Over 30,000 letters supporting Okinawa Governor Onaga

December 10, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

On December 10, Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga marked his first anniversary since taking office. The Okinawa Prefectural Government (OPG) continues to receive letters from across Japan supporting the governor. In an unusual situation, in which the OPG is fighting the Japanese government in the court over a new U.S. base construction in Henoko, Nago, the OPG has received more than 30,000 letters and postcards since January.

A woman living in Hokkaido sent a piece of cloth bearing a message, “Life itself is our treasure (Nuchi du takara). Hang in there with the spirit of all-Okinawa!” attached with a picture of a dugong which inhabits the sea around Henoko. A woman living in Tokyo sent a Christmas card, saying, “I am impressed with what Governor Onaga said in a court opening session of oral proceedings, which was full of love for Okinawa.” A pupil from Naha sent a picture diary, saying, “I think it is good for us not to have a new base.”

Via fax machine and e-mail, one said, “Why does the OPG oppose the Japanese government’s policy despite accepting subsidies?” The other said, “We need the U.S. military in Okinawa as a deterrent.” The OPG does not calculate how many e-mails they have received. A spokesperson for the OPG said, “We receive a maximum of 60 letters a day. We feel the nationwide support for the governor opposing the Henoko landfill. We really appreciate that.”

(English translation by T&CT)

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