Japanese science committee questions the project’s multi-billion-dollar price tag — but decision rests with the government.(…) A decision is expected by 7 March, when the international group overseeing the ILC’s development, the Linear Collider Board, meets in Tokyo.

The science ministry had asked the council for an opinion, as the eventual host nation of the project is expected to bear a large proportion of the cost.

これらの課題を解決するためにも、日本政府におかれましては、ILCの実現に向けた国際協議の実施について前向きな立場を早期に示していただけるようお願いいたします。

世界的な科学者組織の合意によって進んできた構想を実現できなければ国際的信用を失い、今後は日本での大型国際研究プロジェクトが困難になる可能性もある。(If the ILC project, which was promoted by the agreement of the global scientific organization, Japan would lose international credibility and there is a possibility that any of large international research project in Japan will become difficult in the future.)

「島耕作」シリーズで知られる漫画家の弘兼憲史氏が意外な新作の構想を明かした。テーマは「国際リニアコライダー」だという。いったい、どういうものなのか、詳しく聞いた。(Kenshi Hirokane, a famous manga artist revealed the idea of ​​an unexpected new work. The theme was “International Linear Collider”)

Europe will begin deliberations on its next particle physics plan in 2019, so Murayama said, “This is the absolute latest we can go. If the European scientists don’t see that the ILC is moving forward, they may move on to another project.” Hon. Kawamura said, “We will call upon the national government strongly until March 7th, and fight for this until the bitter end.”
(Translation provided by Iwate & the ILC website. Read Japanese original here)

Following the seminar, students gathered around the professor to ask him questions. Kotaro Yokkaichi, a second year students, said, “The ILC will need a home base where scientists will able to do their research to the fullest, and the ILC will be a huge stimulus to Japan.”
(Translation provided by Iwate & the ILC website. Read Japanese original here)

Mayor Ozawa commented, “I will send our citizens’ strong hopes for the ILC to the national government, which I hope will be reflected in a quick decision on the ILC.” The ILC Supporters campaign was started in April by famous figures in the movie business. They are trying to sign-up 300,000 ILC Supporters nationally.
(Translation provided by Iwate & the ILC website. Read Japanese original here)

学術会議のような組織による提言は社会にとって大いに意義がある。ただし、学術的意義を正しく判断したうえでの提言でなければ説得力は持ちえないと思う。(Recommendations by organizations like SCJ are of great significance to society. However, I think that it can not have persuasive power unless it is a recommendation after correctly judging academic significance.)