oppoistion7

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

90% of Okinawans do not want a new U.S. base

An Okinawan local newspaper survey found that about 90 percent of Okinawans oppose the plan agreed upon by the Japanese and U.S. governments to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station to Nago City from Ginowan City.

The November 4 issue of Ryukyu Shimpo reported that 29.4 percent said they want the base "relocated to another country" and 28.4 percent called for an "immediate closure and unconditional return of the base to Japan."

In contrast, seven percent of the respondents said they are in favor of the plan to construct a new U.S. base in the sea off U.S. Camp Schwab in Nago City. Those who support the initial plan to construct a base in the sea off the Henoko District remain at only 5.6 percent.

More than two-thirds of the respondents said they do not support the present U.S. military realignment plan: 36 percent answered they are "dissatisfied" with the plan and 32. 2 percent "very dissatisfied." -- Akahata, November 7, 2005