Japan Press Weekly

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2016 June 22 - 28 [SDF]

Tanks drive on public roads amid protest from residents

Amid protest from residents, four Type 90 tanks of the Ground Self-Defense Force in Hokkaido on June 26 drove on public roads to a civil port for the first time in five years.

On this day at 9 p.m., the four Type 90 Main Battle Tanks of the GSDF 7th Division left their base, Camp Higashi Chitose, for Tomakomai Nishi Port. The MBTs drove on public roadways and reached the port after a three-hour drive. They will take part in a military training exercise scheduled to be held at the GSDF Yausubetsu Training Area, about 400 km from Camp Higashi Chitose.

In protest against the armored vehicles’ use of public roads, members of anti-war civil groups and trade unions gathered along the route, holding banners that read, “Tanks should not be allowed to operate on public roads!”

The protestors criticized the SDF for using public roads and a civil port in preparation for the implementation of the war laws and expressed their determination to continue observing and voicing opposition to the use of public roads for military purposes.

Past related article:
> Tanks on public roadways scare residents [November 11, 2011]