Okinawans rally in opposition to PAC-3 missile deployment to U.S. Kadena Air Base

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Okinawans rally in opposition to PAC-3 missile deployment to U.S. Kadena Air Base

Calling for the cancellation of the deployment of Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) ballistic missile interceptors to the U.S. Kadena Air Base, a rally was held on October 21 in Okinawa City where the base is located.

About 1,200 residents took part in the rally and marched in demonstration to the base gate, shouting, "Take the missiles back to the U.S. mainland! Don't turn Okinawa into a battleground again!"

Mayors Tomon Mitsuko of Okinawa City, Noguni Masaharu of Chatan Town, and Iha Yoichi of Ginowan City attended the rally to encourage the participants.

Pointing out that the U.S. forces' delivery operation of missile equipment in the middle of the night reminded her of what had happened during the war, Tomon stated, "As the mayor of Okinawa City with its 132,000 residents, I cannot keep my mouth shut," and called on the participants to stage a strong protest against the Japanese and U.S. governments.

Representatives of the Japanese Communist, Okinawa Social Mass, Social Democratic, and Democratic parties gave speeches.

JCP House of Representatives member Akamine Seiken stated, "This PAC-3 deployment will pave the way for an endless process of strengthening the base functions. Let us express our unanimous and firm opposition to the deployment so that the governments will give it up."
- Akahata, October 22, 2006