11,000 rally against government cut in subsidies for Iwakuni City in retaliation for city’s opposition to deployment of U.S. fighter jets

   A rally was held in Iwakuni City (Yamaguchi Pref.) on December 1 in protest against the national government measure to cut subsidies to the city on the grounds of its rejection of the relocation of a carrier-based aircraft unit to the U.S. Marine Corps Iwakuni Air Station.

   About 11,000 people, more than the goal set by the rally organizer, took part in it.

   Iwakuni Mayor Ihara Katsusuke in his speech criticized the government for abruptly cutting subsidies to the ongoing construction of the city hall, stating, “This is not what the national government that has received a mandate from the public is supposed to do.”

   Ihara stated that Iwakuni residents showed overwhelming opposition to the U.S. aircraft deployment in the referendum held in March 2006, in which 87 percent of voters voted against accepting the planned relocation. Ihara condemned the government for imposing a “‘carrot-and-stick policy’ to break the residents’ will.”

   In order for the residents to be able to live in peace, “a truly democratic system is needed that allows us to choose the future of our city,” he said.

   “This applies not to Iwakuni alone. Any city in Japan may face the same problem,” the mayor stressed and called on participants from across the country to join forces with Iwakuni residents.

   Nine Dietmembers from the Japanese Communist, Democratic, and Social Democratic parties participated in the rally. JCP House of Representatives member Kokuta Keiji and House of Councilors member Nihi Sohei made speeches in solidarity.

   The rally adopted an appeal expressing determination to increase the movement until the government pays subsidies for the city hall construction.

   The organizing committee of the rally consisted of resident groups and a multi-party group of city assembly members in opposition to the relocation of a U.S. carrier-based aircraft unit to the Iwakuni Base.
- Akahata, December 2, 2007