opposition3

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Local governments reject U.S. force realignment plan

Local government heads expressed opposition to the U.S. military realignment in Japan in response to the national government's explanation of the plan on October 31.

Defense Facilities Administration Agency Director General Kitahara Iwao visited Okinawa Governor Inamine Keiichi to explain the plans of U.S. force realignment that would take place in the prefecture, including the construction of a new U.S. base as an alternative to the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station.

Later in the day, Inamine issued a statement that Okinawa can never accept these plans.

Kitahara also informed Okinawa's Nago City Mayor Kishimoto Tateo of the plan to construct the new U.S. base in the southern area of U.S. Camp Schwab located in the city.

Kishimoto said that Nago City rejects the plan.

Kanagawa Governor Matsuzawa Shigefumi, after receiving a governmental explanation of a plan to establish a new command known as a unit of employment (UEx) at U.S. Camp Zama in Kanagawa, expressed his opposition to the plan and said, "I will keep step with residents so that we can negotiate a reduction of the residents' burden of the base with the state."

Yamaguchi Kotaro, mayor of Hokkaido's Chitose City hosting the Air Self-Defense Force Chitose Base where part of F15 fighter exercises in Okinawa are planned to be relocated to, said, "Heavier noise pollution will be unbearable for the city. Considering accidents and security, it is hard to accept (the relocation)."

Tokyo's Mizuho Town Mayor Ishizuka Kouuemon issued a comment on a plan of military-civil co-use of the U.S. Yokota Air Base, saying, "It is regrettable that the interim report did not reflect the town's opposition to the plan." -- Akahata, November 1, 2005