Japan Press Weekly

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2011 January 19 - 25 [US FORCES]

3 local government leaders in Okinawa demand cancellation of F-22 flight training exercises

Local leaders of one city and two towns hosting the U.S. Kadena base in Okinawa on January 19 urged the Foreign Ministry’s local office and the Okinawa Defense Bureau to request the U.S. forces to stop the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter training exercises.

At the U.S. Kadena Air Force Base, 15 F-22A Raptor Stealth Fighters are deployed until April in order to conduct flight training exercises.

The local government heads raised a protest saying that the deployment “obviously increases people’s burdens and unilaterally strengthens base functions.”

Officials of the Foreign Ministry and the Defense Bureau in their response said, “In order to maintain Japan’s defense and stability in surrounding regions, we are not going to call on the U.S. forces to cancel the planned flight exercises.”

Chatan Town Mayor Noguni Masaharu said, “During the flight training yesterday, the F-22s emitted noise levels of 100 decibels.”

Mayor Miyagi Tokujitsu of Kadena Town said, “The Japanese government should negotiate with the United States in order to protect residents’ living environment, safety, and human rights.”