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October 16, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
Regarding a call, that is potentially a dugong call, recorded in February this year in Oura Bay, Henoko, Nago City, where Futenma Replacement Facility construction is ongoing, on October 15 the Ministry of Defense (MOD) released the statement that it “cannot submit voice data” to National Diet members, and showed no intention of releasing the recorded voice to the public.
Also on October 15, the Okinawa U.S. military base issues Diet discussion group, which is composed of opposition party Diet members, opened a session and responded to the person in charge at the MOD.
A MOD spokesperson then responded that it has been conditionally advised to keep confidential the names of experts who participated in the dugong study.
The MOD asserted that a research agency, not the Okinawa Defense Bureau (ODB), manages the voice data, and presented the reasoning that, contractually, the MOD is not intended to receive a submission of the voice data. However, in the contract, deliverables “including recordings, etc., obtained during the performance of operations” can be submitted to other entities if the ODB, which ordered the study, authorizes such a submission; and as such, the Diet members have voiced doubt concerning the MOD’s reasoning.
A MOD spokesperson stated that “there is no need for the ODB to receive submission of data [from the research agency]”, and once again asserted that it has no intention of releasing the data.
A MOD spokesperson also expressed the perception that the aim of the study is to identify changes in the living conditions of the dugong and carry out preservation thereof, and assessed that “we are carrying out sufficiently necessary additional actions depending on signs that dugong were present, and are achieving the objectives of the operations” even without the actual voice recording at hand.
House of Councillors member Yoichi Iha said, “This is essential data while there is no other evidence [of the presence of dugong] such as feeding trails”, and again requested the voice recording be released.
Meanwhile, in relation to the ODB ordering detailed design operations for ground reinforcement prior to the review results of the application for the revised plan submitted to the Okinawa Prefectural Government being announced, a MOD spokesperson expressed the perception that “there is no particular problem with contracting planned operations in advance, so that after the revision has been accepted we can quickly move forward with construction”.
(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)
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October 16, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
Itoman – Itoman city council unanimously passed an official written opinion requesting that the Okinawan government and Okinawa prefectural assembly enact regulations banning cockfighting. City councilor Satoru Kinjo submitted the statement. The same city council rejected a similar petition requesting the city ban cockfighting at their regular session in September, for reasons such as, “It doesn’t seem like the fights are being hosted in the city,” and “The true goal of the petition is for the prefectural assembly to enact restrictions.”
The official opinion that was passed this time around stated, “In order to ban cockfighting, the restriction must not be for a single municipality, but a law that covers the entire prefecture. We request that Okinawa conduct a survey to determine the circumstances around cockfighting in the prefecture, as well as PR to stop the abandonment and abuse of the animals, and to enact a ban on all cockfighting.”
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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October 10, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
From October 31 to November 3, the Shuri Castle Festival (organizer: Shuri Castle Festival Steering Committee) will be held for four days at a reduced scale. The festival was cancelled last year while ongoing because of the fire in the main hall and other parts of the castle.
The “Ryukyu Kingdom Emaki Gyoretsu” procession normally held on Kokusai-dori Street will be cancelled to prevent the spread of Covid-19 infection. The “King and Queen Selection Ceremony” will also be cancelled, and the man and woman selected last year will remain in their roles as king and queen.
The “Appearance of the King and Queen” and traditional performative arts performances usually held at the annual Shuri Castle Festival are planned to be held. Further, a work of mosaic art with messages wishing for the restoration of Shuri Castle will be displayed in the castle’s exhibition center.
The festival may be cancelled if there is a change in the state of spread of Covid-19 infection.
(English translation by T&CT and Sandi Aritza)
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October 13, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Okinawa’s district chair, Toshinori Fuchibe, interviewed Taiwan’s D
igital Minister Audrey Tang. The interview was uploaded to YouTube on October 12. During the interview, Tang said Taipei would be happy to work with Okinawa to develop VR (virtual reality) tourism products, which would allow sightseers to see Okinawa’s tourist attractions virtually. Tang said, “People can tour the most important cultural attractions [using VR devices] before we develop a biological vaccine, and once the vaccine is ready, that tourist will go precisely to that location because they already know what it’s like to be there.”
While the interview’s theme focused on “digital technology for freedom,” discussions also touched on reviving Okinawa’s economy, which has been negatively affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Tang taught herself programming at a young age and assumed her current Cabinet position when she was 35. After the novel coronavirus pandemic broke out, she gained international recognition for her “Mask Map,” a real-time map that shows users the local availability of face masks and nearby pharmacies.
Tang predicts that COVID-19 vaccines will be available around the end of 2020 or the beginning of 2021, and Taiwanese travelers who test negative with a PCR test or those who are vaccinated in advance will be allowed to travel abroad.
On the topic of healthcare, Tang explained that Taiwan’s remote islands receive healthcare services by utilizing digital technologies and building a network with medical specialists in urban areas. She asserted that the more remote a place, the more robust its internet environment needs to be.
The digital minister also spoke about the political attitudes of young people; she explained Taiwan’s system in which citizens under the voting age can participate in politics by signing online petitions and citizens’ initiatives, which the government must respond to. She advised young people to “vote on issues, not on people,” and suggested, “try participatory budgeting and respond to it every two to three months. That will improve the participation rate of young people.”
(English translation by T&CT and Monica Shingaki)
Scan the QR code below to see the full interview with Audrey Tang.
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October 13, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
Onna – Onna Village is working on implementing international environmental guidelines for diving from an organization called Green Fins in an effort to protect the coral reefs. According to the village, so far there are no examples of the guidelines being implemented at the local level. The village is working with the local diving association to provide diving shops with guidelines such as not feeding wildlife.
The Green Fins project was started in 2004 with support from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Their goal is to protect coral reefs while promoting the diving and snorkeling tourism industry. They promote guidelines such as not feeding fish, collecting wildlife, and wearing a lifejacket while snorkeling, and also certify dive shops that adhere to these guidelines.
The organization has certified around 600 diving shops from 11 member nations including the Philippines and Indonesia in southeast Asia, the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean, and Maldives, Palau among others. Most of the initiatives are led by each country’s national governments. UNEP is hoping to use the undertaking in Onna as a starting point to implement Green Fins throughout Japan.
Onna Village declared themselves a “coral reef town” in July, 2018, and have been working on protection measures against things such as red-soil erosion. Green Fins were implemented as part of their ongoing efforts to protect the reefs. The town and organization are currently working on training “accessors” who will start educating and certifying dive shops starting next year. They are aiming to have all of the shops in the village educated and certified in the next two-to-three years.
The goal of the environmental protection measures is to add value to the town’s marine leisure industry. The village hopes to attract environmentally-conscious customers from Europe and North America, and are hoping to differentiate themselves from other regions in Japan that also offer diving.
A representative from the town indicates, “By establishing higher-priced tours, we can combine environmental protection and economic development.” Onna mayor Yoshimi Nagahama stressed, “It is necessary for us to implement these guidelines to protect the village’s diving spots. I would like for this to become common knowledge among store owners.”
Yasuo Uchihara, president of the Onna Diving Association, says, “We are going to hold seminars in hopes of getting buy-in from business owners. We want to work together with the town to leave behind a beautiful ocean for the future.”’
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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October 8, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
On October 7, Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki, Okinawa Fisheries Cooperative Association President Kameichi Uehara, and Okinawa Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative Presidents’ Association President Takao Yamanoha had interviews with Chief Cabinet Secretary Katunobu Kato and others, and appealed for reviews of the Japan-Taiwan Fisheries Agreement and Sino-Japan Fisheries Agreement. Since May, there have been successive occasions on which official Chinese vessels were seen following fishing boats in the ocean area surrounding the Senkaku Islands, and in response to this Governor Tamaki and the others also requested a guarantee of preventative measures and safety operations from relevant govenment agencies.
They had successive interviews with Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Kotaro Nogami, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi, where they appealed for improvement to the fishing environment in the ocean area surrounding the Senkaku Islands. When meeting with Agriculture Minister Nogami, they asked that he work toward expanding the restrictions on fishing Pacific bluefin tuna.
Governor Tamaki clarified “[People] have reported feeling a sense of impending danger and strong misgivings about security operations in the ocean area surrounding the Senkaku Islands”. Governor Tamaki touched on the accident in September 2010, when a Japan Coast Guard patrol boat collided with an official Chinese boat in the waters off the Senkaku Islands, which marked a turning point that has affected the ten years hence, and said “I have strongly requested reviews of the Taiwan-Japan Fisheries Agreement and the Sino-Japanese Fisheries Agreement” as a measure for ensuring the safety of persons involved in the fishing industry.
Association President Uehara stated, “I want there to be arrangements made, including diplomatic efforts, so that there will no longer be manuevers and conduct that interfere [with the fishing industry], I plead and wish for such an environment to be created”.
(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)
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October 5, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Takahiro Kina
Okinawa – On Respect for the Aged Day, September 21, the Okinawa Zoo & Museum celebrated the longevity of its oldest animals. Individual celebrations were held in front of the enclosures of eight animals of seven different species, including Momoe, a 43-year old hippopotamus and the zoo’s oldest animal.
Jeju horses Maru (female) and Wally (male) are turning 24. In human years, the horses are in their eighties. Their keeper, Haruka Shimada, created a bouquet of nutritious plants including longevity grass (chomeiso), shell ginger, and hibiscus for them. The two horses seemed to thoroughly enjoy every last leaf. Maru’s coat was brown when she was young, but has now turned dapple-grey. Even so, she has a healthy appetite and loves to run.
Haruna Sunagawa, who is three years old, visited the zoo with her family and celebrated the aging animals. She says, “The horses were eating leaves and it looked yummy. I hope they live a long time.”
A video of the celebration for Suguru, a 42-year old male chimpanzee, can be viewed online. https://youtu.be/JzH7aHj-MAk
(English translation by T&CT and Ellen Huntley)
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October 8, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
The executive committee of the project to “gift sanshin to Okinawan brothers around the world” (Sekai no Kyodai e Sanshin wo Okuru Purojekuto) is asking for donations of sanshin (Okinawan banjo) and sanshin cases. The group’s goal is to pass on the uchinanchu (Okinawan) culture to the next generation and to keep it alive around the world. The executive committee is currently planning to gift ten sanshins to the Association Culturelle d’Okinawa (Okinawa-Europe cultural association).
The gifting project launched in 2014 and has donated sanshins to groups in Germany, Philippines, Bolivia and Hawaii. The group hopes to spread the idea that the purpose of Okinawan music is peace.
Association Culturelle d’Okinawa founded its sanshin club ten years ago. The association expressed its appreciation for being chosen as a recipient for the gift: “We are elated that our effort is being rewarded. We will continue to spread sanshin in Europe.”
Seihou Katsuren of the project’s executive committee said, “We wish to preserve and share our rich Okinawan culture with the world.” Donated sanshins will be entrusted to the Okinawa Futafa Music Association.
For more information, contact Mr. Katsuren at 090-9785-2207.
(English translation by T&CT and Monica Shingaki)
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October 4, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
(Henoko Issue Reporting Team) On October 3, citizens opposed to the new base construction in Henoko, Nago in conjunction with the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma held the gathering “Prefectural People’s Mass Action”, which was regularly held the first Saturday of each month until being cancelled in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 700 people (organizer estimate) gathered in front of the gate to the U.S. military’s Camp Schwab in Henoko, Nago and expressed renewed resolve in opposition to the new base construction.
As a countermeasure against COVID-19, the gathering was held for a shorter time and reduced in scale. Members representing Okinawa in the National Diet also attended.
At the gathering, in addition to protest against the new base construction, many people also harshly criticized Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga for refusing to appoint six candidates recommended for appointment by and to the Science Council of Japan. “There is no future for this country where the state tries to bend even scholars and researchers to its will. Let’s show a strong resolve to change things starting from Okinawa,” said former Nago mayor Susumu Inamine, making a strong call for action.
Governor Denny Tamaki also sent a message to the protesters saying, “The government ignoring the people’s will and pushing forward with construction is utterly unacceptable,” and criticizing the state of construction. His message continued, “I will work with all my power to realize my campaign promise not to let a new base be built in Henoko.” At the end of the gathering, Hiroji Yamashiro, director of the Okinawa Peace Movement Center, spoke and said, “Let us tell them that Okinawans’ courage and resolve is unshakeable. No matter how the new cabinet may shake its heavy hand, Okinawa will not yield.”
(English translation by T&CT and Sandi Aritza)
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October 7, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
Tokyo – Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki had his first meeting with Yoshihide Suga in his official capacity as prime minister October 7 at the prime minister’s office, where he asked the government to set up a body to find a solution through dialogue regarding the issues around new base construction in Henoko, Nago, part of the relocation of MCAS Futenma.
Additionally, he requested cooperation in stimulating Okinawa’s economy, which continues to be hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting lasted around seven minutes, and was closed to the public. According to Governor Tamaki, Prime Minister Suga said, “Let’s continue our strong cooperation from here on.”
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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October 6, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
Koelreuteria elegans, commonly known as Taiwanese rain trees, planted in Shintoshin Park in Omoromachi, Naha, have started to bloom lovely yellow flowers from the tops of their canopies.
Under a clear blue sky the morning of October 5, honey bees gathered around the small yellow flowers bathing in the sunlight, and the occasional gust of wind would shake loose some of the blossoms, which would then dance their way down to the ground.
The Taiwanese rain trees were brought to Okinawa from Taiwan in the 1980’s as part of the greening of the area. The trees were planted along the roads and in parks all around Okinawa Prefecture. After the flowers are done blooming, the trees produce pink Chinese lantern fruits, which add a splash of color to the fall scenery.
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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Webcam(Kokusai Street)
