Futenma base relocation Design change application Okinawa “No change allowed” April 22, 4:58
Regarding the relocation plan of the US military Futenma base, the Ministry of Defense applied for a design change to Okinawa Prefecture on the 21st, but the prefecture says that it will not allow the change to prevent relocation, and that response will be the focus.
Regarding the plan to move the US military Futenma base in Okinawa to Henoko, Nago City, the Ministry of Defense applied to Okinawa Prefecture on the 21st for a design change necessary to improve the soft ground at the planned landfill site.
The new plan states that it will take about 12 years to complete and cost about 930 billion yen.
As a result, the return of the Futenma base, which was initially possible in 2022, is expected to be significantly delayed in the 2030s.
Regarding the application for design change, Minister of Defense Kono said, "I think it will lead to the elimination of the danger at the Futenma base and that we will be able to respond appropriately in Okinawa Prefecture."
On the other hand, Governor Tamaki of Okinawa Prefecture criticized that "it is completely unsatisfactory to try to proceed unilaterally," and then scrutinized the content of the application and indicated that he would respond rigorously.
Although Okinawa Prefecture will proceed with the examination by listening to the opinions of experts in the future, it says that it will not allow changes to prevent relocation, and that response will be the focus.