 On 100th day of sit-in 600 resolve to continue opposition to U.S. new military base Residents' sit-in in protest against the drilling survey now underway in preparation for the construction of a new U.S. military base in the sea off the Henoko district of Nago City in Okinawa, marked its 100th day on July 27. More than 600 people participated in a rally on the same day near Henoko Fishing Port to stop the construction of a new U.S. military base. They resolved to preserve the rich nature for future generations and not to repeat the tragedy of war Okinawans experienced toward the end of WWII. Speaking on behalf of the Japanese Communist Party, Kayo Soken, an Okinawa Prefectural Assembly member said, "Justice resides with us in defending the beautiful sea of Henoko. Our sit-in action will definitely influence all Okinawans and Japanese people." At around the same time in Tokyo, a rally was held in front of the Defense Agency in solidarity with the Henoko event. In December 1999, the Japanese government approved a plan to construct a new base in the sea off the Henoko district of Nago City as a replacement for the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Ginowan City. However, the majority of Okinawans are demanding an unconditional closure of the base. (end) |