okinawa

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

New U.S. base will destroy Henoko economy

Japanese Communist Party representative Akamine Seiken at a House of Representative special committee meeting on November 30 stated that the construction of a new U.S. base on shoreline areas of U.S. Camp Schwab in Nago City will destroy local tourism, the region's main industry.

Akamine explained, "Nago City characterizes the coast around Oura Bay as a center of environmentally-sound activities for nature-based experiences, so-called ecotourism. About 250,000 tourists last year used a nature-featured resort hotel in the city. Okinawa Prefecture also designates the seashore of Henoko and Oura Bay as a zone of nature conservation."

"The central government advocates a self-supporting economy, tourism, and ecotourism. How can this be compatible with the plan to build a military base in an area where people work hard for that?" asked Akamine.

Koike Yuriko, minister of the environment and state minister for Okinawa affairs, just said, "We will pay attention to nature conservation."
- Akahata, December 1, 2005