December 6, 2014

Okinawans have erupted in anger at outgoing Governor Nakaima Hirokazu’s approval to two applications from the Okinawa Defense Bureau regarding the ongoing reclamation project at Henoko for a new U.S. base.

Nakaima, who will vacate his office in four days, on December 5 approved two out of four applications that the defense bureau submitted to the prefecture in September. One of the approved applications concerns building a temporary road for the reclamation project. It is obvious that this decision will contribute to facilitating the reclamation project.

Governor-elect Onaga Takeshi, commenting on Nakaima’s decision, said that he will consider withdrawal or retraction of the approval. Base opponent Onaga overwhelmingly defeated his rival Nakaima in last month’s gubernatorial election in which whether to accept the new base construction was the major focus.

Pro-Onaga prefectural assembly members, including Japanese Communist Party lawmakers, later on the same day made representations to the prefectural government against Nakaima’s approval of the plans. In front of the prefectural office building, citizens held a protest rally.

Past related article:
> Anti-base candidate’s victory in Okinawa governor race delivers blow to Abe [November 17 and 18, 2014]