Japan Press Weekly

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2008 January 30 - February 5 [US FORCES]

U.S. military low-altitude flights affecting half of Japan’s prefectures

In response to an inquiry made by Japanese Communist Party House of Representatives member Shiokawa Tetsuya, the Defense Ministry disclosed that complaints against noise pollution caused by low-altitude flights of carrier-borne and other U.S. aircraft were filed by local governments or residents in 23 out of Japan’s 47 prefectures in the past six years.

The number of complaints filed from FY 2002 to December 31, 2007 was 391. In 2002 and 2003, the number reached 86 and 87 respectively, markedly higher than other years, probably because the U.S. forces conducted in Japan low-altitude flight training exercises in preparation for operations in Iraq.

Although the number decreased to 44 in 2004 and 38 in 2005, it has recently shown marked increases to 56 in 2006 and 80 in 2007.

In Gunma Prefecture, with 15 complaints in 2004, 37 in 2006, and 62 in 2007, low-altitude flights were repeatedly carried out day and night between October last year and this last January. Residents have registered complaints and protests at local municipalities.