Kato: Govt. Working Toward Futenma Relocation
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu says the government will continue to work towards relocating the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Okinawa.
Kato, who is also the Minister in charge of Mitigating the Impact of US Forces in Okinawa, visited the prefecture for the first time since he assumed office on Saturday.
From a helicopter, he inspected the Futenma Air Station and the Henoko district in Nago City where the base is planned to be relocated.
Kato later told reporters that he realized the danger the air station, located in the densely populated city of Ginowan, poses to local citizens, and that the government will continue to work towards closing the air station and returning the land.
He said proceeding firmly with the construction of a new facility in the Henoko district is essential in achieving that goal.
Kato later met Okinawa Governor Tamaki Denny.
Tamaki asked the government to give up the relocation plan as it is not supported by people in Okinawa, but still remove the danger the Futenma Air Station poses as soon as possible.
Kato responded that the relocation is the only solution to maintain the deterrent capabilities of the Japan-US alliance and remove the danger of the air station at a time when the security situation surrounding Japan is becoming increasingly severe.
He said he will do all he can to alleviate Okinawa's burden.
