All Prefecture Okinawan Rally Today: No more US military bases!

Henoko Bay

The All Prefecture Peoples Rally in Okinawa was held today demanding for no more U.S. bases in Okinawa, the same day that an Okinawan man passed away after a possible hit and run accident linked to a vehicle used by U.S. military personal. Okinwans are holding an "All Prefecture Peoples Rally" today demanding for no more U.S. bases in Okinawa.

Longtime Okinawan activist Shouichi Chibana mentioned the rally at the "We Can't Go on Like This: Japan & the World" anti-war demonstration in Kyoto last month. He said the DPJ made an election campaign promise for a total review of the air field plan for Henoko Bay, Nago City.

                       Mr. Chibana (left) at the Anti-War Rally in Kyoto on October 11th. (Photo by author)

Okinawan protesters are addressing the relocation of Futenma Air Base. Three options will be deliberated: continue with plans to bulid a new base on the seashore of Henoko; chose another location to rebuild the airbase; or to abandon all plans to build a new base completely.

                          Aerial photo of Futenma Base:the (Photo: Okinawa Prefecture website)

The rally is scheduled just prior to Obama's visit to Japan on November 12 and 13th to make sure the U.S. president understands the Okinawan people's objection to plans to build a new air base and their dissatisfaction with U.S. military presence in Okinawa in general.

-- Jen Teeter