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

Iwakuni citizens band together against relocation of U.S. carrier-borne aircraft and NLP

Iwakuni citizens in Yamaguchi Prefecture on November 20 founded their own organization to block the relocation of U.S. Navy carrier-borne aircraft and the touch-and-go exercises from the U.S. Navy Atsugi Air Station in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Started by five housewives, this movement gradually gathered momentum, disregarding supporters' differences in affiliation in political parties and organizations. As a result, they succeeded in holding the organization's inaugural meeting with about 150 citizens attending.

Founder Kawamoto Kaoru said, "Iwakuni citizens have already been forced to endure the severe noise pollution caused by the U.S. Iwakuni base. The relocation plan will impose more burdens on us."

An Iwakuni City official resolved that at the urging of the citizens, the city will tenaciously negotiate with the central government on the matter.

Opinions and ideas from the floor presented included one that felt that the Iwakuni City government should lead the citizens' movement just as the Zama City government in Kanagawa Prefecture that expresses its opposition of U.S. military realignment plan does and another opinion that it is necessary to increase discussion among all city residents. -- Akahata, November 21, 2005