EDITORIAL | Moving Futenma Air Station to Henoko Has Voters' Support

There must be an end to the senseless confrontation to eliminate this danger we face as soon as possible. This refers to relocating the United States Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan City to Henoko in Nago City. 

The base relocation was a major issue in the recent mayoral election in Ginowan City. Moreover, former mayor Atsushi Sakima, backed by the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, won the contest by a large margin.

Sakima, who supports the relocation, defeated two other candidates. One was former city council member Isao Tobaru. He was supported by Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki and his "All Okinawa" party. They are vehemently opposed to the relocation and any other US bases in Okinawa. 

Why Futenma is an Issue

Air Station Futenma, located adjacent to Ginowan City, is considered the most dangerous US military facility anywhere in the world. Military aircraft must take-off and land in what is now the heart of an urban area. In 1996, the governments of Japan and the United States agreed on the complete return of the current facility to Japanese control. However, the return was also conditioned on relocating the facility elsewhere on Okinawa. 

Despite the passage of 28 years since the agreement was reached, the move has still not materialized. In the interim, there was a major accident in 2004. In that incident, a US military helicopter from Futenma hit a building on the nearby campus of Okinawa International University. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the students, and a major catastrophe was just narrowly avoided. 

The only viable solution to this dangerous situation is to relocate the facility to Henoko. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi was absolutely correct when he reiterated this at a press conference on the day after the election. He said that the national government would do everything in its power to complete a full return of the Futenma air base to Japanese control. 

Indeed, the government must work with the relevant local governments to complete the relocation as soon as possible.

What is Henoko?

The relocation site, Henoko, is in a sparsely populated coastal area. However, opponents are against "construction of a new base at Henoko," they say. But actually, the project involves land reclaimed from the sea next to an existing US base, namely Camp Schwab. Relocating the base there would also greatly alleviate the noise pollution problem. 

Both the Japanese and US governments have repeatedly confirmed that there is no viable alternative solution other than relocation to Henoko. The nation must be determined to maintain the deterrent power of the Self-Defense Forces and US forces in Okinawa. At the same time, however, it must reduce the burden on the people of the prefecture.

Key to Defending Japan

The threats posed by China and North Korea are fast increasing. In particular, China aims to take control of the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. There are also strong concerns that a Taiwan contingency could easily escalate into a Japan emergency. That would begin in Okinawa. 

We must not turn a blind eye to the reality that the deterrent power of Japan and the United States is essential for maintaining peace. 

In reducing the burden on Okinawa Prefecture's residents, ensuring the safety of Ginowan residents around Futenma is extremely important. If everything goes according to plan, the relocation will be completed sometime around 2036. Cooperation from the local governments concerned will be essential to accomplish this goal. 

Governor Denny Tamaki and the "All Okinawa" party, saying they represent "all Okinawa," have been adamantly opposed to the relocation. However, they should reflect on their actions and move to accept the relocation plan. After all, aren't the residents of Ginowan Okinawans too? 

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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun