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タイ在住11年目、妻はタイ人、娘が2人、養女が2人

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Send North Korea clear message that missile provocation won’t be tolerated
北ミサイル予告　挑発許さぬ意思を明確に示せ

The international community must stand united and ratchet up the pressure on North Korea to deter that nation from advancing its nuclear and missile programs.
　北朝鮮の核ミサイル開発を阻止するため、国際社会が結束して圧力を強めねばならない。

North Korea has given notice that it will launch a satellite between Feb. 8 and Feb. 25. Although Pyongyang stubbornly insists the launch is for peaceful purposes, it will actually be a launch of a long-range ballistic missile.
　北朝鮮が、２月８～２５日の間に人工衛星を打ち上げると予告した。平和目的だと強弁するが、事実上の長距離弾道ミサイルの発射だ。

A number of U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from conducting launches that use ballistic missile technology. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was quite right to demand that North Korea refrain from going through with the launch, saying, “This would constitute a violation of these resolutions and represent a serious provocation to Japan’s security.”
　国連安全保障理事会は度重なる決議で、北朝鮮に対し、弾道ミサイル技術を使った発射を禁じている。安倍首相が「決議違反であり、我が国の安全保障上の重大な挑発行為だ」として、自制を求めたのは当然である。

On Jan. 6, North Korea pressed ahead with a nuclear test in violation of Security Council resolutions. Its notification of the planned launch has ratcheted up the threat to regional stability even higher. It is essential that the nations concerned work closely together and send a clear message that the launch is not tolerable.
　北朝鮮は１月６日に安保理決議に反して核実験を強行した。発射予告は、地域の安定を一段と脅かすものだ。関係国は緊密に連携し、発射を容認しない意思を明確に打ち出すことが欠かせない。

North Korea has used its nuclear tests to make progress on the miniaturization of a warhead. It is believed to be attempting to boost the capability of its long-range ballistic missiles, including increasing their range, as it seeks to acquire a means to attack the U.S. mainland.
　北朝鮮は、核実験で弾頭の小型化を進めている。米本土を攻撃する手段の獲得を目指し、長距離弾道ミサイルの射程延伸など性能向上も図っているとされる。

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un apparently aims to display his achievements to domestic and international audiences before the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea meets in May for its first convention in 36 years. Scheduling the launch for around the time of important events to mark the birthday of Kim’s father — former leader Kim Jong Il — might also be aimed at enhancing that nation’s prestige.
　金正恩第１書記には、３６年ぶりとなる５月の朝鮮労働党大会を前に、実績を内外に示す狙いがあるのだろう。父親である金正日総書記の誕生日という重要行事前後に発射を予定するのは、国威発揚につなげるためではないか。

China must step up

It is disconcerting that although almost one month has passed since North Korea conducted a nuclear test, the U.N. Security Council has not yet adopted a sanctions resolution. This is because China has opposed U.S. attempts to impose tough sanctions, including an embargo on shipments of fuel to North Korea.
　問題なのは、核実験から１か月近く経過しながら、安保理の制裁決議がいまだに採択されていないことである。米国が燃料類の禁輸など強力な制裁を追求しているのに中国が反対しているからだ。

During his recent visit to China, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called on Beijing to cooperate in imposing sanctions, as it “has a particular ability because of its special role and its connections to North Korea.” However, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi maintained a fundamental argument from start to finish that any new resolution “must not destabilize the Korean Peninsula.”
　ケリー国務長官が訪中して「中国は北朝鮮への特別な能力と役割を持っている」と述べ、協力を求めた。だが、王毅外相は「決議で朝鮮半島を不安定化させてはならない」と、原則論に終始した。

China’s reluctance to give sanctions more bite has undeniably allowed North Korea to rattle the region by issuing a notification of the upcoming launch. Pyongyang’s launch announcement came on the day Wu Dawei, China’s special representative for Korean Peninsula Affairs, arrived in North Korea for a visit. This indicates China has not exerted enough pressure on North Korea.
　中国が制裁強化に消極的であることが、北朝鮮に発射予告という揺さぶりを許したのは否めまい。北朝鮮は、中国の武大偉・朝鮮半島事務特別代表が訪朝した日に、発射を予告した。中国の圧力が不十分なことを示していよう。

We think China should adjust its lenient attitude toward North Korea, work with Japan, the United States and South Korea — nations calling for stricter sanctions — and do more to ensure the U.N. Security Council quickly adopts a new resolution.
　中国は、北朝鮮への甘い姿勢を改め、「強力な制裁」を求める日米韓と協調して、安保理決議の採択を早急に実現させるべきだ。

There are fears that if North Korea goes ahead with the launch, its missile could fly over the Sakishima islands in Okinawa Prefecture. The government must take every available step to ensure the safety of residents.
　ミサイルが発射された場合、沖縄県の先島諸島上空を通過する恐れがある。政府は、国民の安全確保に万全を期さねばならない。

The defense minister has issued a “destructive measures order” to the Self-Defense Forces. Interceptor missiles on Aegis destroyers and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) surface-to-air guided missile units have been put on alert to shoot down the missile if required. It also will be important to make preparations to ensure early warning information is smoothly conveyed through channels, including the “J-Alert” national instant warning system.
　自衛隊には「破壊措置命令」が出されている。イージス艦の迎撃ミサイルと、地対空誘導弾「ＰＡＣ３」で迎撃する態勢をとる。全国瞬時警報システム「Ｊアラート」などを通じ、早期警戒情報を円滑に伝達する準備も重要だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 4, 2016)

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Strengthening defense posture around Nansei Islands critical
空自航空団新設　南西諸島防衛の着実な強化を

As Chinese military forces continue to intensify their activities in the East China Sea, it is important to steadily beef up the defense posture around the Nansei Islands.
　東シナ海における中国軍の活動が一段と活発化している。南西諸島の防衛体制を着実に強化することが重要である。

The Defense Ministry has newly organized the 9th Air Wing at the Air Self-Defense Force’s Naha Airbase, the nation’s first new air wing in 51 years. After moving one flight squadron from Tsuiki Airbase in Fukuoka Prefecture to Naha, the ASDF has doubled the number of its mainstay F-15 fighters at Naha Airbase from 20 to 40.
　防衛省が、航空自衛隊那覇基地に第９航空団を新たに編成した。航空団新設は５１年ぶりだ。福岡県の築城基地から１飛行隊を移し、主力戦闘機Ｆ１５を２０機から４０機に倍増した。

The measures are aimed at dealing with a sharp increase in the number of incidents in which the ASDF has scrambled planes in response to Chinese military aircraft flying close to Japan’s territorial airspace in areas surrounding the Nansei Islands.
　南西諸島周辺の領空に接近する中国軍機に対する、自衛隊機の緊急発進（スクランブル）が急増していることに対応するのが目的だ。

In fiscal 2014, the number of such incidents in areas around the islands — mostly involving Chinese military aircraft — totaled 468, marking approximately a 10-fold increase from fiscal 2008.
南西地域で、２０１４年度は４６８回に上った。０８年度の約１０倍で、大半が中国軍機である。

China may be trying to make its air defense identification zone, which Beijing unilaterally declared in the autumn of 2013 over the East China Sea, a fait accompli. The zone includes areas above the Senkaku Islands.
　中国には、１３年秋に尖閣諸島上空を含む東シナ海に一方的に設定した、自らの防空識別圏を既成事実化する狙いがあろう。

By beefing up its Naha unit, the ASDF has become able to deploy its planes more expeditiously, while reducing the burdens on its pilots.
　空自機の増強により、より機動的な運用が可能となり、パイロットの負担も減る。

The fact that Japan is demonstrating its determination to prevent China from changing the status quo with force and to defend its territorial airspace by properly responding to reconnaissance operations by China’s military aircraft has significant implications.
中国軍機の偵察活動に的確に対応して、中国の力による現状変更を許さず、領空を守る意思を示す意義は大きい。

Naha Airport, which the Self-Defense Forces use jointly with operators of civilian aircraft, has the second-largest number of takeoffs and landings for a single-runway airport in Japan, just after Fukuoka Airport.
　自衛隊が民間機と共同利用する那覇空港は、滑走路１本の空港としては福岡空港に次いで航空機の離着陸回数が多い。

It is essential to advance, without delay, work on the second runway at the airport, which is scheduled for concurrent use beginning in 2020.
２０年予定の第２滑走路供用に向け、工事を遅滞なく進めることが欠かせない。

New deployments scheduled

The new guidelines for Japan-U.S. defense cooperation stipulate that the SDF will defend remote islands on its own initiative, while the U.S. forces will play supportive roles.
　新たな日米防衛協力指針（ガイドライン）では、自衛隊が離島防衛を主体的に実施し、米軍が補完するという役割分担を定めた。

Based on the guidelines, a 150-strong coastal observation unit will be deployed next month on Yonagunijima island.
　これを踏まえ、与那国島に、３月中に１５０人規模の陸上自衛隊の沿岸監視部隊が配備される。

In fiscal 2018, a patrol and missile unit is scheduled to be deployed on Amami-Oshima island and on Miyakojima island. The ministry is considering the deployment of a similar unit on Ishigakijima island, as well. It is important to proceed with the plan, while winning the understanding of local communities.
　１８年度には、奄美大島と宮古島に警備・ミサイル部隊を配備する予定だ。石垣島にも同様の部隊配備を検討している。地元の理解を得ながら進めることが大切だ。

There have been a succession of incidents in which Chinese military vessels have sailed close to the Senkaku Islands. And intrusions into Japanese territorial waters near the islands by China Coast Guard vessels continue unabated. In December last year, a China Coast Guard vessel equipped with “gun turrets” was sighted. China is also reportedly building a large vessel in the 10,000-ton class.
　尖閣諸島周辺では、中国軍艦船の接近が相次いでいる。海警局公船の領海侵入も後を絶たない。昨年１２月には、「機関砲」の搭載が確認された。１万トン級の大型船も建造されているという。

These developments are linked to a reorganization of the Chinese military, which is shifting its emphasis from ground forces to maritime and air forces. Japan needs to increase its vigilance in the future. It should also be assumed that situations may arise that the Japan Coast Guard cannot deal with alone.
　一連の動きは、陸軍から海空軍に重点を移す中国軍の機構改革とも連動している。日本は今後、一層の警戒が必要である。海上保安庁だけでは対処できない事態も想定しておかねばなるまい。

Should a Chinese military vessel intrude into Japan’s territorial waters, the government may issue an order for the Maritime Self-Defense Force to implement maritime patrol operations. It is understandable that the Japanese government has conveyed such a policy to the Chinese side.
　中国軍艦船が領海に侵入した場合、海上自衛隊に海上警備行動を発令することがあり得る。日本政府がこうした方針を中国側に伝達したのは、理解できる。

It is a matter of concern that there has been a delay in Japan-China negotiations concerning the establishment of a “maritime liaison mechanism” to prevent accidental clashes between the SDF and Chinese military forces. It is hoped that both countries will intelligently exert themselves to reach an agreement at an early stage.
　気がかりなのは、自衛隊と中国軍の衝突を回避する「海上連絡メカニズム」の創設に関する日中協議が遅れていることだ。双方が知恵を絞り、早期に合意したい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 3, 2016)

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Syria peace talks must prioritize ceasefire for humanitarian purposes
シリア和平協議　人道目的の停戦を優先したい

Peace talks aimed at ending Syria’s civil war have started in Geneva under the mediation of the United Nations, marking the first such talks in about two years.
　シリア内戦の終結に向けた和平協議がジュネーブで始まった。国連の仲介で約２年ぶりだ。

Negotiators will discuss how to implement a road map to establish a new Syrian government that will involve formation of a transitional regime by July and an election in the middle of next year.
　７月までの移行政権樹立と来年半ばの選挙を経て、新政権を発足させる行程表の進め方を話し合う。

But a bumpy road is ahead due to the deep-seated mutual distrust between the administration of President Bashar Assad and antigovernment forces. The confrontation between Russia, which supports the Assad regime, and the United States and other countries, which oppose it, casts a shadow over prospects for the talks. It is essential for the international community to support efforts to pressure the parties involved in the conflict to make concessions.
　アサド政権と反体制派の相互不信は根強く、道のりは険しい。政権を支援するロシアと、反対する米国などの対立も影を落とす。紛争当事者が歩み寄るよう、国際社会が後押しすることが大切だ。

About 400,000 people are reportedly starving in Syria because food and commodity supplies were cut off due to a siege by hostile forces. Top priority should be given to realizing a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes so food and medicine can be delivered.
　シリアには、敵対勢力の包囲で物資の供給が途絶え、飢餓状態に陥った住民が約４０万人いるとされる。食糧や薬などを届ける人道目的の停戦を最優先すべきだ。

The road map was agreed on last November by the United States, Russia and other countries concerned. This is the result of efforts by the international community to curb the influence of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant group and stem the outflow of refugees.
　行程表は昨年１１月、米露など関係国が合意した。過激派組織「イスラム国」の台頭や難民流出に歯止めをかけようとする国際社会の取り組みの成果と言えよう。

What is worrying is that the parties concerned lack the will to implement the road map.
　問題なのは、当事者が履行の意思を欠いていることである。

The Assad regime stepped up air raids against antigovernment forces immediately before the start of peace talks to recapture many strongholds. This was apparently intended to have an advantage in the negotiations.
　アサド政権は和平協議直前に反体制派に対する空爆を強化し、多くの拠点を奪還した。交渉を有利に進める狙いだろう。

The rebel groups’ call for a halt to the airstrikes was natural, but the talks are unlikely to go anywhere as long as they stick to their refusal to enter into substantive negotiations until the air raids cease.
反体制派が空爆停止を求めたのは当然としても、実現まで実質協議を拒むというのでは空転は避けられない。

Persistent efforts vital

Representatives from the Assad regime and the opposition camp do not sit at the same negotiation table, making it inevitable for the U.N. special envoy to go back and forth between the two parties to find points of compromise. Such a situation symbolizes the danger that the talks may collapse. It is indispensable for both sides to hold negotiations tenaciously to ensure results.
　政権側と反体制派が同席せず、国連特使が双方を行き来して接点を探る。この現状は、協議が決裂しかねない危うさを象徴する。双方が粘り強く交渉の成果を積み上げていくことが欠かせない。

If even a partial truce can be agreed upon, it will contribute to building confidence between the two sides. This will also make it possible for the United States and other countries to concentrate on operations to eradicate ISIL.
　部分的な停戦でも合意できれば、信頼が醸成される。米国などが「イスラム国」掃討作戦に集中する効果も期待できる。

ISIL has claimed responsibility for Sunday’s terrorist attack in the suburbs of Damascus that killed more than 70 people. There is a possibility the attack was intended to throw a wrench into the peace talks. Efforts must be made to minimize the impact of the attack.
　首都ダマスカス郊外で７０人超が死亡した１月３１日のテロで「イスラム国」が犯行声明を出した。協議の妨害を図った可能性がある。影響を最小限にとどめたい。

Under the road map, how to deal with Assad will be shelved. Washington has virtually changed its demand for his immediate exit in an agonizing decision aimed at dealing with the increasing threat of ISIL.
　行程表では、アサド大統領の処遇は、棚上げされる。米国が「即時退陣」の主張を事実上、転換したのは、「イスラム国」の脅威増大による苦渋の決断だろう。

Assad, who has ordered the use of chemical weapons in the civil war, cannot be allowed to remain in power, but there seems to be no suitable candidate to succeed him, which is a serious situation.
　内戦で化学兵器を使用したアサド氏の続投は許されないが、退陣後の受け皿がないのは深刻だ。

Lessons must be learned from the series of Arab Spring popular uprisings five years ago, in which long-term autocratic regimes were toppled in Libya and Yemen, producing a power vacuum and triggering civil wars and a spate of terrorism. The United States, Russia and other countries concerned need to cooperate in drawing up a blueprint for establishment of a stable government in Syria.
　５年前の民衆蜂起「アラブの春」でリビアやイエメンの長期独裁政権が倒れた後、権力の空白が生じ、テロや内戦を招いた経験を生かさねばならない。米露など関係国は、シリアの安定政権樹立の青写真作りで協力する必要がある。

Turkey, which has seen its relations with Russia plummet, claims that Russian military aircraft intruded into its airspace again, thereby heightening tensions between the two countries. This is not the time for the two countries to engage in a struggle for regional hegemony.
　ロシアと対立を深めるトルコは「露軍機が再び領空を侵犯した」と主張し、緊張が高まっている。両者は、地域の覇権争いを続けている場合ではあるまい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 2, 2016)

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Ma’s visit to disputed S. China Sea island won’t contribute to stability
台湾と南シナ海　安定に寄与しない馬氏の訪問

The latest visit to a disputed island in the South China Sea was an action that raises concerns among neighboring countries and does not contribute to regional stability.
　南シナ海周辺国の懸念を高める行動で、地域の安定には寄与しまい。

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou visited Taiping Island, the largest islet in the Spratlys. He made the day trip to the island aboard a Taiwan Air Force plane and reportedly encouraged officials and other personnel stationed on the island.
　台湾の馬英九総統が、南シナ海のスプラトリー（南沙）諸島で最大の太平島を訪問した。空軍機を使って日帰りで往復し、駐在する当局者らを激励したという。

Taiwan effectively controls Taiping Island, located about 1,600 kilometers from the southern tip of Taiwan. It has built a port for large vessels and a lighthouse.
　台湾南部から約１６００キロ離れた太平島は、台湾が実効支配している。これまで大型船が着岸できる埠頭ふとうや灯台を整備してきた。

The likely aim of Ma’s visit was to demonstrate Taiwan’s sovereignty over the island and to show its presence. Vietnam and the Philippines, which both claim sovereignty over the island, objected to the visit, saying it had seriously violated their respective sovereignty over the island. Concerned parties should refrain from taking precipitous action in disputed waters.
　台湾の領有権を訴え、存在感を示す狙いがあったのだろう。領有権を主張するベトナムとフィリピンは、「深刻な主権侵害だ」などと反発している。係争海域での軽挙は慎まねばならない。

The situation is getting tense in the South China Sea, as China is proceeding with its efforts to unilaterally change the status quo. It is understandable that the United States has criticized Ma’s visit to the island, saying “it would raise tensions.”
　南シナ海は現在、中国が一方的な現状変更を進め、情勢が緊迫している。米国が馬氏の訪問について「緊張を高める行為だ」と批判したのは、もっともである。

Ma has reiterated his call on all countries concerned to accept his South China Sea Peace Initiative, a proposal urging claimants to temporarily shelve their differences over territorial issues and jointly share the resources in the area. But his latest action makes the situation more complex, instead of bringing about regional “peace.”
　馬氏は、領有権を棚上げにし、資源の共同利用などを目指す「南シナ海平和イニシアチブ」構想を関係国に改めて呼びかけた。だが、これでは、「平和」どころか、むしろ事態を複雑化させよう。

Ma, who had planned to visit the island in December, refrained from doing so after Washington expressed opposition. Instead, he sent senior administration officials to the island.
　昨年１２月にも訪問を計画した馬氏は、米国の反対で政権幹部の派遣にとどめていた。

He went ahead with the visit this time, probably because he wanted it to be considered a political “achievement” as his term of office ends in May.
今回、強行したのは、任期満了が５月に迫る中、自らの政治的な「実績」にするつもりだったのではないか。

China main beneficiary

As his ruling Nationalist Party suffered a major defeat in the presidential and legislative elections last month, Ma may also be aiming to have his administration gain centripetal force in the country.
　１月の総統選と立法委員（国会議員）選で与党・国民党が大敗したこともあって、政権の求心力向上にもつなげたいのだろう。

What is problematic is that Ma’s visit benefits China’s efforts to enclose the South China Sea as if it was its own “lake.”
　問題なのは、馬氏の訪問が南シナ海を自国の「湖」のように囲い込む中国を利することである。

China claims sovereignty over an almost equal area of waters as Taiwan does in the South China Sea. As Beijing regards Taiwan as “part of China,” Taiwan’s sovereignty claim will sooner or later be linked to China’s interests.
　中国は、南シナ海で台湾とほぼ同じ範囲の領有権を主張する。「台湾は中国の一部」が前提のため、台湾の領有権主張はいずれ中国の利益と結びつく。

It is for this reason that China has taken a detached stance this time, saying, “Safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as safeguarding the overall interests of the Chinese nation are the common responsibility and obligation of compatriots across the strait.”
　中国が「主権と領土、中華民族の利益を守ることは、両岸（中台）同胞の共同の責任で、義務だ」と静観するのは、そのためだ。

China apparently intends to step up pressure on neighboring countries by forming a “united front” with Taiwan, under the name of the Chinese nation.
　中華民族の名の下に台湾と「共闘」して、周辺国に対する圧力を強める意図があるとみられる。

China’s attempt to turn its artificial islands in the South China Sea into military strongholds continues nonstop. At a press conference held following his talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stubbornly maintained that China was building “defense facilities” on artificial islands that had nothing to do with militarizing the area.
　中国による南シナ海の人工島の軍事拠点化も止まらない。王毅外相はケリー米国務長官との会談後の記者会見で、人工島での「防衛施設」の整備は「『軍事化』とは関係がない」と強弁した。

While shaking “freedom of navigation” on the basis of international law, China attempts to expand its own national interests further. To stem such self-righteous moves on the part of China, it is essential for the international community to cooperate closely, in addition to the continued navigation of U.S. warships near the artificial islands.
　国際法に基づく「航行の自由」を揺るがしながら、自国の権益を一段と拡張させようとする。独善的な中国の動きを抑止するには、人工島周辺での米軍艦艇の航行継続に加え、国際社会の緊密な連携が欠かせない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 1, 2016)

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Imperial trip to console war dead in R.P. deepens friendship, goodwill
天皇陛下比訪問　友好親善深めた「慰霊の旅」

The visit has embodied the strong feelings of the Emperor, who has repeatedly traveled to console the spirits of the war dead, keeping the memories of World War II deep in his heart.
　先の大戦の記憶を深く胸に刻み、戦没者の慰霊を続ける天皇陛下の強い思いを体現したご訪問だったと言えるだろう。

The Emperor and Empress have returned home from a five-day official visit to the Philippines, in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between that country and Japan.
　国交正常化６０周年を記念してフィリピンを公式訪問した天皇、皇后両陛下は５日間の日程を終え、帰国された。

It was the Imperial couple’s third trip abroad to console the spirits of the war dead, following their visit to Saipan in 2005 and to Palau last year.
　両陛下の海外での戦没者慰霊は２００５年のサイパン、昨年のパラオに続いて３度目だった。

About 520,000 Japanese died in the Philippines, where fierce battles between Japan and the United States took place during the war. Many Filipinos were also entangled in the fighting, with about 1.11 million people killed.
　日米の激戦地となったフィリピンでの日本人犠牲者は、約５２万人に上る。多数のフィリピン人も戦闘に巻き込まれ、約１１１万人が死亡した。

What made a deep impression during their latest trip was the Imperial couple’s first visit to the monument in Caliraya, near Manila, built by the Japanese government to mourn the Japanese war dead in the Philippines. The couple laid white chrysanthemums brought from Japan.
　今回、印象深かったのは、マニラに近いカリラヤにある日本政府建立の「比島戦没者の碑」を初めて訪問されたことだ。日本から持参した白い菊を供花された。

The Emperor and Empress later spoke to former Japanese soldiers and bereaved relatives one by one who were present, saying such words as “Please take care of yourself.” The people concerned must have been filled with deep emotion.
　両陛下は、元日本兵や遺族ら一人ひとりに「体に気をつけて下さいね」などと、言葉をかけられた。関係者の感慨は、ひとしおだったのではないか。

The Imperial couple last visited the Philippines in 1962, when the Emperor was crown prince. Anti-Japanese sentiments remained strong back then, but the couple met bereaved relatives of Filipino war dead and visited a facility for war orphans. These appearances were said to have eased somewhat Filipinos’ critical attitude toward Japan.
　両陛下は、皇太子時代の１９６２年にもフィリピンを訪問されている。強い反日感情が残る中、ご夫妻はフィリピン人犠牲者の遺族と対面し、戦争孤児の施設を訪ねられた。その姿に、日本への厳しい視線も和らいだとされる。

Squarely facing the past

The monument for the Japanese war dead was built in Caliraya in 1973. It must have been the Imperial couple’s dearest wish to visit the monument to console the souls of the Japanese war dead.
　７３年、カリラヤに日本人戦没者の碑が建てられた。そこでの慰霊は、両陛下の念願だったろう。

The couple also visited the national Heroes Cemetery in Manila and offered a silent prayer in front of the memorial monument. At a banquet hosted by Philippine President Benigno Aquino, the Emperor said in his speech that many Filipinos lost their lives in the war and “this is something we Japanese must never forget.”
　両陛下は国立英雄墓地も訪ね、慰霊碑の前で黙とうされた。アキノ大統領主催の晩餐ばんさん会のスピーチで、天皇陛下は、多くのフィリピン人が犠牲になったことに触れ、「日本人が決して忘れてはならないこと」と述べられた。

The image of the Emperor, who faces the past sincerely, must have been imprinted onto the hearts of Filipinos.
　過去と真摯しんしに向き合う陛下の姿は、フィリピンの人々の心に、強く焼き付けられたに違いない。

Aquino expressed gratitude, saying that Japan as a “consistent, able, and trustworthy partner, has helped advance our people’s progress.”
　アキノ大統領は、「貴国は堅実で有能かつ信頼できるパートナーとして、今日まで、わが国の発展を後押しして下さった」と感謝の意を表した。

The Imperial couple’s latest visit to the Philippines came at the invitation of Aquino, who visited Japan in June last year as a state guest. Aquino has known the couple since he visited Japan in 1986 with his mother, then Philippine President Corazon Aquino.
　今回のフィリピンご訪問は、昨年６月に国賓として来日したアキノ大統領が招請したものだ。大統領は、８６年に母親のコラソン・アキノ大統領に同行して来日して以来、両陛下と交流がある。

In June this year, Aquino will end his term and step down. His final year in the presidency coincides with the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
　今年６月、アキノ大統領は任期を終えて退任する。最後の年が国交正常化６０周年と重なった。

The Philippines is considered to be one of the most pro-Japan countries to Japan. It is also an important partner for Japan in Asia in the economic and other fields.
　フィリピンは、最も親日的な国の一つとされる。経済分野などで、アジアにおける日本の重要なパートナーでもある。

We hope the latest visit by the Imperial couple to the country will further solidify the friendship and goodwill between our two countries.
　今回の両陛下のご訪問を、両国の友好親善をより確かなものにしていく契機としたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 31, 2016)