Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2015 September 16 - 29 [POLITICS]

Okinawa Pref. Assembly supports governor’s decision to revoke approval of landfill work in Henoko

The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly on September 14 approved by majority vote a written opinion expressing its support for Governor Onaga Takeshi who started procedures to revoke his predecessor’s approval of reclamation work in the Henoko coastal area in the prefecture. The Japanese Communist Party and four other pro-governor parties voted in favor of the opinion, while the Liberal Democratic Party and conservative independents voted against.

Pointing out that the governor decided to retract the approval based on the demand of an overwhelming majority of residents, the written opinion endorses his decision.

The document notes that during the intensive discussions between the Okinawa and central governments, Tokyo stuck obstinately to the Henoko base construction plan and totally disregarded Okinawans’ opposition shown in the results of the Nago mayoral, Okinawa gubernatorial, and the House of Representatives elections. It criticizes the Abe government for keeping a high-handed attitude and for resuming the preparatory work for the base construction in Henoko.

The statement demands that the Abe government take the governor’s decision seriously, stop the ongoing work in Henoko without delay, and start negotiating with the U.S. government for the return and removal of the U.S. Futenma Air Station in the prefecture.

The written statement will be sent to Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide, the chairpersons of the both Houses, and the Defense and Foreign ministers.

On the same day, the Nago City Assembly also approved a written statement in this regard with a majority vote.