Governor Tamaki “discusses concerns” while inspecting the special use airport in Ishigaki City. (26ap24)

Splendor of Okinawa: Trailing Shrub Verbena, roadside Uruma, 21mr4


On 24 April, Governor Denny Tamaki visited Ishigaki City for an administrative inspection. At the city hall, he exchanged opinions with City Mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama. Mayor Nakayama requested 9 items, including an upgrade in the capability of the New Ishigaki Airport in view of its designation as a “special use airport”. Governor Tamaki did not lose his composure over the designation of special use airport to the New Airport.


This was Governor Tamaki’s first visit to Ishigaki City since taking office, and the first for a governor since 25 years ago in 1999.


Mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama pleaded for the upgrading of the capabilities of the airport, noting, “Our Nation has indicated the assignment of designated use airport to our New Ishigaki Airport. However, the airport is managed by the Prefecture. So, without the Prefecture’s help, the airport upgrade can’t happen. Needless to say, our discussions are essential.” He also pointed out the necessity of response to emergencies, taking into account economic progress and population evacuation in case of a crisis.”


With the designation of special use airport, progress in the upgrade in the airport’s capabilities can go into the hands of the Nation. However, at this stage, the Prefecture, as the airport’s manager, has yet to agree to the purpose of ordinary construction work so the SelfDefence Force can smoothly use the airport.


Governor Tamaki held back in stating only, “I asked the Defense Ministry about the designation, but got no reply. Since I have various concerns, I’m going to discuss them with both the Defense Ministry and the Okinawa Defense Bureau.”


As for the Senkaku Island Chain issue, Mayor Nakayama stated, “In order to protect their natural environment, I’d like to do an onsite inspection. I hope the Prefecture will set up a system for it.” 


The mayor further claimed that an onsite inspection was also needed for Uotsuri Island. So he asked Governor Tamaki to work on the Government for such  visits. He also appealed for the establishment within the prefecture of a full-time policy office and proposed that a system be created for visits.


The Prefecture responded, “We will respect the agreed terms of the mutual talks of 2914 confirming the improvement of Sino-Japanese relations. Moreover , we request improvement in relation through peaceful dialogue.”

　

Governor Tamaki also visited sites, including the New Ishikawa Airport and Yaeyama Meat Center He also joined the procession honoring those lost in the Great Meiwa (Yaeyama) Tsunami of 1771. On 25 April, the governor visited Ishigaki Port before leaving for home.


The 9 items requested by the city from the Prefecture were: 

  1. a speed up on the procedures for the establishment of the Ishigaki Resort and Community.

  2. An upgrade in capabilities for the airport.

  3. Economic support in the establishment of a sugar refinery. 

  4. Securement of a budget for Ishigaki Airport enterprises and assurances of its full usage.

  5. The Prefecture’s full efforts on the Senkaku Island Chain issue.

  6. A response to trash drifting ashore along the sea coast.

  7. Fish hatchery egg supply.

  8. Boarding expense support for students with commuting difficulties .

  9. A guaranteed budget for Ishigaki Island land development and its land development enterprises.


Original Japanese article: Yaeyama Daily Report, published Thursday 25 April 2024 at 04:00.   https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/1186da325e8a70c36e502f02058f65102cdd7d52


Denny in the News: news about Governor Denny Tamaki.


Denny Tamaki is the governor of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. Although Okinawa is important as an international tourist destination and a key element in strategic US Military Forces, its governor receives very little coverage in the Japanese press and almost none in the English language media. 


This blog hopes to  translate one news article a day on the governor.  It is unsponsored and unauthorized. The translator simply hopes to improve his skills and perhaps give the governor an English speaking audience. 


Any suggestion on improving my translation will be gratefully accepted. However, please leave political comments for another forum.


Where they occur, words and phrases in Ryukyuan (the Okinawan language) are rendered in italics and translated in parentheses. Names  whose readings are uncertain are rendered as Name (=Kanji?) as in Nagayuki (=長行?). Any corrections in such instances would be gratefully appreciated.

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