Yokohama citizens call for return of unused U.S. base site

Citizens of Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture on July 10 demanded that Mayor Nakada Hiroshi request that the U.S. Forces in Japan and the Japanese government return the city's 22.6 hectare land in the 242 hectare U.S. Forces Kamiseya Base in Asahi Ward in Yokohama.

152 members of trade unions and peace and citizens organizations filed a suit to the Yokohama District Court, arguing that the city has neglected its duties to properly manage its property by not requesting the U.S. Forces and Japan's government for the return of unused city land.

The U.S. Kamiseya Base, which used to serve as a communication facility, is currently a support facility after an antenna was removed. 80 percent of the base site, including the city land, is not used.

The city insists on continuing the lease contract with the central government, completely accepting the U.S. Forces' statement that the base site is in use.

In April, 1,642 citizens asked the city audit committee to advise the mayor for the return, but the request was turned down. (end)