Archive for March, 2016

Recent News

Nago Mayor Inamine reflects on his court testimony

Nago Mayor Inamine reflects on his court testimony

March 1, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

On February 29, Nago Mayor Susume Inamine gave witness testimony in the trial between the Japanese government and Okinawa prefectural government over the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. In a press conference held on March 1, Inamine commented, “As mayor, I gave testimony to the burden that residents are forced to bear. It was very meaningful to be able to attend the hearing.”

In regards to the Okinawa prefectural government and...

 

All Okinawa Kaigi holds rally to support Okinawa in court battle with Japan

All Okinawa Kaigi holds rally to support Okinawa in court battle with Japan

March 1, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

The fifth hearing in the trial brought by the Japanese government against the Okinawa prefectural government over the construction of a new base in Henoko, Nago as part of the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma was held at the Naha branch of the...

National Park to be extended to the whole of Iriomote to protect rare species

February 24, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

The Central Environment Council approved an area expansion plan on February 23 for the Iriomote Ishigaki National Park to cover the whole area of Iriomote Island (29,000ha) in Yaeyama. The official announcement of the plan will be made in the related offices...

New Year for the dead: family members hold memorial service at Miegusuku

New Year for the dead: family members hold memorial service at Miegusuku

February 24, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

On February 23, January 16 in the old lunar calendar, a new year memorial service for the dead, called “Juroku-nichi-sai”, was held in Okinawa.

Many families offered special meals and prayers to their family alters, in their homes or at graves, for...

Editorial: In Henoko lawsuit, court ruling must respect local autonomy and legal principles

March 1, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

Local autonomy, democracy, and human rights are facing a dire situation.

At the Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court, two trials have drawn to a close between the Japanese government and Okinawa prefecture over the permit to authorize land reclamation in...

Editorial: MCAS Futenma will remain hazardous in current location until at least 2025

February 26, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

It has been demonstrated once again that dangers from U.S. Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma cannot be removed without construction of a new base in Henoko, Nago.

Commander of U.S. Pacific Command Harry Harris expects the replacement facility to...

US aircraft noise disrupts classes in majority of public schools around Futenma and Kadena

February 25, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

A survey of U.S. aircraft noise impact on classrooms was carried out by the Education Bureau of Okinawa Prefecture last June for 27 public schools in three municipalities: Ginowan, Kadena, and Chatan. The majority of schools responded in the survey that the noise...

Yambaru forest to be designated as national park, but not including US training area

February 28, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) announced on February 27 that it would designate about 17,000 hectares of the northern part of Okinawa as “Yambaru National Park (tentative name)”. The area, which is located in three villages, Kunigami, Higashi...