Protestors at the Military Base in Okinawa

Police carrying protestors away from the entrance of Camp Schwab. Many of the protestors are elderly people who try to block the entrance using their bodies.

Unique identifier: GP0STPESI

Type: Image

Shoot date: 31/10/2015

Locations: Asia, Henoko, Japan, Okinawa-ken

Credit line: © Ian Teh / Greenpeace

Size: 5760px × 3840px 9MB

Ranking: ★★★★ (E)

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Stories of Protest in Okinawa

The 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.

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Stories of Protest in Okinawa

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