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

'Don't allow strengthening of U.S. base functions' - Kanagawa's peace marches

In Kanagawa Prefecture, peace activists, trade unionists, and Japanese Communist Party local assembly members started off on a week-long march calling for the return of U.S. military base sites on March 29. Kanagawa is burdened with the second highest concentration of U.S. military bases after Okinawa.

The march took place on three separate courses in districts near U.S. military bases. On April 3, the final day, marchers moved into Tokyo to petition the government, the Diet, and the U.S. Embassy.

On the first day, 100 people marched in Zama City and 120 people in Sagamihara City. They visited city offices and requested that the mayors stand firm against the plan to strengthen the functions of U.S. bases in their cities.

The march was called for by an organizing committee composed of peace and democratic organizations, and labor unions.

The banner at the head of the march read, "Silence means allowing U.S. bases to remain in the city throughout the century." Holding placards reading, "We oppose reinforcing and perpetuating U.S. bases!" the marchers appealed to passers-by.

In the port city of Yokosuka, about 50 marchers called for opposition to the plan to deploy a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft-carrier to the U.S. Yokosuka Naval Base from 2008. When they reached a building where a woman was hit and killed by a U.S. soldier last January, they stood in a minute of silence.
- Akahata, March 29, 2006