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

Iwakuni residents say 'No' to U.S. forces relocation

An overwhelming majority of residents of Iwakuni City in Yamaguchi Prefecture on March 12 rejected the planned relocation of a U.S. carrier-borne aircraft unit to the U.S. Marine Corps Iwakuni Air Station.

In the first referendum to be held on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, nearly 90 percent of all voters, or 43,433 residents, voted against the relocation plan, while 5,369 voted for it.

Voter turnout was 58.68 percent, clearing the requirement of 50 percent needed for the referendum to be valid.

Commenting on the referendum results at a press conference on the same day, Iwakuni Mayor Ihara Katsusuke stated that the city will continue to urge the government to withdraw the relocation plan. "It is important to send the government the residents' decision regarding their safety," he said.

Japanese Communist Party Yamaguchi Prefectural Committee Chair Yamamoto Takeo said in a statement that the Japanese and U.S. governments must respect the result of the referendum and cancel the relocation plan. He pointed out that this success is of great significance because it encourages the nationwide movement against the strengthening of U.S. bases.

The JCP had made an effort to bring success to the referendum in cooperation with a wide range of citizens.

Yoshioka Mitsunori, chair of the local organization "Let's Check 'Nay' to the Acceptance of U.S. Carrier-borne Aircraft Association," published a statement stressing that Iwakuni residents have won an "historic victory" by overcoming interferences, pressures, and boycott campaigns. He stressed that the result gives a heavy blow to the Japanese and U.S. governments.

Iwakuni City Assembly Chair Kuwahara Toshiyuki who had urged residents to boycott the referendum admitted that the result must be taken seriously.

Defense Agency Director General Nukaga Fukushiro and Chief Cabinet Secretary Abe Shinzo had been pressuring Iwakuni residents to refrain from voting by stating that regardless of the result the government will push ahead with the realignment of U.S. forces.
- Akahata, March 13, 2006