Film shows former village where Futenma Air Station now stands

April 6, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

On April 25, at a public hall in Ginowan, the Aza-Ginowan Hometown Association (chaired by Seiichi Miyagi) unveiled its completed DVD, Images of the Village before the Battle, about Ginowan prior to the Battle of Okinawa. The Association made this DVD with the purpose of proving that a village in Aza-Ginowan existed before the Battle of Okinawa where Futenma Air Station stands today, to counter the argument that there was nothing in the place where Futenma was established. The DVD provides three-dimensional renderings of the buildings and a comprehensive introduction of the culture of the village prior to the Battle, and aims to pass on the village’s history and traditions to coming generations. The Association plans to distribute the DVD among its own members, residents of Ginowan City, and public institutions.

The basis of the DVD project was information verbally gathered by Association members. By examining and comparing U.S. Armed Forces aerial photographs of the area taken in 1945 and today, it is clear that the position of the village in 1945 is presently within Futenma Air Station. The film begins with introductions of Aza-Ginowan’s history, of its horseback riding grounds that are the most expansive in Okinawa, and of Machi-gwaa market for agricultural and marine products.

Chairman Miyagi of the Association said that the film “verifies that present-day Futenma Air Station contains our native home.” He went on to say, “Even students believe that ‘there was nothing’ [where Futenma now stands], but I want people to know that is not true.”

(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)

In Images of the Village before the Battle made by Aza-Ginowan Hometown Association, it can be seen that the village existed where Futenma Air Station now stands.

In Images of the Village before the Battle made by Aza-Ginowan Hometown Association, it can be seen that the village existed where Futenma Air Station now stands.

 

An image of the village (from Images of the Village before the Battle)

An image of the village (from Images of the Village before the Battle)

 

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