Japan: Demonstration against US military base December 14

Event

Dozens of protesters staged a demonstration at sea in Henoko (Okinawa prefecture) on Friday, December 14, as construction began on a new US military base. The Japanese central government authorized the sea reclamation project to build a runway for a planned US Marine Corps airbase, overturning a construction ban by the Okinawan government. Additional anti-US protests are likely for the duration of the project as residents contend the US military should leave the island entirely. An increased security presence can be expected.

Advice

Individuals present in Henoko are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all protests as a precaution.