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November 16, Ryukyu Shimpo
The former Mayor of Naha Takeshi Onaga, 64, has won the Okinawa gubernatorial election, held on November 16. Onaga, who had support from a wide range of voters, re-stated his promise to oppose the plan to relocate U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to Henoko, Nago, where the governments of Japan and United States plan to build a new replacement offshore air base.
Onaga was born in Naha on October 2 1950. He graduated from Hosei University. After working as a company employee, Onaga became a member of the Naha City Assembly representing the LDP, in 1985. After serving for two terms, in 1992, he became a member of the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly. After serving for two terms at the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly, Onaga took up a post as the executive head of the Okinawa branch of the LDP. He became Naha Mayor as an independent and served for four terms over 14 years. Onaga left his office this year.
Four candidates ran in the gubernatorial race, including Onaga, incumbent Governor Hirokazu Nakaima, 75, former State Minister in Charge of Postal Services Privatization Mikio Shimoji, 53, and former Upper House member Shokichi Kina, 66. Nakaima had the backing of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his party. The incumbent has supported the government’s plan to move the Futenma base to Henoko, claiming he would stop the operation of the Futenma base within five years.
Onaga served as a co-representative of the executive committee that held an Okinawan people’s rally in 2012, which called for the closure of the Futenma base and the cancellation of the MV-22 Osprey aircraft deployment to Okinawa. He has insisted that Okinawan people should unite in an ‘All-Okinawa’ approach that goes beyond the framework of the conservative-versus-progressive party, in order to resolve the base issue. The ex-Naha Mayor has promised to follow-through on a petition to Prime Minister Abe requesting the easing of the base-hosting burden. This petition bears the signatures from the mayors of all 41 municipalities in Okinawa and the chairmen of the various assemblies.
Onaga is backed by the Social-Democratic Party, the Communist Party, the Okinawa Social Mass Party and the People’s Life Party. The Naha City Council’s conservative group members, who were expelled from the LDP after opposing the relocation plan, also supported the ex-Naha Mayor. They criticized Governor Nakaima’s approval of landfill required for the new base in Henoko.
In August, the government started a drilling survey for reclamation work in Henoko. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has said Tokyo will go ahead with construction based on the incumbent governor’s approval. Despite Onaga’s victory, it appears the government still intends to carry out the relocation work. Onaga will consider revocation or withdrawal of Nakaima’s landfill approval. The result of the election will have a serious impact on the relocation plan.
(English translation by T&CT)
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November 4, 2014 Tetsuo Oshiro of Ryukyu Shimpo
On November 2, at the Naha Civic Center, Japanese rock band The Boom performed its final show in Okinawa. The group’s song Shima Uta, which is about Okinawa, became a worldwide hit in the 1990s. Okinawa has been a special place for the band members in their 25 year-career. Their music is a fusion of rock, pop and local Okinawan folk music. For their dial show, the band played with passion and feelings of gratitude to their many fans.
Vocalist Kazufumi Miyazawa sang Hoshi no Love Letter (Love letter from the stars) and Tokyo Love, on the stage. “We had been looking forward to this live concert in Okinawa. But, I have mixed feelings today because this is the final concert,” he spoke to the fans. He sang two-dozen songs, which included his original hits, as his last performance to fans.
The members, including Miyazawa, lead guitarist Takashi Kobayashi, bass guitarist Hiromasa Yamakawa and drummer Takao Tochigi, moved the audience deeply with their final set. Miyazawa sang songs such as Tida Akara Nami Killala and Call my name, while playing the sanshin. The fans were humming along, waving their hands and sometimes jumping.
Takanori Kobayashi (front) and Takao Tochigi at Naha Civic Center on November 2.
He talked about Okinawa and his native town Yamanashi. “Okinawa has been tossed about by the fate of history. The situation of outside powers controlling Okinawa remains unchanged. We do not want to pass the most beautiful islands in the world to anyone else,” he said. He sang The Most Beautiful Island in the World.
He said, regarding the hit song Shima Uta, “Hoping for calm in the world, and for full smiles on the faces of people happy with their lovers, I created this song.” For the encore, the band member performed Kazeninaritai (I want to be the wind).
Miyazawa said in a closing speech, “I do not say good-bye to you. But we are going to go our separate ways, and a life of tears and laughter will await us. Thank you for your continued support for 25 years.”
(English translation by T&CT)
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November 6, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo
A traditional full moon celebration took place on November 5. The full moon, or so-called “miracle moon,” was seen for the first time in 171 years.
It was the third time a lunar event has taken place this year. The celebration of the full moon traditionally takes place on the 15th day of the eighth month of the traditional Japanese solar calendar, and the waxing moon is celebrated on the 13th day of the ninth month.
In 2014, the ninth month of the traditional Japanese solar calendar is an intercalary month. On November 5, the event took place in various parts of Okinawa where the sky was clear.
The next miracle moon will appear in 2109.
(English translation by T&CT)
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November 3, 2013 Ryukyu Shimpo
The Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau held the Miss Okinawa Contest 2015 in the theater building at the Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan on November 2. The contest awarded prizes to winners in three separate categories: 25-year-old Ayami Machida won Miss Sky Blue, 24-year-old Riyo Kishaba won Miss Cobalt Blue and 24-year-old Azusa Ahagon won Miss Green Gracious. The three winners will work as goodwill tourism ambassadors for Okinawa from next January. They will strive to convey the charm of Okinawa to people both inside and outside the prefecture.
Machida said, “I would like to be grateful to my parents and friends who supported me.” Kishaba said, “I would like to carry the thoughts of the other seven contestants who advanced to the finals, and do my best.” Ahagon said, “Working with Okinawan people, I would like to promote Okinawan tourism.”
(English translation by T&CT)
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November 6, 2014 Ryota Shimabukuro of Ryukyu Shimpo
Democrat David Ige defeated Republican James Aiona and Independent Mufi Hannemann in Hawaii’s gubernatorial race on November 4.
Ige, an electrical engineer and state senator, is third generation Okinawan American. This is the first time that an Okinawan American has become the U.S. governor. Ige will take over office in January 2015.
Ige’s grandparents were from Nishihara Town. Ige became a state representative in 1985 and then took up a post as state senator in 1994. Ige defeated Aiona by a wide margin of 49 percent of the vote compared with 37 percent for his contender.
Since the first wave of Okinawan migration to Hawaii 114 years ago, about 40,000 Okinawans currently live in the U.S. state.
In 1985, Okinawa and Hawaii established sister cities relationship.
Okinawan Americans in Hawaii celebrated the election outcome, expecting the new governor to strengthen the bonds of Okinawan Hawaiian society and promote exchange between Hawaii and Okinawa.
In his interview with the Ryukyu Shimpo at his campaign office in Honolulu, Ige said he was proud to be the first governor of Hawaii with Okinawan ancestry. He added that he would be happy to cooperate with Okinawa in various ways.
(English translation by T&CT)
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October 29, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo
On October 28, the Okinawa Prefecture Government organized a symposium in Naha commemorating the 5th anniversary of the Okinawa International Logistics Hub.
Operations began at the All Nippon Airways’ (ANA) Cargo Hub at Naha Airport in October 2009. The transaction volume of a subsidiary company of Toshiba, which has been actively using the International Logistics Hub since last year to supply parts for Asia and Europe, increased by seven times. It forecasts continued increase in its use of Okinawa as a relay to link up its overseas businesses. The panel agreed on developing and expanding Okinawa as a base for growing the Asian market for Japanese specialty products, aiming to become a “21st century’s Bridge of Nations.”
Representatives from companies in and out of Okinawa, such as ANA and Yamato Transport, were in attendance, and exchanged thoughts about the successes of the International Logistics Hub and its future potential.
Chairman Zenei Yogi of the Okinawa Meat Export Promotion Council, which exports prefecture-grown pork to Hong Kong, aims to increase the number of export regions, expecting flights to more countries: “Vietnam and Japan have signed a bilateral agreement on animal products, and there are now almost 30 licensed meat-related facilities in the country. If there were direct flights to Vietnam, many producers would deliver via Okinawa. Thus, it would be efficient if Okinawan produce were exported together as well.”
Head of the Global Business Development Department of Yamato Transport Katsuhiko Umetsu said, “We create additional value because producers can sell Japan’s safe and tasty food. It is a future challenge, how we can export Japan’s seasonable food abroad.” Yamato Transport is beginning its International Cool Takkyubin service, which allows next-day delivery of fresh produce to Asia.
President of ANA Holdings’ cargo operations company ANA Cargo Akira Okada stated his goals, saying, “We would like to provide superior service by our destinations, scheduling, and coordination with Yamato. We want to develop a 21st century Bridge of Nations.”
Toshiba Automated Systems Service has been supplying maintenance parts for automated banknote processing machines and other machinery to Asia since last year, using a parts center in the International Logistics Hub Industry Development Zone, Naha , as a base. Its president Yasushi Takizawa described results thus far, saying, “Initially we handled about 400 types of parts, but that has now increased sevenfold to 2800. If more new products are developed, then the number of parts handled would also increase.” He aims to expand a middleman “out-out” strategy, bringing into Okinawa parts from South Korea and China for storage before subsequently re-exporting overseas.
Okinawa Vice-Governor Yoshihisa Kawakami indicated plans to expedite inspection and quarantine operations. The moderator of the panel was economics journalist Seiichi Takarabe.
(English translation by T&CT and Lima Tokumori)
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November 1, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo
On October 29, the Ramsar Convention Secretariat submitted a document to the Ministry of the Environment stating that the government should take action based on the environmental impact assessment for the Oura Bay and offshore Henoko, Nago. This area is the site where the government plans to relocate U.S. Marine Air Station Futenma and is currently carrying out the construction. According to environmental experts, this is the first time the secretariat has asked the government to secure conservation measures for the area off the coast of Henoko.
The area is a candidate for Ramsar designation and is designated one of Japan’s important wetlands. The secretariat has researched the conservation status of domestic important wetlands in addition to the List of Wetlands of International Importance (The Ramsar List). This document is one of their efforts to preserve important wetlands.
In the document sent to the government on October 29, the secretariat pointed out that the area off the coast of Henoko was an important wetland, where seaweed that provides a rare dugong species’ food grows, and new species have been found. The secretariat asked the following questions to the government: 1. Did the government carry out an environmental impact assessment for Henoko area? 2. Does the government have a plan to reduce the environmental impact? 3. Is there any plan to restore the ecosystem of the land and coastal areas that would be damaged in the construction and the base operation?
(English translation by T&CT)
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October 28, 2014 Ryota Shimabukuro of Ryukyu Shimpo reports from New Jersey
On October 26, at Fort Lee Public Library in New Jersey, the United States, a documentary film titled The Target Village directed by Chie Mikami and produced by QAB （Ryukyu Asahi Broadcasting) was screened. This work depicts residents who are struggling against the building of U.S. Marine helipad in Takae, Higakshi.
Spectators were watching with serious faces. Some people cried when they saw clash scenes between residents and police officers at the helipad construction site at Takae, and near U.S. Marine Air Station Futenma when the MV-22 Osprey aircraft were deployed. They were sad because the people clashing were all Okinawan people.
Participants shared their views after the film show. A spectator raised a question, “Why don’t the people in mainland of Japan unite with Okinawans to eliminate U.S. military bases from Okinawa?”
NPO Able established by Rachel Clark, who served as an interpreter during Nago Mayor Susumu Inamine’s visit to the United States in May, planned this event. On October 25, The Ghosts of Jeju, documenting resistance to the construction of a U.S. naval base on Jeju Island, South Korea, was screened.
Clark said, “When I served as an interpreter for the mayor, I thought there are so many things that we need to know in the world. And I want to spread that information to the United States.”
English teacher Paul Dan came to watch the film with his wife. He said, “I used to feel uncomfortable watching these types of documentary films as an American because my impression of those films was that they are like anti-American propaganda. But, after we watched the two documentaries, we were shocked about what is happening in Okinawa and Jeju Island right now. I want many people to become aware of those issues.”
(English translation by T&CT, Hitomi Shinzato)
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November 3, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo
A huge marine algae community up to 7.4 meters tall was found in coral reefs in the reclamation area of Oura Bay in Nago. The U.S. and Japanese governments plan to build a new base in the area to replace U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
A diving team consisting of doctoral research fellow at the University of Ryukyus Takuma Fujii and former assistant professor at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology Hideo Oba discovered the marine algae community on October 2.
Marine algae communities measuring over three meters tall, have been found only north of Kyushu. The huge marine alga which grows in clusters in Oura Bay is Sargassum carpophyllum J.Agardh ranging from Okinawa to the Seto Inland Sea.
The highest alga of this kind was 1.5 meters. This is the first time in the world the alga which is 7.4 meter high, has been found.
Location of the huge marine algae community.
The team found the algae community in the waters 50 to 100 meters away from shore in the northeastern area of Henokozaki. It is growing in clusters intermittently at depths of 10 to 20 meters.
The reason the algae grew so big is unclear.
(English translation by T&CT)
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November 3, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo
On November 2, the Ocean Expo Park Management Center announced that Fuji, the female bottlenose dolphin which was fitted with an artificial tail fin, died November 1 of infectious hepatitis.
Fuji was estimated to be around 45 years old. She was the second longest-living dolphin in Japan.
According to the center, the dolphin started losing her appetite, and swimming and breathing unsteadily from the beginning of October.
Fuji was brought to the Ocean Expo Park from Ito City in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1976.
In 2002, 75 percent of her tail fin had to be cut off because of an unknown disease. Later, the Churaumi Aquarium and auto manufacturer Bridgestone Group worked together to develop an artificial tail fin, which made her regain strength.
Her story of recovering from the disease and swimming energetically with an artificial tail fin moved people nationwide, and was made into a movie in 2007.
Yoshiaki Kamei of the center, who raised Fuji when she was brought into the aquarium, said, “We are really regretful that Fuji died. However, she has left us with many things. We would like to tell people what Fuji left for us.” The center plans to hold a panel exhibition on how the aquarium raised her.
(English translation by T&CT)
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November 3, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo
On November 2, a Ryukyu Dynasty picture scroll procession was held at Kokusai Street in Naha. About 800 people who dressed in the clothes of King and Queen, vassals and Chinese envoys called Sapposhi during the Ryukyu Kingdom, marched, reviving a magnificent ceremony.
According to the organizer, about 33,000 visitors enjoyed the picture scroll parade and a variety of traditional arts such as eisa parade, ryubu dance and the standard-bearer performance.
Masako Tsuha who visited the event from Okinawa City with her three family members, said, “I saw this event for the first time. The traditional costumes were very vivid and held my interest. I would like to study more the history of Okinawa.”
(English translation by T&CT)
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Webcam(Kokusai Street)
