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

On-sea demonstration held against new U.S. base construction

About 500 people participated in an on-sea demonstration on December 23 in Oura Bay of Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture, to mark the 8th anniversary of the 1997 city referendum that rejected the plan to construct a new U.S. base in the Henoko district of Nago as an alternative site for the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station.

Oura Bay was chosen as a new site for the base construction by the Japanese and U.S. government in October.

Supported by the Nago Fishermen's Association Teima Branch, protesters on about 50 boats circled the area chosen for the construction of a new U.S. base.

A Teima branch representative said, "It is obvious that the base construction will destroy the local hotel business and fisheries. Why is the Japanese government accepting the U.S. demands without listening to local residents?"

Iha Yoichi, the mayor of Ginowan City hosting the Futenma base, said that the sea should be used not for military purposes but for the fisheries and tourist industry.

Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers Koike Akira and Akamine Seiken participated in the action.
- Akahata, December 24, 2005