Tamaki Takes Obstruction of Henoko Base Relocation Too Far

このページを日本語で読む

The Ministry of Defense has begun full-scale land reclamation work on the east side of the Henoko district. This is part of the relocation of the United States Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma from Ginowan City to Henoko in Nago City.

The relocation to Henoko aims at eliminating the current dangerous conditions at the Futenma Air Station, which is adjacent to a densely populated urban area.

Japan and the US have agreed on returning the entire Futenma Air Station to Japanese control after the relocation. To facilitate the return of this land, the national government needs to proceed steadily with the construction in Ginowan. Okinawa Prefecture itself should also fully cooperate to achieve these objectives.

For the Well-being of Okinawa

On November 28, the Ministry of Defense began dumping soil into Oura Bay on the east side of Henoko. Seawall construction has been underway in Oura Bay since 2024. However, this is the first time that full-scale landfill work has been carried out.

It is a major step forward in the construction of the new airfield, which could be completed as early as April 2033.

*The Henoko coastal area, Nago City, where construction work is underway to relocate the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma (©Sankei by Naoki Otake)*

Landfilling operations at Henoko actually began in 2017. In fact, the southern part, which accounts for one-quarter of the total, is almost complete. However, work on the eastern side was significantly delayed due to the discovery of soft ground.

Completion of this project is vital to the well-being of the people of Okinawa. Therefore, it is difficult to comprehend Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki's attitude. He has yet to show any willingness to cooperate. In fact, when Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara visited the prefecture on November 30, Tamaki handed him a written request for the central government to abandon the relocation plan.

Both the Japanese and US governments have repeatedly confirmed that the only viable solution for easing the burden on Okinawa residents while maintaining the US military's deterrent presence is to relocate MCAS Futenma.

Therefore, Kihara naturally sought Tamaki's understanding regarding the relocation. He also emphasized that "We will do our utmost to ensure the complete return of Futenma as soon as possible."

Escalating Dangers to Okinawa

On December 6, Chinese military aircraft illuminated Japan Self-Defense Force aircraft with radar on two separate occasions. Both occurred within Japan's Air Defense Zone over international waters southeast of Okinawa Island.

*Chinese Navy aircraft carrier Liaoning passes through Japanese waters between Okinawa and the Miyako Islands in December 2025. (Provided by the Joint Staff Office of the Ministry of Defense)*

China's dangerous provocations are escalating. To protect the residents of Okinawa and all Japanese people, the deterrence of the Japan-US alliance is crucial. Moreover, it must not only be maintained, but also improved in the face of such growing provocations.

Cooperation between the national and prefectural governments would bring the return of the Futenma site to Okinawa that much closer. This, too, should not be forgotten.

Earth for the landfill is being transported to the front of the pier in Nago City. However, opponents continue to engage in dangerous obstruction activities by slow-walking in front of the dump trucks. In June 2024, a security guard was tragically killed when he was hit while trying to control protesters who had moved into the street in front of a dump truck.

The Ministry of Defense has asked the prefecture to install guardrails at the reclamation site. However, the prefecture has not responded to this request. Instead, Governor Tamaki refuses even to ensure road safety for the Okinawans. He has clearly taken his stance of non-cooperation too far.