A rally of 1,200 protests GSDF training ground plan in Okinawa, requesting its abandonment by Defense Ministry. (21mr24)
Splendor of Okinawa: Brazilian Button Bush, roadside Nago, 8mr24 The Defense Ministry has a plan to construct a Ground Self Defense (GDSF) training ground on the vacant site of a golf course in Uruma, Okinawa Prefecture. However, on 20 March, a rally was held at the Uruma Community Hall to oppose the plan. The rally sponsors, including city and prefectural assembly members, as well related neighborhood council members, announced that around 1,200 protesters participated. The rally adopted a resolution requesting Defense Minister Minoru Kihara to abandon the plan, claiming, “The opinions of our residents are being totally neglected. It’s a sloppy plan!”. At the rally, citizens’ representative, part-time employee Shiho Fuchaku, (48) complained, “Why are they building it in our peaceful neighborhood?”, and referenced the 1959 crash of a US Military aircraft, while under US occupation, which killed 17 children at the local Prefectural Miyamori Elementary School. Applause arose from th...