Local residents angry at proposed relocation sites for Futenma base

Japan Press Weekly

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

Local residents angry at proposed relocation sites for Futenma base

As a relocation site for the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Okinawa, the government has listed many places across the country. Local governments and residents of listed places have increased their opposition to the government’s nominations.

These proposed sites include the Henoko District of Nago City and Iejima Island in Okinawa Prefecture, the U.S.-held Higashifuji exercise field in Shizuoka Prefecture, the Maritime Self-Defense Forces (MSDF) Omura Base in Nagasaki Prefecture, and Tokunoshima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture.

The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly, including the Liberal Democratic and the Komei parties, is expected to adopt a unanimous resolution opposing the relocation of Futenma base within Okinawa and demanding the immediate return of the base site.

At local assemblies of Gotemba City, Susono City, and Oyama Town in Shizuoka Prefecture, where the U.S.-held Higashifuji exercise field is located, all political parties make an objection to the relocation because “it is against the assembly’s policy to demand the complete return of the field to local communities.”

The Omura City Assembly in Nagasaki Prefecture adopted the resolution in opposition to the government considering the Omura base as a relocation site. The resolution pointed out that the issue of noise pollution near the base remains unsettled. Many residents’ associations neighboring the base also resolved to oppose the government plan.

In January, residents of Tokunoshima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture formed an organization to protest against relocating the Futenma base to Tokunoshima. The group head stated, “We explicitly oppose the U.S. military which causes noise pollution, commits crimes, and is involved in wars.”

Other candidates as replacement for the Futenma base and local governments’ response:

Candidate site	Response of local governments
Kansai International Airport (Osaka)	Mayor of Sennan City, neighboring city of the airport, said “It is out of question to use the airport as a military base.”
Saga Airport (Saga Prefecture)	Saga Governor said, “I don’t intend to invite the U.S. base.”
Mageshima Island (Kagoshima)	Nishinoomote City mayor submitted to the defense ministry a petition opposing the planned relocation.
Simojishima Island (Okinawa)	Miyakojima City Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution in protest against the relocation.

- Akahata, February 16, 2010