EDITORIAL: Japan, U.S. should make fresh start on Futenma issue

The administration of Yoshihiko Noda made a move in the deadlocked problem of relocating the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture.

Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa visited Okinawa and informed Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima of the government's decision to make final arrangements to carry out an environmental impact assessment to build a new runway on reclaimed land off Henoko in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture.

From the standpoint of the Noda administration, it must be a step forward for realizing the Japan-U.S. agreement. However, it does not provide a clue on how to break the impasse. Rather, we have no choice but to call it a hasty decision that could intensify the confusion.

The relationship of trust between Okinawa and the Democratic Party of Japan administration, which failed to make good on its pledge to at least relocate the air base outside the prefecture, remains cracked. Okinawa's stance to oppose the Henoko plan and to demand that the base be moved outside the prefecture remains unchanged.

Despite such circumstances, the government plans to complete the assessment process in the first half of next year and submit an application for approval for reclamation to the governor in June. Apparently, it hopes that since the governor had once signified his acceptance albeit with conditions, it can cajole him to give in by providing pump-priming measures.

But such thinking is too easy. Nago citizens elected a mayor who opposes the relocation. Now, the prefectural assembly unanimously demands moving the base outside the prefecture or Japan. It is clear that Okinawa's political environment does not allow the governor to give the green light.

The central government should not advance procedures without prospects for success, as if to provide an alibi. We have been saying so all along, but the government once again made a move with no vision.

At the same time, we understand the Noda administration's predicament. The United States is demanding visible progress. Next week, U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is scheduled to visit Japan. A Japan-U.S. summit is also planned at next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

The Japanese government wants to give shape to its effort before the meetings. Apparently, that is why related Cabinet ministers are visiting Okinawa one after another.

But isn't it moving to the wrong direction?

Already, relocation to Henoko is virtually impossible. And the method to follow procedures is insincere not only to the people of Okinawa but also to the U.S. government.

Next year, a prefectural assembly election will be held in Okinawa. The United States will have a presidential election. A careful approach is also needed politically.

At this juncture, there is no choice but to frankly inform the United States about the harsh reality of the situation and for Tokyo and Washington to cooperate and make a fresh start.

It means doing everything to seek "a third way" that does not include relocation to Henoko.

The government should not repeat the same folly of allowing the problem of a single base to shake Japan-U.S. relations, which is what happened during the Hatoyama administration.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Oct. 19