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Locals, citizens, and politicians continue to clash regarding the proposed relocation of a U.S. military base to the Henoko (辺野古) district of Nago City, Okinawa. A recent movement to oppose the base sought to gain support from famous Japanese people, including (sort-of) retired Studio Ghibli Director, Hayao Miyazaki.

According to The RyuKyu Shimpo, former chairman of the Okinawan Prefectural Assembly Toshinobu Nakazato has been enlisting the help of famous people from across Japan to oppose both the construction of a new military base in Henoko and deployment of the Osprey aircraft in Okinawa.

On October 29, Nakazato sent postcards to approximately 460 notable people, including university professors and administrators, journalists, and scientists, asking them to write down their reasoning for opposing the Henoko base.

▼The location of Henoko on the largest of the Okinawan islands

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▼The current U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma

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Among the 89 postcards delivered back to Okinawa was a message from none other than internationally beloved Hayao Miyazaki, who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award in Los Angeles.

Nakazato shared Miyazaki’s handwritten message with the public on November 13, which stated, “Demilitarization in Okinawa is essential for peace in East Asia.” This sentiment is largely unsurprising, since many of Miyazaki’s films have been noted for their anti-war and environmentalist themes. 

We’ll keep you updated if Miyazaki becomes further involved in the Okinawan military base issue.

Source: RyuKyu Shimpo via Itai News
Images: Google Maps, Wikipedia (LERK)