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2016 October 19 - 25 TOP3 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Racist words of Osaka riot police against Okinawans come under fire

Lawyers and human rights organizations in Osaka are waging a strong protest against two Osaka riot policemen and the Osaka Governor who defends their hurling of racist slurs at sit-in protesters opposing the construction of U.S. Osprey helipads in Okinawa.

The Osaka Branch of the Japan Young Lawyers Association Attorneys and Academics Section on October 20 published a protest statement questioning Osaka Governor Matsui Ichiro’s sense of human rights and his character.

Several Osaka civil groups visited the Osaka prefectural police on the same day and demanded that it sincerely apologize to Okinawans and withdraw from Okinawa its riot police officers sent there to crack down on local anti-base protesters.

The incident took place just the other day near the construction site of U.S. Osprey helipads in Takae in Okinawa’s Higashi Village. Two of the dispatched Osaka riot policemen used racist slurs expressing “natives” by spiting the words “Dojin” and “Shinajin” at protesters. This outburst soon came under fire. However, Osaka Governor Matsui on Twitter commended them for their services in Okinawa. He tweeted, “It was infelicity, but I can clearly see that they are properly following orders and fulfilling their duties. I want to thank you for your efforts there.” The governor’s tweeting also drew criticism. However, at a press conference held on the next day of his tweet he again defended the act of the two riot police officers by saying, “Their use of language was inappropriate, but they are doing a fine job.”

Meanwhile in Okinawa, Governor Onaga Takeshi called the head of the Okinawa prefectural police to the prefectural government office and lodged a protest. The governor said, “These racist slurs have rubbed us the wrong way and are so cruel that we all feel offended.”

Onaga went on to say, “These words hold the contemptuous meaning insulting uncivilized indigenous people. Such an expression was cast against the people who are engaging in various democratic activities, including striving to protect free expression.”

He also referred to the history of Okinawa, the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, and U.S. base burdens on Okinawa after the war. He said, “The two words have deeply hurt us, the oppressed Okinawans, to our soul,” and demanded preventive measures.

Past related articles:
> Riot police intimidating Okinawans staying at luxury resort hotel [September 2, 2016]
> Okinawa governor criticizes excessive policing in Takae [August 26 & 27, 2016]