zama2

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

Sagamihara residents hold rally against strengthening of U.S. base

In Kanagawa's Sagamihara City, about 1,700 people on November 13 participated in a rally opposing the Japanese-U.S. plan to strengthen U.S. Camp Zama, located in Sagamihara and Zama cities, calling for its early closure.

The rally took place in a city gymnasium under a huge banner reading, "70 years is enough, we can no longer endure the burden of the base."

The rally was organized by the Sagamihara Residents' Council for Closure of U.S. Military Facilities composed of the city administration, the city assembly, and regional residential associations.

As part of the U.S. military realignment, the Japanese and U.S. governments compiled the interim report that includes a plan to deploy a new command known as a unit of employment (UEx) and the Ground Self-Defense Force Central Rapid Response unit to Camp Zama. They also plan to relocate a GSDF unit of 1,300 troops to the Sagami Supply Depot in Sagamihara.

Council Vice Chair and City Assembly Chair Imai Mitsuru condemned the interim report for "totally ignoring local opinion," and expressed determination to further develop the struggle, backed by more than 210,000 residents' signatures in opposition to the strengthening of Camp Zama.

Sagamihara Mayor Ogawa Isao's message, stating, "The base strengthening plan is not acceptable at all," was introduced.

Various parties' Diet and Prefectural Assembly members, including Japanese Communist Party Kanagawa Prefectural Assembly member Kawano Koji, participated in the rally. -- Akahata, November 14, 2005