WEEKLY RENGO

Amidst the repeated incidents and obscene acts committed by American soldiers stationed on Okinawa RENGO and RENGO Okinawa submitted a 1.7 million signature petition demanding the reorganization and downsizing of US bases in Okinawa and the "4.25 Rally of Okinawan People Resolution" to Prime Minister Koizumi via Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuda. The signatures were collected nationwide in the "One Million Signature Drive" which RENGO and RENGO Okinawa have been working on since March. The signatures were collected in a short time and their number far surpassed the original goal.

Photo: RENGO Okinawa President Tamaki (left) hands signatures to
Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuda (right) at Prime Minister's official residence, June 28.

Attending the demand meeting from the RENGO side included RENGO Okinawa President Tamaki, RENGO Okinawa Deputy President Kyan, RENGO Okinawa Secretary General Karimata, RENGO (HQ) Assistant General Secretary Suzuki. Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuda represented the Government and House of Councilors member from Okinawa prefecture Teruya was also present.
Tamaki, handed the signature petition to Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuda, and made clear his strong opinion on reorganizing and downsizing of American bases saying "the feelings of the Okinawan people, as well as that of many Japanese citizens, toward problems with US bases are contained in these signatures. We want the government to work to achieve these demands."
Responding, Fukuda said, "we solemnly accept and recognize the fact so many signatures have gathered. There are numerous problems regarding the American bases and the government hopes to do its utmost on these matters." RENGO further demanded that the government "raise this matter at the upcoming Japan-U.S. summit," to which the Chief Cabinet Secretary answered, "I will inform the Prime Minister of your wishes."
The total number of signatures gathered at this campaign drive totaled 1,701,269 people (377,388 people within Okinawa Prefecture and 1,323,881 people outside Okinawa).