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Memorial monument of “Pigs from the Sea” conveys bond between Okinawa and Hawaii

Memorial monument of “Pigs from the Sea” conveys bond between Okinawa and Hawaii

March 3, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

A memorial monument was built in the property of the former Uruma Citizens’ Art Theatre in order to commemorate a historical event in which Okinawans in Hawaii sent 550 pigs to Okinawa, in an attempt to aid people suffering food shortages in the post-WWII period. Residents and corporations donated approximately 7,800,000 yen to build the monument. The chairman of the “Pigs from the Sea” monument committee, Hidehiko Arakaki, made an announcement about the...

 

American scientist visits Henoko to support protesters

American scientist visits Henoko to support protesters

March 3, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

Gregory Kulacki, a senior analyst and the China Project manager for the Global Security Program of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), took part on March 3 in a protest rally in front of Camp Schwab against the construction of a new offshore U.S. air base.

Kulacki...

Mayor Inamine resolves to continue efforts blocking Henoko relocation

Mayor Inamine resolves to continue efforts blocking Henoko relocation

March 2, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

At a regular meeting of the Nago City Council on March 2, Mayor Susumu Inamine declared his administrative policies for 2016. He said that no matter what happens, he resolves to make continued efforts to block relocation of Futenma Air Station to Henoko, Nago. In...

Protesters vow to pressure Japanese government to give up Henoko relocation

Protesters vow to pressure Japanese government to give up Henoko relocation

March 5, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

On the morning of March 5, over 80 people staged a sit-in protest and rally in front of Camp Schwab. Just one day before the rally, the government of Japan and the prefectural government of Okinawa reached a settlement for lawsuits filed over the plan to move U.S....

Prime minister accepts Henoko settlement, will suspend land reclamation work

March 4, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

At 1 p.m. on March 4, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his intention to accept the court’s proposed settlement in the lawsuit his government brought against the Okinawa prefectural government over reclaiming land in Henoko, Nago as part of the relocation of...

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,...

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...