Nago’s anti-base forces join together in support of mayoral candidate

Japan Press Weekly

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

Nago’s anti-base forces join together in support of mayoral candidate

Citizens’ groups in Nago City, Okinawa, opposing the construction of a new U.S. air base in the city have agreed to support Inamine Susumu, Nago’s former education board chair, as their joint candidate in the January 24 mayoral election.

The upcoming mayoral election will be fought between two candidates, Inamine and Shimabukuro Yoshikazu, the incumbent mayor and supporter of the new air base plan.

Higa Kiyoshi, who had announced his candidacy in this election from the citizens’ coalition against the new air base and for peace and better living conditions, which includes the Japanese Communist Party, has decided to withdraw.

After three rounds of talks, the two groups, supporting Higa and Inamine respectively, on November 18 reached an agreement to unite in support of Inamine in order to maintain Henoko Cape and Ohura Bay, the beautiful sites facing Nago, free from a U.S. base.

At a news conference later in the day, Inamine stated that he will respect the result of the December 1997 referendum in the city on the new base plan in which the majority expressed opposition to the plan. “A successful mayoral election will help encourage the will of Nago’s majority that their city’s beautiful sea must be protected,” he added.

Asked if he will hold fast to his opposition to the base even if the Hatoyama government decides to move the U.S.M.C. Futenma Air Station operation to Nago, Inamine answered that he will be squarely opposed to the relocation plan.

The successful November 8 Rally in Okinawa encouraged the candidate to overcome his previously ambiguous position merely calling for the base construction plan to be reviewed.

- Akahata, November 19, 2009