Japan Press Weekly

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2016 September 21 - 27 [POLITICS]

Okinawa appeals Henoko case to Supreme Court

The Okinawa prefectural government on September 23 filed an appeal to the Supreme Court against the recent high court decision regarding the Henoko base issue.

The Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court ruled on September 16 that the Okinawa governor’s revocation of the approval of the Henoko landfill work is illegal.

Governor Onaga Takeshi was sued by the central government because he revoked his predecessor’s approval to reclaim waters in preparation for the construction of a new U.S. military base off the Henoko coast in Nago City. The high court gave a judgement in favor of the state authorities.

After filing the appeal, the counsel for the Okinawa government held a press conference. A reporter raised questions about the high court decision which can be construed as granting broad powers to the state over local governments in violation of the constitutional principle of local autonomy.

Lawyer Takeshita Isao responded, “The high court judge did not correctly understand the meaning of local autonomy. The decision challenges the Constitution. So, we will press that point.”

Past related article:
> High court approves reclamation work for US base construction in Henoko[September 17, 2016]