Permalink: https://media.greenpeace.org/archive/Futenma-Airfield-in-Okinawa-27MZIFJ67KY38.htmlConceptually similarJapanese Visitors Viewing Futenma Air Base in OkinawaGP0STPERYCompleted★★★★Save the Dugong Action in JapanGP0BQYCompleted★★★★Protestor Ms Urashima in OkinawaGP0STPESPCompleted★★★★Protestor Ms Urashima in OkinawaGP0STPESQCompleted★★★★Save the Dugong Action in JapanGP0URKCompleted★★★★Protestor Mr Ahitomi in OkinawaGP0STPESTCompleted★★★★Airport in Hong KongGP0181LCompleted★★★★Protestor Grandpa Kayoh in OkinawaGP0STPESZCompleted★★★★Protester Mr Ashimine in OkinawaGP0STQ8C4Completed★★★★View AllGP0STPES0Futenma Airfield in OkinawaFutenma Airfield was constructed by the US military following the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. According to Ginowan City records, the joint population of what was then Ginowan Village (now Ginowan City) was 12,994 in 1944 (to confirm). With the end of the war, the airfield became a United States Air Force / Far East Air Force installation known as Futenma Air Base, and was used as a support airfield for the nearby Kadena Air Base. The airbase has become a focal point of various political controversies in recent years. Due to population growth and encroachment around the base, concerns surrounding flights over residential areas causing noise, air pollution and endangering public safety also became controversial issues in Ginowan City. Safety concerns were raised after the August 2004 crash of a Marine Corps CH-53D transport helicopter on the campus of Okinawa International University after the aircraft suffered mechanical issues. Three crew members had minor injuries, but there were no injuries on the ground. The Guardian has stated that the location of MCAS Futenma in Ginowan "would be like having F22s landing in Hyde Park [in London]."Locations:Asia-Henoko-Japan-Okinawa-kenDate:2 Nov, 2015Credit:© Ian Teh / GreenpeaceMaximum size:5760px X 3840pxKeywords:Cityscapes-Day-KWCI (GPI)-Oceans (campaign title)-Outdoors-TreesShoot:Stories of Protest in OkinawaThe ocean home of the last few Japanese dugongs is about to be landfilled to make way for two airstrips – part of the expansion of a US military base on the island of Okinawa. But a movement nearly 18 years old is standing up to say NO.The struggle is reaching a fever pitch. The majority of Okinawa's people – from students to grandparents and the local governor – have voiced their opposition to the plans. But construction work continues. There are daily scuffles outside the base as protesters attempt to prevent bulldozers and equipment from entering the bay.Here are the stories of six courageous people who are taking action to save the dugongs and protect the rich ocean life for future generations.Related Collections:Stories of Protest in Okinawa
