It has been 17 years since the crash of a helicopter that took off from the US military Futenma base at Okinawa International University in Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, in 13 days.
The university released a video message on this day and asked for the removal of Futenma base.
17 years ago, on August 13, 2004, a helicopter of the US Marine Corps that took off from Futenma base crashed and burned on the premises of Okinawa International University in Ginowan City.
The Akagi tree that was burnt by the accident is still preserved at the site.
Every year at the university, a rally to tell the story of the accident was held, but this was canceled due to the influence of the new coronavirus.
For this reason, the university published a video message on the university's homepage to coincide with this day, and requested that the Futenma base be removed again.
President Eiken Maezu, who knew the time of the accident that issued the message, said, "The current situation has not changed at all from 17 years ago, but rather it is getting worse. I am angry at how long this situation will continue." I was talking.
In addition, Natsuka Higa, a fourth-year student, said, "When a helicopter flies, classes are interrupted and conversations with friends are hindered. It is important for each person to think about the Okinawa base problem as their own. I think. "