Denny Tamaki visits Henoko and reiterates his determination to stop Henoko base construction

Denny Tamaki visits Henoko and reiterates his determination to stop Henoko base construction

In the afternoon on October 3 in front of the gate to Camp Schwab in Henoko, Nago City, Denny Tamaki (second from the right in the front row) cheers three times with his supporters to celebrate his election as governor of Okinawa.


 

October 4, 2018 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On October 3 Denny Tamaki, after his election but prior to assuming office as governor of Okinawa, visited the sit-in at the front of the gate to Camp Schwab in Henoko, Nago City. As rain fell, about 130 gathered citizens smiled and congratulated him on his election.

Tamaki reiterated his determination to stop construction of the Henoko base along with those gathered.

 

At 4:00 p.m. citizens rushed up to a spot where performers were singing and dancing kachashi (an Okinawan folk dance), and waited for Tamaki to arrive.

After five minutes the car Tamaki was riding in stopped in front of the gate.

Citizens greeted him enthusiastically, shouting “Denny” and applauding.

Tamaki immediately rushed into the crowd and began shaking hands with and embracing citizens one by one.

He said, “Due to the result of the gubernatorial election, I will put all my efforts, my body and soul, into demonstrating that there is democracy here.”

The citizens simultaneously burst into applause as Tamaki voiced his determination.

Finally, those gathered held hands and formed a circle with Tamaki, shouting “Banzai” to celebrate their new governor. Even after Tamaki left the gate front, citizens sang and rejoiced.

Okinawa Peace Movement Center Chairman Hiroji Yamashiro said, “I am truly happy we have a new governor who supports the movement. I hope the prefectural government backs us [in our efforts].”

 

(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)

 

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