December 1, 2019

Akahata on December 1 reported that the government has agreed with the landowner of Mageshima Island that the government will purchase the island in southwestern Japan, a candidate site for the relocation of field carrier landing practices (FCLP) by the U.S. carrier-born aircraft at 16 billion yen, more than three times higher than the initial assessment of the land value at 4.5 billion yen.

The Japanese and U.S. governments in 2011 at the so-called “2+2” bilateral security committee talks agreed to choose Mageshima Island as a candidate site for FCLP operations. The document of the agreement indicates that the island will be used not only by the U.S. military for FCLP for an indefinite period of time, but also by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces for training exercises.

After completing the purchase procedure with the landowner, Taston Airport, the Defense Ministry will start the construction of runways and other necessary facilities on the island.

With Mageshima Island being only 12 km away from the populated Tanegashima Island, the planned FCLP on Mageshima has raised local concern that residents could suffer from excessive noise pollution and face the risk of crashes.

Shimizu Shoji, vice head of a residents’ group opposing the construction of a U.S. military facility on Mageshima Island, said that the government decided to buy the island at a price three times higher than the initial estimate, which is problematic from the viewpoint of fiscal democracy. He expressed his determination to work hard to increase public opposition in order to prevent the central government from moving forward with the construction.

Past related articles:
> Cost to purchase island for US flight drill swells fourfold to 16 billion yen [March 19, 2019]
> JCP urges Defense Ministry to cancel planned relocation of FCLP to Mageshima Island [January 23, 2019]