In an exchange of opinions with the 11 mayors of municipalities containing US military bases during his visit to Okinawa, Defense Minister Kihara quips, “Local opinions seriously considered.”
Splendor of Okinawa: Madagascar Periwinkle, Gushikawa RC Church, 18fe24 Defense Minister Kihara is making his first visit to Okinawa Island since taking office. Prior to his 17 February visit for talks with Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki, the minister exchanged opinions with 11 mayors of municipalities containing US military bases. Their meeting took place in Naha, after Minister Kihara’s military base inspections. Mayor Masanori Matsukawa of Ginowan, the location of the US Military Futenma Airfield, once again requested the speedy reversion of the city’s land. He noted, “We want to request an outcome in a form visible to our own eyes.” Mayor Tetsuji Matsumoto of Urasoe, where a part of the Makiminato supply district will be returned next year at the earliest, noted, “Expectaions for the reversion are heightening in our locality.” He further relayed the feeling that people wanted to get government assistance to put the vacated land to use. Minister Kihara responded with such ...