Japan Press Weekly

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2016 December 21 - 2017 January 3 [POLITICS]

Okinawa governor: Top court’s approval of Henoko base construction is disappointing

In a lawsuit against Okinawa over the U.S. base construction in Nago’s Henoko district, the Supreme Court on December 20 issued a ruling upholding the lower court decision which recognized that it is illegal for the Okinawa governor to refuse to withdraw his cancellation of the approval for the reclamation work in the Henoko district.

Following the top court’s ruling, Okinawa Governor Onaga Takeshi held a press conference in the prefectural office building and said that this court decision is extremely disappointing. He expressed his determination to continue employing every possible means to block the new base construction.

The governor also said, “I believe that Okinawans, who have a history of acquiring autonomy through tenacious struggles against the U.S. military under the U.S. occupation, will keep on fighting until the Japanese and U.S. governments give up on building the Henoko base.” He said that he will also work even harder in collaboration with concerned citizens.

Meanwhile in Tokyo, a rally to protest against the Supreme Court decision took place in the House of Representatives members’ office building.

Japanese Communist Party Lower House member Akamine Seiken said, “No matter what logic the Abe Cabinet and the top court apply, it will never work to destroy Okinawans’ resistance. We have to further strengthen our fight.”

Okinawa-elected independent member of the House of Councilors Iha Yoichi said, “Despite the consequences of court battles, we need to persist in moving forward. The Okinawa governor and the Nago mayor wield authority. Let’s prevent the base construction in cooperation with people across Japan.”

Past related articles:
> Supreme Court to approve controversial construction of US base in Henoko [December 13, 2016]
> High court approves reclamation work for US base construction in Henoko [September 17, 2016]
> Tokyo again sues Okinawa over Henoko base issue [July 23, 2016]