Forest to be razed to build housing complex for US Navy

Japan Press Weekly

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

Forest to be razed to build housing complex for US Navy

The Japanese and the U.S. governments have recently agreed to construct about 400 houses and housing units for U.S. Navy personnel and their families in the forest (Ikego-no-mori) situated between Kanagawa's Zushi City and Yokohama City.

A primary school for children of U.S. military-related personnel will also be built in the same area.

The Japanese Communist Party, together with local residents, is opposing the construction plan on the grounds that it will open the way for strengthening the functions of the base and perpetuating the existence of U.S. Naval Base in Yokosuka City.

The 288-hectare area of "Ikego-no-mori," once used as an ammunition depot by the former Japanese Imperial Army, is rich in flora and fauna, the habitat of a diversity of species, including the endangered goshawk.

Arai Michiko of a local peace organization said, "Many researchers say that 'Ikego-no-mori' is as precious as a World Heritage site. The forest gives urban people an oasis of natural beauty. I wonder why Japan shows no hesitation to destroy the forest in order to offer the U.S. military a luxurious housing complex."

- Akahata, September 14, 2010