U.S. military aircraft in 2002 used Japan's civil airports more frequently than before

Government data show that in 2002 U.S. forces used Japan's ports and airports more frequently than ever before, Akahata reported on April 8.

According to the Ministry of Transport, Land and Infrastructure, U.S. military aircraft used 28 Japanese civil airports, up eight from the previous year, totaling 790 visits. Major U.S. warships made a total of 13 calls at eight ports.

Six airports came into use last year even though they had not been not used by the U.S. forces in the previous two years. Frequency of U.S. military use almost doubled at Sendai, Asahikawa, Takamatsu, and Kagoshima.

The transport ministry's local offices say they don't know why the frequency of U.S. military use of Japanese airports is increasing since the U.S. forces do not inform Japan of the purpose of their use of civil airports.

The U.S. forces use Japanese ports and airports as a practical application of the "Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation". But in some cases local authorities have declined to allow U.S. military vessels to enter their ports.

The government and ruling parties are now rushing to enact the contingency legislation that would enable the government to force municipalities into cooperating with the U.S. forces. (end)