Defense Minister Koizumi claims he will make “appropriate decisions on the activities” related to the Henoko landfilling, while the governor says he will keep a watchful eye on its impact. (23no25)

Splendor of Okinawa: Marvel of Peru, roadside Uruma, 7no25

The US Military Futenma Airfield is to be relocated to Henoko in Nago,  both in Okinawa Prefecture.


At the end of November, the National Government will enter its final preparations towards the start of dumping rubble for the landfill into Oura Bay to the east of Henoko. This was confirmed by government sources on 22 November.


At Oura Bay, work has already begun on the construction of reinforcement for the weak seabed there with dikes prepared to enclose the landfill site. However, this will be the first real landfill activity in that area.


On 22 November, Defense Minister Junichiro Koizumi answered press squad queries on his inspection trip to Ishigaki City, noting only, “I’ll make appropriate decisions on expectations for activities hereafter, based on work progress, weather, and the sea conditions.” The timing for the possibility of rubble dumping can move forward or back depending on weather conditions.


The National Government is acutely aware that the relocation will be fodder for contention prior to the Nago City Mayoral Election, due to be announced in January of next year. It expects to appeal to progress in construction to cool the ardor of opposition forces.


Governor Denny Tamaki stated on the record, “We’ll be keeping a close eye on the environmental impact of the landfilling. If any new proposals arise, we’ll vigorously give our administrative guidance.”


The pile driving activity to strengthen the seabed in Oura Bay has been suspended for about 5 months. Thus the governor once again offered his doubts about the scheme, noting, “Is this really related to the immediate removal of the dangers of Futenma Airfield?”


Original Japanese article: Kyodo Communications, published Saturday 22 November 2025 at 20:53

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/b2e24b1b8a2001683671ec9d7a98b09074545a5a


Denny in the News:

Denny Tamaki is the governor of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. Although 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 the 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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