Japanese protesters rally against relocation of US air base to Okinawa

Japanese protesters have held a rally in front of the American Camp Schwab marine corps camp on the island of Okinawa in protest at a planned relocation of yet another US military facility to the area.

Demonstrators lined the road leading to the marine base in Henoko area near Nago City on Thursday, chanting slogans against the plans and holding placards decrying the US military presence.

“Marines out!” and “Stop illegal work,” the placards read.

According to the relocation plan, an air base will be built in the waters off the coast from Camp Schwab over the next five years as part of the relocation of the Futenma Air Station to the Henoko area.

Local residents and Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga have continued to express their opposition since the plan was announced.

On Tuesday, Okinawa Prefectural Assembly committee passed a resolution, demanding legal action against the base’s relocation. The entire assembly is expected to vote on the issue on Friday, laying the groundwork for legal action against the Japanese government for pushing through the project

Okinawa has become known as a source of enduring concern for the Japanese people. Pacifist inclinations as well as security and safety concerns have prompted the Japanese to protest against the US military presence in Japan from time to time.

SS