５０００万円）で、すでに米国などで１００機以上を受注している。２０１５年に納入を始める予定だ。

(試譯文)

On the 28th (June) Honda announced that their No. 1 mass production small jet aircraft "Honda Jet" had succeeded in its first flight in the U.S.

Honda Jet was a seven-seater. The engine was set on the wing. Compared with the competing models of other companies, it had high fuel consumption performance and wide guest room space. The price was 4,500,000 dollars (about 450 million yen), and already it had received orders for over 100 planes in the U.S. etc. Delivery was scheduled to begin in 2015.

From now on, apart from being a brand name for cars, Honda is also for small jet-planes.

大阪市内２４区有巡邏隊街防止頭犯罪

A few days ago the Mainichi News on-line reported the following:

街頭犯罪抑止:パトロール隊を配置　大阪市内２４区に

毎日新聞　2014年08月02日　00時05分（最終更新　08月02日　00時26分）

大阪市は１日、ひったくりなど街頭犯罪の抑止を目指す民間委託のパトロール隊を市内２４区に配置する取り組みを始めた。同市の昨年の街頭犯罪認知件数は約２万６０００件。全国の政令市で最悪の水準となっており、橋下徹市長は「２年後に２万件以下に減らし、ワースト返上を目指す」と目標を掲げた。

　市によると、民間の警備会社に委託し、巡視員１２０人が警察と連携して、平日夜間を中心に地域を巡回する。各区２〜６人で、繁華街を抱える北、中央、淀川の３区にはさらに計１６人を治安状況に応じて割り振る。

　この日午後５時過ぎ、制服姿の巡視員が淀川区役所を次々と出発。十三東駅前商店街などを見回り、通行人らに「ひったくりに遭わないよう、かばんは斜めに掛けて」などと注意を呼び掛けた。

　街頭犯罪などの認知件数を巡っては、大阪府警が２００８年以降の５年間で約８万件を過少報告した問題が発覚。府知事だった橋下市長が当時、「街頭犯罪の全国ワースト１位返上」を府警側に強く迫った背景がある。

　橋下市長は先月３１日の記者会見で、再び数値目標を掲げることについて「虚偽報告とは別問題だ。数値管理は必要だ」と述べた。【黄在龍】

(試譯文)

On the first (of August), Osaka began a measure to station private patrol parties in the 24 districts of the city aiming at deterring street crimes such as purse-snatching. Last year the known number of street crime cases of the city was about 26,000. It was the worst level among all ordinance-designated cities in the country; Mayor Toru Hashimoto disclosed the target of "reducing it to 20,000 or less cases in two years, and aim at getting rid of being the worst".

According to the city, a private security company was entrusted with 120 people to become inspection members who would cooperate with the police to patrol the area, with the night time in weekdays as the focus. In each district two to six people would be assigned. Also, according to the security situation, a total of 16 people would be assigned to the three districts of the North, the Center, and Yodogawa which were in the downtown.

On this day it was past 5:00 p.m., inspection members in uniform one after another departed from the Yodogawa ward office. They patrolled the shopping centers in front of Jusohigashi Station etc. and appealed to passersby for caution that “in order to avoid snatching, wear your bag diagonally" etc.

On the problem revolving around the number of known street crime cases, it was revealed that the Osaka prefecture police had under reported about 80,000 cases in the five years since 2008. This was the background in those days that Mayor Hashimoto who as the governor pressed on the prefecture police strongly for "getting rid off being the worst place in the nation on street crimes".

At a press conference held on 31st of last month, Mayor Hashimoto raised the numerical target again, saying that "false reporting is another problem; management on the number is required".

I look forward to seeing a better Osaka under the leadership of Mayor Toru Hashimoto.

巴黎防衛装備展覽会: 日本首次參加

A few weeks ago the Yomiuri News on-line reported the following:

パリの兵器・防衛装備品展示会に初の日本ブース

2014年06月17日 21時38分

　【パリ＝三井美奈】パリ郊外で１６日開幕した世界最大規模の陸上兵器・防衛装備品の展示会「ユーロサトリ」に、初めて日本ブースが設けられた。

　日本政府が４月に閣議決定した「防衛装備移転３原則」で、条件を満たせば武器輸出が認められたのを受けた動きだ。日本の防衛産業は予算減などで地盤沈下が続いており、海外展開で活路を開く狙いがある。

　日本から参加したのは、三菱重工業や川崎重工業、ＮＥＣ、日立製作所など大手、中小あわせて１３社。パラシュートや架橋設備のほか、磁力を使って地中の様子を画面に表示できる地雷探知機、砲弾や地雷攻撃に耐えられる輸送用装甲車のモデルなど新技術が紹介された。仏紙ル・モンドが「日本の武器市場競争への回帰」と報じるなど、欧州での関心は高い。

　これまで、日本の防衛産業は取引先が自衛隊に限られていた。しかし、新３原則では平和貢献や国際協力、日本の安全保障につながることなどを条件に輸出や国際共同開発が認められた。

(試譯文)

On the 16^th (June) for the first time a Japanese booth was set up in the "Eurosatory", the world's largest show for land arms and defense equipment opened in the Paris suburbs.

Based on "the three principles on defense equipment transfer” which the Japanese government Cabinet had decided in April, there was a move to approving the export of arms if conditions were fulfilled. For the Japan's defense industry, due to a decrease in budget etc. its size was shrinking continuously, and was aiming at opening up a way out by overseas development.

The participation from Japan included major companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, NEC, Hitachi and together with smaller companies totaling thirteen. Besides parachutes and bridge construction equipment, there was a mine detector which could display a subterranean situation on a screen using magnetism. Also introduced was a model of an armored car for transportation etc. which could, using new technology, withstand artillery shells or mine attacks. The concern in Europe was high, a French paper Le Monde reported that "arms market competition from Japan has returned" etc.

For Japan's defense industry until now, the customer was restricted to the Self-Defense Forces. However, under the new three principles, on condition that it was connected with a peace contribution, an international cooperation, or for the security of Japan, both exportation and international joint development were acceptable.

Obviously Japan will earn influence overseas through the export of arms and new technology. 

因為天氣暖化香魚未能充分成長

A few weeks ago the Asahi News on-line reported the following:

アユ、温暖化で小型に？　産卵遅くなり海で成長しきれず

中山由美

2014年6月1日10時22分

　全国の河川で漁期を迎えているアユ。近年は釣り人や漁師から「小さくなった」との声が相次いでいる。秋に産卵する一年魚だが、温暖化による川の水温上昇で産卵期が遅れ、海で成長しきれないまま遡上（そじょう）するアユが増えているようだ。

　６月にアユ釣り解禁を迎える富山県の庄川で県水産研究所が調べたところ、アユの体長は１９９０年代に１５～１８センチあったのが、２０００年代はそれより２～３センチ小さかった。那珂川（栃木県）、神通川（富山県）、四万十川（高知県）など全国を訪れる岐阜県郡上市のアユ釣り名人・白滝治郎さん（５６）も「海から遡上するアユが、昔より小さくなった感じがする」と話す。

　同じような声は全国の釣り人からも聞かれ、２５都県の水産研究機関が集まる全国湖沼河川養殖研究会の部会は、遡上と海へ下る「降下」の時期を調べ、今年３月に中間報告を出した。遡上の時期は河川や年によって早まったり遅くなったりしていたが、降下は９０年ごろから全国的に年々遅れる傾向が見られた。長良川（岐阜県）では、降下のピークが９５～９６年は１０月中旬～１１月上旬だったが、昨年はそれより１カ月遅かった。

(試譯文)

Sweet-fish: rivers all over the country were waiting for its fishing season. In recent years among anglers and fishermen there were opinions that "it is becoming smaller". It was the one-year fish which laid eggs in autumn. It seemed that the breeding season was delayed due to an increase in river water temperature caused by the warm climate. Among the going up-stream sweet-fish, the number of those unable to grow up in the sea was increasing.

In the investigation by the prefecture’s Regional Fisheries Research Laboratories in Shogawa in Toyama Prefecture which welcome the lifting of the ban on sweet-fish angling in June, it was found that while the length of the sweet-fish was 15-18 cm in the 1990s, in 2000s it was shorter by 2-3 cm. Mr. Shirataki Jiro (56) of Gifu Gujo, a sweet-fish angling expert who had visited the whole country such as Nakagawa (Tochigi Prefecture), Jintsu River (Toyama Prefecture), and Shimanto River (Kochi Prefecture) also said "there is a feeling that the sweet-fish going upstream from the sea is becoming smaller than before".

The same voice was also heard from anglers all over the country. A group meeting of the national lake and river aquaculture study group formed by the fishery research institutions from 25 cities and prefectures had come together to investigate the cycle for the fish going up-stream and down to the sea: the "drop". It issued an interim report in March this year: regarding whether the yearly timing for the up-stream in the river was advanced or delayed, it was seen that all over the country a tendency in delayed descending every year had started since around the 90s. In Nagara-gawa (Gifu Prefecture), while in 95 – 96 the peak of descending was mid-October to mid-November, last year it was one month later than that period.

May be the life-cycle of the sweet-fish has been affected by the global warming.

日本民意對「１８歳有選挙権」有分歧

Recently the Yomiuri News on-line reported the following:

「１８歳選挙権」賛否が拮抗…読売世論調査

2014年07月04日 22時29分

 　読売新聞社は６月２８～２９日、全国世論調査（面接方式）を実施した。

　国政選挙などで投票できる年齢を、現在の２０歳から１８歳に引き下げることに「賛成」と答えた人は４８％で、「反対」の４５％と拮抗(きっこう)した。６月成立の改正国民投票法の付則には、選挙権年齢の１８歳への引き下げを検討する方針が明記されたが、国民の意見は割れている。

　賛成と答えた人に、理由を二つまで挙げてもらったところ、「引き下げによって社会の一員としての自覚を促せる」５４％が最も多く、「少子高齢化の中でより多くの若者の意見を政治に反映できる」４８％、「十分な判断力がある」２９％、「すでに働いている人がいる」２７％、「多くの国で１８歳から投票できる」１１％が続いた。

　反対する人の理由（二つまで）は、トップが「まだ十分な判断力がない」７２％で、「引き下げても投票に行く若者が増えるとは思えない」４３％、「働いている人は少ない」２２％、「民法が定める成人年齢が２０歳のまま、引き下げるべきでない」１９％、「２０歳からの投票が定着している」１２％の順だった。

　改正国民投票法の成立で、憲法改正の国民投票の投票年齢が４年後に１８歳に引き下げられることについても、「評価する」４８％、「評価しない」４４％と意見が分かれた。

　民法が定める成人年齢の１８歳への引き下げについては、「反対」５９％が「賛成」３５％を大きく上回った。２００８年４月調査の反対５９％、賛成３６％とほとんど変化はなく、国民に慎重論が根強いことを示している。

(試譯文)

     The Yomiuri Shimbun carried out a national opinion poll (by interview) on June 28 - 29th.

     The people who answered "support" in lowering of the age to 18-year-old from the present 20-year-old for those who could vote in the national election etc. was 48%, against the 45% "oppose". Although the additional rule under the amended national referendum law enacted in June had specified a plan to examine the lowering of suffrage age to 18 years old, people's opinions were divided.

     In mentioning two reasons, among the people who answered they agreed, in majority 54% said that "the lowing can promote the consciousness as social a member", 48% mentioned "more young men's opinion can be reflected in politics amid low birthrate and longevity", 29% said "they had sufficient judgment", 27% "they were already at work", and 11% said "18 years old can vote in many countries" and so on.

     The reasons (up to two) for those who opposed to it, starting from the top were: 72% "still without sufficient judgment", 43% "even if lowered, the number of young men who would go to cast votes will not increase", 22% "not many of them are working", 19% "should not be reduced because the adulthood age as defined by the Civil Code is 20 years old", and 12% "it is established that voting starts from 20 years old", following the order.

     Regarding the enactment to revise the national referendum law that, within four years, to lower voting age to 18 years old for national referendum in amending the constitution, 48% "to evaluate", 44% "no comments". The opinions were divided.

     About the lowering to 18 years old as the adulthood age to be defined in the Civil Code, 59% "oppose", exceeding the 35% "support" by far. Comparing to an investigation in April 2008 with 59% opposes and 36% in support, there were no obvious changes, showing that people’s cautious view was deep-seated.

This national opinion poll shows that in voting, the opinion of the Japanese is conservative.

住民税每年增加１０００円作復興支援用

Last month the NHK News on-line reported the following:

住民税 年間１０００円増税し復興財源に

6月1日 6時43分

東日本大震災の復興財源を確保するため、すでに実施されている所得税の臨時増税に加えて、今月からは住民税が納税者１人当たり年間で１０００円増税されます。

政府は東日本大震災からの復旧・復興事業を進めるため平成２３年度から５年間でおよそ２５兆円を集中的に投入することにしていて必要な財源は税外収入や復興増税などで確保することにしています。
これを受けて個人の所得税は去年１月から２５年間、税額の２．１％分加算される臨時増税が実施されていますが、これに加えて住民税も今月から納税者１人当たり年間で１０００円増税されます。
住民税の臨時増税の期間は１０年間で、およそ６０００億円の増収が見込まれていて、被災地の復旧・復興のほか、全国各地で行われる学校の耐震化や津波対策など緊急性の高い防災事業に使われることになっています。

(試譯文)

In order to secure the revenue source for recovering from the Great East Japan Earthquake, in addition to the extraordinary income tax increase already carried out, from this month the yearly resident tax would be increased by 1,000 yen for taxpayers.

In order to push forward the project for the revival from the Great East Japan Earthquake, about 25 trillion yen would be collected and invested starting from Heisei 23 fiscal year for five years. The government had to secure revenue source by non-tax revenues and increasing revival tax etc.

In response, starting from January last year for 25 years, for individual income tax a temporary tax increase of additional 2.1% worth of tax was implemented. On top of that, the resident tax also had a yearly increase of 1,000 yen per taxpayer starting from this month (June).

In ten years, with the extraordinary increase in resident tax, an additional about 600 billion yen in revenue was expected. Besides for the restoration and revival of the stricken area, the revenue would be used in disaster prevention projects that had high urgency such as earthquake-proofing in schools, and performed measures against the tsunami etc. all over the country.

     It seems that the tax burden on the Japanese is very heavy.