JAPAN: Osaka governor's comments on relocating Futenma base to Kansai airport stir controversy

December 7, 2009

Osaka Gov. Toru Hashimoto's remarks that he would accept the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to Kansai International Airport have stirred controversy.

The government is paying close attention to his comments. "We'd like to listen to his opinions," said Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada.

However, relocation of Futenma base to the offshore airport in Osaka Prefecture is widely viewed as unfeasible.

Moreover, Osaka residents who are from Okinawa Prefecture have voiced grave concern that the governor's remarks could make Okinawa residents overly optimistic that Futenma functions will be accepted at Kansai International Airport.

Hashimoto made the remarks on Nov. 30. "If we receive a request from the national government, we'll be receptive to such discussions," he told reporters.

Mentioning the fierce Okinawa ground battle at the end of World War II, Hashimoto said, "Okinawa was forced to shoulder a heavy burden, we residents of Honshu Island must remember this."

At a news conference on Wednesday, Hashimoto said he will raise the issue at an upcoming meeting of the National Governors' Association.

House of Representatives member Mikio Shimoji, who serves as chief policymaker of ruling coalition partner People's New Party (PNP), visited Hashimoto at his office on Wednesday and expressed gratitude for his offer. Shimoji, elected from Okinawa Prefecture, is a staunch advocate for the relocation of U.S. bases out of the prefecture.

The central government also welcomed the offer. "I'm really grateful," said Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Seiji Maehara, who has jurisdiction over the airport.

Nevertheless, an overwhelming majority of national government officials regard relocation of any U.S. military facility to Kansai International Airport as unrealistic.

"Military drills are impossible at Kansai International Airport, which isn't designed for such purposes," said a senior official of the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry.

When asked what the governor wanted to imply by his remarks, a high-ranking official of the Osaka Prefectural Government said they have no specific plan in mind.

Yoshikatsu Maeda, 73, a tour guide who lectures about the Okinawa battle to schoolchildren before they visit the prefecture on school trips, expressed displeasure with the governor's remarks.

"I have mixed feelings as a native of Okinawa and an Osaka Prefecture resident," said Maeda, who moved to Osaka Prefecture with his family when he was 18.

"I understand his enthusiasm about making people understand the situation of Okinawa. But since the governor said he will 'consider' the move, people tend to hope that Osaka will actually host a substitute base," he said. "If he made the remarks without seriously considering it, then it could hurt Okinawa residents' feelings."

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said Monday he will make a final decision on the relocation of Air Station Futenma at an early date. "I think the time will come soon for the government to notify the Untied States of its final decision."

However, he declined to say whether a final decision will come by the end of this year.