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US commander claims protesters against helipad construction being paid-off

US commander claims protesters against helipad construction being paid-off

February 13, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

The government of Japan is building U.S. helipads within the Northern Training Area (NTA) near Takae to return a part of the training area to landowners based on an agreement between Japan and the United States. Local citizens have been protesting against the construction because they fear it will badly influence their livelihoods and natural environment.

Tim Kao, the camp commander of the NTA said some of the protestors were not actually passionate...

 

Nago City Assembly asks JCG to stop taking excessive actions against citizens

Nago City Assembly asks JCG to stop taking excessive actions against citizens

February 12, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

The Okinawa Defense Bureau is carrying out construction of a new base to replace Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Henoko, Nago. Citizens protesting the construction, have continuously been injured by excessive force used by officers of the Japan Coast Guard...

OPG estimates return of US Futenma base will bring 32 times the economic benefit

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ACSILs demands an apology for annexation of Ryukyu, calling it a “Violation of International Law”

ACSILs demands an apology for annexation of Ryukyu, calling it a “Violation of International Law”

February 4, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo 

Yasukatsu Matsushima and three co-leaders of the Association of Comprehensive Studies for Independence of the Lew Chewans (ACSILs) visited Senior Coordinator Shunji Yamada at the Okinawa Office of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. They protested that the...

US base construction: 20-ton concrete blocks destroy coral in Oura Bay

US base construction: 20-ton concrete blocks destroy coral in Oura Bay

February 10, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

Concrete blocks, which the Okinawa Defense Bureau installed to secure floats and buoys, have hurt corals at several locations in Oura Bay, Nago. There, the governments of Japan and the United States are advancing work on a replacement facility for U.S. Marine...

Large floating devices introduced in Henoko: 40 citizens hold a protest rally

Large floating devices introduced in Henoko: 40 citizens hold a protest rally

February 9, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

In relation to the U.S Marine Corps Air Station relocation to Henoko in Nago City, the Okinawa Defense Bureau has started installing large floating devices in Oura Bay. It began the work on the morning of February 9. Four ships and 14 kayaks carrying citizens...

Okinawa Governor Onaga officially requests moving Futenma Air Station outside Okinawa

Okinawa Governor Onaga officially requests moving Futenma Air Station outside Okinawa

February 6, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

Members of the Council for the Promotion of Dezoning and Reutilizating Military Land in Okinawa visited the offices of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Ministry of Defense, and U.S Embassy in Japan on February 5. They filed request documents asking the governments...

Ryukyu’s International Treaties return to Okinawa after 141 years

Ryukyu's International Treaties return to Okinawa after 141 years

February 4, 2015 Tsuyoshi Arakaki of Ryukyu Shimpo

On February 27, the Urasoe City Museum exhibits three original copies of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s treaties of amity signed with the United States in 1854, with France in 1855, and with the Netherlands in 1859. These original copies were confiscated...

Symposium on right to self-determination for Ainu and Ryukyuan

Symposium on right to self-determination for Ainu and Ryukyuan

February 8, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

The Uruma-no-Kai held a symposium on the right of self-determination for Ainu and Ryukyuans at Okinawa International University in Ginowan on February 7. This group aims to strengthen solidarity with the Ainu people and is involved with planning an annual “Northern...

AmerAsian School in Okinawa receives the Japan Foundation Prizes for Global Citizenship

AmerAsian School in Okinawa receives the Japan Foundation Prizes for Global Citizenship

February 4, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

The Japan Foundation Prizes for Global Citizenship is an award that honors individuals and organizations working on international cultural exchange activities based in regions nationwide. The AmerAsian School in Okinawa has received the award this time. This is...

JCG refuses to answer why they are constraining protesters in Henoko

JCG refuses to answer why they are constraining protesters in Henoko

February 7, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

Officers of the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) have been constraining citizens protesting against the plan to build an alternative base in Henoko, Nago, for Ginowan-based U.S. Marine Corp Air Station Futenma. On February 6, a spokesperson from the 11th Regional Coast...