Mar 15 (Mon): Ms.Kim fasts in front of PM’s official residence in solidarity with Mr. Gushiken. / “No to soil delivery!” in front of Shiokawa Pier gate

The new base construction continued despite the covid-19 state of emergency. They shipped approximately 1500 truckloads (equivalent to 7500 tons) of soil to landfill Henoko sea. We suspended our official rallies to prevent covid-19 contagion, but several dozens of people showed up to protest every day.

If no one were here to protest, the dump cars could deliver freely and easily. We estimate about a 20% reduction when the protesters are at the site. For that reason, we keep rallies to protest even if being alone. Sometimes until 8:00 p.m. I believe more Okinawans feel and act that way.

In solidarity with Mr. Takamatsu Gushiken, who started a hunger strike in front of the Prefectural Government Office, a woman residing in Tokyo went on fasting in front of PM’s official residence. She is Ms. Mikayo Kim (47) from Ginowan City of Okinawa. Placing a board that says, “I oppose the Henoko new base construction that expends the remains of the war,” she faces her 8^th day of fasting. She continues her hunger strike quietly, “People in Tokyo should answer the big calling from Okinawa.”

I feel the flame of Okinawas’ anger fueled by over 75 years of continuous absurd victimization, WWII, U.S. military accidents, assaults on women, and discrimination. It lies deep in Okinawans’ hearts and is not unique to a particular generation but familiar to all ages of Okinawans. The Okinawans’ response to Gushiken’s hunger strike made me feel it keenly. Their anger will flare up when fueled again.

Okinawa is a part of Japan. The central government has arbitrarily ignored the will of the residents in Okinawa. What has happened in Okinawa will happen anywhere in Japan. Mr. Gushiken and Ms. Kim must have understood it and felt that he/she should step forward to act.

(In front of Camp Schwab Gate)

More participants from mainland Japan come to our protest rallies after the state of emergency was lifted. Approximately 30 people resumed the sit-in rally from 8:30 this morning. Some sat quietly holding a placard; others stood by the road appealing to the passing cars or protested to the Defense Bureau staff. When the delivery vehicles lined up before the Gate past 9:00 a.m., about 20 members of the riot police came out of the Gate and soon started removing the protestors. Avoiding direct contact with the riot police to prevent covid-19 contagion, the sit-in protesters removed themselves. Three deliveries during the morning through the afternoon totaled 162 truckloads.

(Ryukyu Cement Awa Pier)

No vessels were available for shipping in the morning. From 12:30 p.m., the shipping operation for the day started, and they loaded 278 truckloads of soil to one vessel.

(Motobu Shiokawa Pier)

Since no shipping operation occurred at Awa, the riot police and the protesters gathered at Shiokawa in the morning. Approximately 30 riot policemen restricted 20 protesters. Captain H, being accused of violating the police code of ethics by calling some protesters’ sir name without honorary, was back again. We do not know if the prefectural police force is to approve his conduct. We closely watch the new prefectural police chief how he handles Captain H.