Radar Construction Begins: Disclose Information to Locals

Construction has begun on the “Kyogamisaki Communication Site” in Kyotango, Tangocho. This site will become the sole U.S. military base in the Kinki region.

There are plans here to deploy “X-band radar,” which is used for the purpose of ballistic missile detection. Beginning construction marks a critical juncture in this project’s progress, yet the ministry of defense contacted local residents about it only yesterday afternoon. This incident abruptly illustrated the difficulties of making sure the U.S. military, the partner in this venture, reflects the desires of locals.

Apparently, though, the “advance notice” that had been requested by the prefecture and Kyotango was not complied with. Prefectural Governor Keiji Yamada and local city Mayor Yasushi Nakayama have said the ministry of defense has a responsibility to strongly and persistently see to it that information is honestly disclosed.

In the event of an attack on countries like Guam, such as North Korea firing missiles, the X-band radar could be established as an early warning system. At a summit meeting between Japanese and American leaders in February last year, the two countries reached an agreement on a second mobile communication site being deployed in Aomori prefecture.

In September, the prefecture and city received an announcement, which stated that they could expect that local residents’ safety and security was guaranteed. From there, while the government continued with procuring the site, locals proposed seven points to the ministry of defense. These points included things like “publishing the results of preliminary investigations into electromagnetic waves, water quality and noise,” and “a presentation on restricted areas and flight paths.” However, they have yet to receive sufficient answers from the ministry.

With regard to construction information, the ministry of defense promised speedy transmissions to locals, but in addition to “damaging the relationship of mutual trust with the U.S.,” the ministry also failed to clarify the day for beginning construction. Mayor Nakayama said he accepted these dealings with the U.S. on “good faith,” but that these proceedings are incomprehensible. Together with Governor Yamada, he had stated that “if we have no guarantee of safety, it’s probable that we’ll call for repeal.” Such a remark should not be forgotten.

It has been made clear that the Kyogamisaki Communication Site will not be jointly instituted with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces; it will be the exclusive domain of the U.S. military.

Due to the fact that Japan is hampered by the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, examples of the U.S. military’s tendency to not inform locals about their proceedings are not unusual. Last fall there was an opposition movement against the U.S. military in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi over their failure to identify the flights paths for Osprey training in Takeshima. Also in Iwakuni, the U.S. military began the construction of military residences and didn’t notify local residents until just prior to starting.

In the future, since confidentiality is so high on the U.S. military’s part, we should refrain from taking in radar systems or starting operations for bases. Even if we assume there is some secrecy for security reasons, keeping everything a secret and appearing to ignore the local area’s concerns will only increase people’s distrust. Wanting to have a guarantee of safety during construction is perfectly natural. A local liaison committee established by the city and prefecture governments, prefectural police and the ministry of defense would adequately serve the purpose. There is a need for such a committee to attempt to problem solve and to disclose accurate information.

Previously, areas that have military bases have raised concerns over scandals relating to U.S. military personnel, and these areas are earnestly seeking a review of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement. Kyoto is also affected by this issue. The Japanese government should not be timid in putting strong effort toward drastic reform in this area.