Okinawa Governor Demands U.S. to Cancel Relocation of Marine Corps Base

Okinawa’s new governor voiced his opinion against the huge U.S. army presence on the Japanese island, as well as the relocation of the Marine base.

Newly appointed Denny Tamaki met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe whom he told that Okinawa residents are strongly opposing the military base in Henoko Bay where the Marine Corps was relocated. According to critics, this move might have detrimental effects on the environment and culture.

“I want the American people to understand what has been, what is and what will be, to solve this problem,” Tamaki told the Associated Press in an interview Wednesday at the Tokyo office for Okinawa prefecture.

Born to a Japanese mother, and U.S. Marine father he never met, Tamaki claimed that his bicultural background made him the perfect ambassador for the issue. Tamaki added that he is hopeful to find a “win-win situation” for Okinawa and President Trump.

Also on Wednesday, Tamaki voiced his complaint to U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty, who said he was aware of the objection, Japan’s Jiji Press reported. On Tuesday, Japanese Land Minister Keiichi Ishii suspended Okinawa’s block on landfill excavation at the planned site for the Futenma base in Henoko Bay.

“From my point of view, this is outrageous,” Tamaki said in an interview on Tuesday while on a trip to Tokyo. “What the central government did today is disrespectful to our democracy.”

“I can’t help but feel strong resentment,” Tamaki told reporters in response to the decision, according to The Japan Times.

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