TOKYO (Sputnik) – Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga, vehemently opposing the relocation of the Futenma US base, threatened to sue the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, according to the Kyodo news agency.
Tokyo lifted a relocation ban imposed by Onaga late last month, resuming previously stalled plans to construct the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) on a coastal area of Nago in the Henoko region. The move triggered environmental concern and vocal opposition to US military bases in Japan.
Regional authorities challenged Tokyo early in November with a committee charged with resolving disputes between states and regions. The Japanese Supreme Court is said to be reviewing the dispute this week.
First hearings of the Japanese government’s case against Okinawa are scheduled for December, the same month the prefecture plans to lodge its countersuit.
