U.S. air base surrounded by human chain of protesters

NAHA — About 17,000 people formed a human chain around Futenma air station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, on Sunday, calling for the return of the land used by the U.S. Marine Corps facility and protesting plans to move its operations elsewhere in the prefecture.

Ginowan Mayor Yoichi Iha and Nago Mayor Susumu Inamine were among those braving strong winds and rain for the demonstration and read out a joint statement calling on the central government to give up on its plans to move it to the Henoko district in Nago.

The chain protest was the fifth aimed at the unpopular U.S. base since 1995 and the first since 2005.

The base, situated in a crowded area of Ginowan, is drawing increasingly vocal complaints about the constant noise created by its aircraft and higher crime linked to troops in the area.

A demonstration on April 25 drew about 90,000 residents and politicians who protested its continued presence in the island prefecture.

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We could use the money they charge for the land lease and save on supply lines to support US military personnel stationed in Japan.

They can look out for themselves.

Close the base, give the land back, bring all soldiers and everything else back to the USA.

I'm guessing we don't, and haven't for a while.

Why have we closed so many bases right here in the U.S., but continue to support at HUGE costs American Military based in Japan, Italy, Germany, etc?