Anti-base activists petition U.S. embassy to give up plan to construct new base in Okinawa

Japan Press Weekly

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

Anti-base group sends letter to museums abroad pointing out dangers associated with U.S. helicopter base in Tokyo’s art museum district

An anti-base group consisting of labor unions and citizens in Tokyo recently sent major museums around the world a letter to draw the world’s attention to the dangers of the U.S. military helicopter base in central Tokyo where museums and galleries are concentrated.

The U.S. military helicopter base occupies an area of 31,670 square meters, located very close to the National Art Center.

The letter points out that if a helicopter crashes into the National Art Center, priceless art works may be damaged and Japan will also lose the trust in its cultural administration.

The letter also says that residents near the base have been suffering from noise pollution, vibrations, and strong winds caused by U.S. helicopters flying to and from such U.S. bases as Atsugi, Yokota, and Yokosuka.

A survey conducted by the local city office reveals that many helicopters fly over the area from 7 am to 10 pm emitting heavy noise registering 98 decibels.

The U.S. military has illegally used a part of Tokyo Metropolitan Aoyama Park which is also situated in this cultural district as a “temporary” helicopter base for 16 years.

The letter was sent to:
Tokyo National Museum, The National Museum of Western Art, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, National Gallery of Art inWashington DC, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Louvre Museum in Paris, Museum of Orsay in Paris, The British Museum in London, and The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

- Akahata, November 6, 2009