Japanese city votes on US base

nurizeko · Mar 12, 2006, 17:45

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4798086.stm

The Japanese city of Iwakuni is voting in a referendum on Sunday on whether to accept plans to expand a local US marine base.

Though non-binding, the vote has become a symbol of local opposition to the restructuring of US forces in Japan.

The re-organisation, which will reduce overall numbers, was agreed by Tokyo and Washington in October.

Nearly 2,000 residents of another city, Zama, protested on Saturday at plans to boost US troop numbers there.

About 300 troops would be added to the 1,150 already stationed in the city just south of Tokyo.

The protest was backed by the city hall, local lawmakers and community associations, Zama city official Fumie Takahashi told The Associated Press.

"Residents in cities with US bases have been under various burdens for a long time for the sake of national defence," the organisers said in a statement.

"We ask the central government to fully respect the will of local residents."

Local feeling

The US proposes relocating a naval air wing, or 57 planes and 1,600 personnel, to its base in Iwakuni, a city 720km (450 miles) south-west of Tokyo.

Voters will be asked whether they support or oppose the plan.

If turnout is lower than 50%, the vote will be cancelled.

Mayor Katsusuke Ihara called the referendum after consistently opposing the expansion of the base.

"Just because the national government has decided something doesn't mean we must refrain from expressing our views," he said.

Local concerns include the noise level at the base.

The issue of US troops in Japan is also sensitive because of a case in 1995 in which three American servicemen raped a Japanese schoolgirl in Okinawa.

Mike Cash · Mar 12, 2006, 17:54

720km is "just south" of Tokyo?????

DoctorP · Mar 12, 2006, 20:10

I think that the "just south" part was referring to the base at Zama...but I could be wrong.

Mike Cash · Mar 12, 2006, 20:21

You are correct. I should have read that more carefully.

DoctorP · Mar 13, 2006, 22:28

For anyone interested, the majority voted against the move of additional planes and Marines to Iwakuni

Mike Cash · Mar 13, 2006, 23:29

Gosh! You mean those people in Zama want those folks to stay in the area? This flies in the face of all the projectionist pap I've been reading on JREF.

Mar 12, 2006, 17:45	#1
nurizeko tsuyaku o tsukete kudasai Join Date: Jan 19, 2005 Location: aberdeen, scotland Age: 24 Posts: 1,334	Japanese city votes on US base http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4798086.stm The Japanese city of Iwakuni is voting in a referendum on Sunday on whether to accept plans to expand a local US marine base. Though non-binding, the vote has become a symbol of local opposition to the restructuring of US forces in Japan. The re-organisation, which will reduce overall numbers, was agreed by Tokyo and Washington in October. Nearly 2,000 residents of another city, Zama, protested on Saturday at plans to boost US troop numbers there. About 300 troops would be added to the 1,150 already stationed in the city just south of Tokyo. The protest was backed by the city hall, local lawmakers and community associations, Zama city official Fumie Takahashi told The Associated Press. "Residents in cities with US bases have been under various burdens for a long time for the sake of national defence," the organisers said in a statement. "We ask the central government to fully respect the will of local residents." Local feeling The US proposes relocating a naval air wing, or 57 planes and 1,600 personnel, to its base in Iwakuni, a city 720km (450 miles) south-west of Tokyo. Voters will be asked whether they support or oppose the plan. If turnout is lower than 50%, the vote will be cancelled. Mayor Katsusuke Ihara called the referendum after consistently opposing the expansion of the base. "Just because the national government has decided something doesn't mean we must refrain from expressing our views," he said. Local concerns include the noise level at the base. The issue of US troops in Japan is also sensitive because of a case in 1995 in which three American servicemen raped a Japanese schoolgirl in Okinawa.

Mar 12, 2006, 17:54	#2
Mike Cash Delusions of Adequacy Join Date: Mar 15, 2002 Location: Japan Posts: 5,417	720km is "just south" of Tokyo????? __________________ Kiva: Loans That Change Lives

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Mar 12, 2006, 20:10	#3
DoctorP Regular Member Join Date: Jun 3, 2004 Age: 39 Posts: 1,793	I think that the "just south" part was referring to the base at Zama...but I could be wrong.

Mar 12, 2006, 20:21	#4
Mike Cash Delusions of Adequacy Join Date: Mar 15, 2002 Location: Japan Posts: 5,417	You are correct. I should have read that more carefully.

Mar 13, 2006, 22:28	#5
DoctorP Regular Member Join Date: Jun 3, 2004 Age: 39 Posts: 1,793	For anyone interested, the majority voted against the move of additional planes and Marines to Iwakuni

Mar 13, 2006, 23:29	#6
Mike Cash Delusions of Adequacy Join Date: Mar 15, 2002 Location: Japan Posts: 5,417	Gosh! You mean those people in Zama want those folks to stay in the area? This flies in the face of all the projectionist pap I've been reading on JREF.