Identity-faking Bird

Nue is mythical bird with monkey face, raccoon body, tiger limbs and snake tail. Introduced in ancient literatures in Japan, it is recognized as a symbol of a character faking one’s identity. Liberal Democratic Party can be resembled the bird in its attitude of turning down its campaign promise over the issue of relocation of Futenma Marine Air Base to Henoko Coast in Nago City, Okinawa. That betrayal flamed resistance in Okinawa up, making the matter worse.

Contradicting its campaign promise in the election of the House of Councilllors in July, the Local Organization of LDP in Okinawa on Sunday officially decided to accept the base in Henoko. The headquarters of LDP has been pressuring Okinawa to accept the relocation plan, regardless the local organization had been reluctant to dismiss the promise to their voters. The Chairman of the organization, Masatoshi Onaga, referred to his resignation taking responsibility of his irrelevancy.

The governments of Japan and the United States have been threatening Okinawa by indicating “freeze” of Futenma Base, which meant constant danger and collateral impact of daily lives of the residents around. However, emphasizing that possibility contradicts their agreement of removing danger of Futenma. Not only LDP, but the governments also have been saying different things from what they had promised. Giving in broken promise, LDP in Okinawa broke its promise.

Although they broke up or divided the party, members of Democratic Party of Japan were sincerer for their campaign promise. Prime Minister, Yukio Hatoyama, tried to find alternative place for Henoko, resulted in failure and even caused his stepping down. They at least seriously discussed important issues such as raising consumption tax rate or joining Trans-Pacific Partnership, which are against their campaign promises. Making clear contrast from it, LDP shamelessly gave up its promise.

Next point is whether the Governor of Okinawa, Hirokazu Nakaima, would change his attitude against relocation within Okinawa. LDP is expecting him to do that before the mayoral election of Nago city January 19^th. If conservative candidate wins it, Henoko relocation plan will get a great momentum. Japanese government is supporting the party with policies preferable to Okinawa, including fast closing down of other U.S. bases and disseminating operations of MV-22 Osprey, against which the people in Okinawa have firmly been protesting.

The people are overwhelmingly furious about the betrayal. Ryukyu Shimpo, leading regional newspaper, demanded all LDP legislators elected in Okinawa to step down. In democracy, arbitrary change of mind without informed consent from its sovereign people always faces strong denial.