Many mayors in Okinawa say 'No' to Japan-U.S. deal on U.S. Marines relocation and construction of new U.S. base

Japan Press Weekly

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

Many mayors in Okinawa say 'No' to Japan-U.S. deal on U.S. Marines relocation and construction of new U.S. base

Many mayors in Okinawa Prefecture are opposed to the Japan-U.S. agreement that requires Japan to construct a new U.S. base in Okinawa as a precondition for moving a part of the U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam, Okinawa's local paper reported on February 22.

The Ryukyu Shimpo conducted a survey of all municipal heads in Okinawa on February 17, the day Japan and the United States signed the agreement on the plan to relocate U.S. Marines to Guam, and published the findings based on responses sent back from 39 mayors by February 20.

The agreement reconfirmed the "package" plan which calls for promotion of the Marines' relocation to Guam in exchange for the construction of a new U.S. base off the Henoko district of Nago City as an alternative to the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station.

The Ryukyu Shimpo's article shows that 18 mayors, 44 percent of the respondents, are opposed to the package plan while 4, or 10 percent, said they support it.

It also shows that 37 percent (15 people) are opposed and 27 percent (11 people) are in favor of the agreement itself.

Iha Yoichi, the mayor of Ginowan City hosting the U.S. Futenma base, stated that he is against the agreement since it forces residents to put up with the relocation and construction of U.S. bases in Okinawa without complaints.

- Akahata, February 23, 2009