military

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

Iwakuni City to hold first referendum on U.S. military realignment

The mayor of Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, proposed holding a referendum on the realignment plan to transfer the U.S. carrier-borne airwing from the U.S. Atsugi Naval Air Station to their city. The vote has been set for March 12. It will be the first referendum over an issue related to the U.S. military realignment.

Iwakuni citizens 20 and older will cast a yes-or-no vote on the relocation plan. For the vote to be validated, voter turnout must be more than 50 percent.

Iwakuni Mayor Ihara Katsusuke at a news conference on February 7 stated, "Seeking citizens' judgment on a serious issue is in line with democracy."

In the city assembly, the Japanese Communist Party has expressed support for the referendum. Meanwhile, 23 out of 28 city assembly members voted against the referendum proposal.
- Akahata, February 8, 2006