Members of a civic group protesting against the plan in a car carrying Ministry of Defense officials = Nishinoomote City Hall on the 12th
On the 12th, Nishinoomote City's ``Citizens and Organizations Liaison Committee Against US Military Facilities on Mageshima'' held a protest rally in front of the city hall in conjunction with the visit of the Ministry of Defense to Mayor Shunsuke Yaita. About 40 people gathered to appeal to ministry officials who had arrived to oppose the plan and to withdraw it. (Pictured) Manabu Shimobaba, deputy representative of the group of prefectural citizens who don't want the US military in Kagoshima, handing over a request form at the prefectural office on Nov. 12.
Former vice chairman Yoshiko Sono (64) criticized the ministry, saying, "The mayor is opposed to the plan, and the prefectural governor is also concerned. It is a way of proceeding that ignores local autonomy." Akio Yasumoto, 84, who is unemployed, said, "I'm afraid that the plan will ruin the quiet life of Tanegashima and the relationships that have helped each other in the neighborhood. We want to unite and convey our opposition." On the same day, a citizen's group in Kagoshima City called the "Association of Prefectural Citizens Who Don't Need US Armed Forces in Kagoshima" also visited the prefectural office and submitted a document addressed to Governor Koichi Shioda requesting the ministry to stop construction of the base. Deputy representative Manabu Shimobaba said, "The governor and the government are on equal footing. Say what you have to say, and be angry."