Okinawans express concern over wartime legislation

Criticism arose one after another of the "war nation" bills on April 22, when the Lower House Constitution Research Committee held a public hearing in Okinawa Prefecture where 75 percent of U.S. military bases in Japan are located.

Three out of six speakers expressed their opposition to the bills.

Yamauchi Tokushin of the Institute of Peace Constitution and Municipality Affairs said, "Okinawans are shocked at the wartime bills." He criticized the bills for substantially preparing for a war nation regime in complete violation of the Constitution.

Aragaki Tsutomu, a lawyer, said, "The Japanese Imperial Army during the Okinawa ground battle didn't protect the people. People in Okinawa know that an army is not for people." Referring to the U.S. occupation of Okinawa after WWII, he said, "The peace Constitution has taken root in Okinawa through our long efforts for the return of Okinawa."He criticized the government for intending to abandon the Constitution and becoming a war nation again.

Voices arose from the audience, "Will the prime minister deprive us of our land again?" The public hearing ended amid a very tense atmosphere. (end)