Okinawans call on both governments to withdraw Futenma plan

Japan Press Weekly

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

Okinawans call on both governments to withdraw Futenma plan

Okinawan leaders on November 10 visited the Defense Ministry and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo calling for the immediate closure of the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Ginowan City and the return of its land to Japan.

They included representatives of the organizing committee of the November 8 rally in Ginowan, in which 21,000 Okinawans expressed opposition to the plan to move the functions of the Futenma base to a coastal zone in Nago City.

At the U.S. Embassy, Ginowan Mayor Iha Yoichi stated, “Based on U.S. safety standards, the Futenma base should be removed immediately.” Japanese Communist Party House of Representatives member Akamine Seiken stressed that Okinawans cannot endure the already excessive base burdens any longer.

In response to Naha Mayor Onaga Takeshi, who expressed at the Defense Ministry that reduction of bases is the general will of the people in Okinawa, Vice Defense Minister Shinba Kazuya said the ministry will take their concerns seriously.

Iha later held a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan. He expressed a message to U.S. President Obama that Okinawans want the withdrawal of the plan to build a base in the beautiful seafront location and a closure of the Futenma base.

- Akahata, November 11, 2009