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

U.S. base strengthening disturbs monks' practice

"Noise pollution caused by U.S. aircraft disturbs our practices even today. We are worried if it will get worse after the relocation." A monk in Hiroshima Prefecture said this expressing his concern about the planned relocation of a carrier-based aircraft unit from the U.S. Atsugi Naval Base in Kanagawa Prefecture to the U.S. Marine Corps Iwakuni Air Station in Yamaguchi Prefecture which is located in the west of Hiroshima.

On February 26, members of the residents' association in western Hiroshima in opposition to the relocation conducted a survey concerning noise pollution caused by Iwakuni-based U.S. jets at Daishoin Temple on Mt. Misen in Hiroshima's Hatsukaichi City.

Mt. Misen (535m) is located 15km away from the Iwakuni Base. Shogoin Temple is one of Japan's three major training temples for young Shingon-sect monks. Head priest Yoshida Masahiro is a co-representative of the residents' association.

Monk Hontoku Hirotoshi said, "The noise pollution became worse 4 or 5 years ago. I've seen U.S. jets flying directly above our temple."
- Akahata, February 28, 2006