Located in the midst of Futenma city, Futenma Air Base is said to symbolize Okinawa's base issues such as the dangers of aircraft noise pollution and crashes. Along with the 2,800 m runway, it is well equipped with such facilities as hangars, a communication facility, maintenance and repair facilities, storage facilities, a fire station, and leisure/recreational facilities for U.S. personnel. In SACO's December 1996 Final Report, it was agreed upon that this facility would be completely returned. However, due to the fact that the facilities must meet the precondition of relocating to other facilities or areas within Okinawa, the situation has become tense. Okinawan citizens strongly oppose relocation and at the center of this opposition are the municipalities where the proposed relocation sites will be.
a) Location: Ginowan city
b) Land area: 4,806,000m^2
c) Number of land owners: 2,441 persons
d) Yearly rental fee: 5.113 billion yen
e) Number of (Japanese) employees: 179 persons
a) Force: Marine Corps
b) Purpose: airport
ikuya@mse.biglobe.ne.jp