Permalink: https://media.greenpeace.org/archive/Protestor-Ms-Urashima-in-Okinawa-27MZIFJ67744X.htmlConceptually similarProtestor Ms Urashima in OkinawaGP0STPESQCompleted★★★★Protestor Ms Yuri in OkinawaGP0STPES9Completed★★★★Protestor Ms Yuri in OkinawaGP0STPESOCompleted★★★★Protestor Mr Nakasone in OkinawaGP0STPESACompleted★★★★Protestor Mr Ahitomi in OkinawaGP0STPESTCompleted★★★★Protestor Ms Suzuki in OkinawaGP0STPESRCompleted★★★★Protestor Grandpa Kayoh in OkinawaGP0STPESZCompleted★★★★Protestor Mr Toguchi in OkinawaGP0STPES2Completed★★★★Protestor Mr Toguchi in OkinawaGP0STPES4Completed★★★★View AllGP0STPESPProtestor Ms Urashima in OkinawaMs Etsuko Urashima, writer based in Nago City, Okinawa.Etsuko Urashima is a 67 years old writer, originally from Sendai City in Kagoshima. She wears a t-shirt printed with writing from Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, previously known as the “Peace Constitution”. She met her husband in Amami Oshima when she was active in counter-cultural environmental movement, which sparked her interest in activism and writing. She’s had five books published since 1995.When Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972 from the USA, it was believed many of the bases would be removed from the island. The central government provided subsidies to the local government in an effort, Etsuko says, to appease the local population.When Etsuko came to Okinawa she wanted to live away from the urban areas, and surround herself in nature. Around that time, an incident of rape occurred at Kinjyoj, which sparked a movement in opposition to Futenma Airbase. It was then that Henoko was suggested as a possible location. The areas claimed by the bases are fertile and have often been left undeveloped. Etsuko says that Okinawa’s development is actually being held back by the bases. Etsuko ultimately wants to see all US military bases removed from Okinawa. She says military bases are antithetical to Okinawa’s desire for peace.Locations:Asia-Henoko-Japan-Okinawa-kenDate:30 Oct, 2015Credit:© Ian Teh / GreenpeaceMaximum size:5760px X 3840pxKeywords:Activists-Indoors-KWCI (GPI)-Local population-Oceans (campaign title)-One person-WomenShoot: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