U.S. forces shows up for the first time in quake disaster drill

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

U.S. forces shows up for the first time in quake disaster drill

At the request of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the U.S. forces in Japan participated for the first time in an annual disaster drill, held on the assumption that a big earthquake hits Tokyo areas, on September 1. Residents are asking, "Why should U.S. troops show up in a disaster drill that is supposed to ensure our safety?"

At Harumi Pier where the drill took place, representatives of such organizations opposing the participation of the U.S. forces as the Tokyo Regional Council of Trade Unions and the Tokyo Lawyers Association for Freedom staged a watch campaign. Japanese Communist Party Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly member Furudate Kazunori participated.

The USS Gary was brought alongside the Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel Hatakaze berthed at the pier. Tokyo Governor Ishihara Shintaro flew from U.S. Yokota Air Base to the pier by helicopter and toured both warships.

The Gary headed for Yokosuka port in Kanagawa Prefecture carrying 30 Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials who played the role of earthquake victims unable to return to their homes. U.S. military helicopters carried relief supplies from U.S. Yokota Air Base to a drill site.

Lawyer Matsui Shigeaki who took part in the watch campaign said, "With the U.S. military realignment, ties between the U.S. forces in Japan and the SDF are becoming closer and closer. The participation of U.S. forces in this disaster drill is obviously aimed at convincing residents of the need for this close relationship. I strongly feel that there is no need to have the U.S. forces participate in the drill."
- Akahata, September 2, 2006