Friday, November 26, 2010

US for OKINAWA featured in the JAPAN TIMES


News photo

Expat peace group studies embattled Okinawa ecology

US for Okinawa tour covers harmful impact of U.S. bases, both existing and planned


By JON MITCHELL
Special to The Japan Times

At first glance, the group of 15 young Japanese and foreigners gathered together in the arrival lounge at Naha airport look like just another package tour for a week of fun on Okinawa's tropical beaches.

News photo
Participants in a tour organized by US for Okinawa carry the group's banner on a hill overlooking the Oura Bay in northern Okinawa Island.

Drawing close enough to overhear their talk of nerve gas, land mines and unexploded bombs, however, it becomes clear that instead of working on their tans, they are more concerned about world peace.

These English teachers, interior designers and university students are taking part in a study trip organized by the group US for Okinawa to teach people about the environmental impact of American military bases on the islands.

"The name US for Okinawa has two meanings," explains Emilie McGlone, the group's cofounder and international coordinator for the nongovernmental organization Peace Boat.

"On one hand, it reflects the support of American citizens living in Japan for a base-free Okinawa. On the other hand, it shows that 'all of us' are dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers caused by the bases.

"We believe the best way to achieve that is to come here and talk firsthand to local residents about the problems they face."

Over the next four days, the participants will meet with a diverse range of Okinawan people — each with a different environmental horror story to share. In Ginowan, they will listen to a resident recount the 2004 crash of a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter and the subsequent scramble by the authorities to recover radioactive strontium-90 from sensors attached to the rotor blades.

Farther north, they will learn about the military mishap that strafed 1,500 depleted uranium shells across tiny Torishima Island — rendering its once bountiful fish stocks inedible for human consumption.

One of the most affecting encounters will occur in the village of Takae, where soft-spoken Ikuko Isa will describe her fellow residents' three-year campaign to block the construction of six new military helipads in the area.

As she discusses the daily stress of living next to the world's largest jungle warfare training center, she doesn't raise her voice in anger. Even when she describes recent revelations that, in the 1960s, the military likely tested the defoliant Agent Orange near rivers that supply the rest of the island with more than half of its drinking water, she remains calm.

"We're just ordinary people trying to live ordinary lives."

Belying the myths of a politically apathetic younger generation, the tour's participants fill their notebooks with the stories they hear. They pepper the local residents with countless questions, and back on the bus they compare notes to fill in any blanks they missed.

"I first came to Okinawa on a package tour three years ago," explains a young Japanese woman. "All we did was visit beaches and souvenir shops. I didn't know about these (environmental) problems. This trip is a real eye-opener for me."

On the third day, the group's devotion is put to the test. McGlone wakes them up at dawn, herds them onto the bus and then leads them on a 15-minute hike through thick jungle. From a hilltop overlooking Oura Bay, local resident Takuma Higashionna talks about the dugong — a relative of the manatee — that feeds on the sea grass in the waters below.

The dugong was once revered by Okinawans as a messenger of the gods, but now their numbers have dwindled to fewer than a dozen.

Higashionna is campaigning to establish a sanctuary in the area. He faces heavy opposition — Oura Bay is the proposed site for the relocation of U.S. Marine Air Station Futenma, and current plans call for two 1,500-meter runways to be built over the beds of sea grass.

In 2008, Higashionna sued the U.S. Department of Defense, arguing that the runway plans violate American laws protecting "natural monuments" (such as the dugong) wherever they live. Higashionna won the case, but Washington has failed to abandon the project.

"If this were the United States, it wouldn't be allowed to go ahead," Higashionna tells the group. "So why do they let it happen here?"

Following Higashionna's talk, the tour climbs aboard boats and heads out for a closer view of the area threatened by the new base. Half of the participants don scuba tanks to search for the telltale furrows of foraging dugong, while the rest snorkel among the bay's rare blue and "walking" coral.

Despite their failure to spot the elusive dugong, they bring back to shore a newfound sense of Oura Bay's fragile beauty. Nao Sokei, a native of Naha, was particularly impressed.

"Seeing all of that sea life made my love for this island deeper. Now I realize I need to think more about how to protect Okinawa."

On the final day, the tour participants meet with local campaigners dedicated to achieving precisely that. For the past 6 1/2 years, Inochi o Mamoru-kai (Association for the Protection of Life) has been staging a sit-in near Oura Bay to prevent the construction of the new base.

In 2007, elderly residents, fishermen and environmental activists waged a campaign of disruption against construction crews attempting to bore pylons into the seabed. They chained themselves to scaffolding, maneuvered kayaks in front of massive barges and wore down the laborers with a combination of heated negotiation and good humor.

Faced by the campaign and negative media coverage, the government called off the construction. However, with the May acceptance by then Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama to the relocation of the Futenma base to the area, the association expects the return of the construction crews at any time.

While Hiroshi Ashitomi, one of the campaign's leaders, is touched by US for Okinawa's support, the 64-year-old retiree has a word of caution: "If younger activists are arrested, they'll lose their jobs or the police record will prevent them from being hired in the future."

He gestures around the campaign tent to the elderly protesters sipping jasmine tea. "That's why there are so many retired people here. We're not afraid. We have our pensions. They can't take those away no matter what we do."

On their way back to the bus, some members of US for Okinawa review what they have witnessed over the past four days, and they wonder aloud why anybody would want to sign up for the military in the first place.

As if on cue, two young American soldiers emerge from the sea and sit on the harbor wall, peeling off their fins and snorkels. Some of the tour participants look startled to be suddenly confronted with the object of their antipathy, but as the Americans excitedly describe the coral and multicolored tropical fish they just saw in the bay, it appears that they share a common appreciation of the nature here.

One of the group tactfully steers the conversation toward why they joined the army and both men cite the lack of employment opportunities in their impoverished hometowns, combined with the lure of a free university education.

Bemoaning the lack of information they received when they first arrived on Okinawa, they say they're keen to learn more about the island. One of the group hands them his business card and invites them for a drink when they're next in Tokyo. The soldiers say they'll be in touch.

Back on the bus, the group fills their notebooks with details of the meeting. They say it was one of the most illuminating discussions of the trip in that it helped to dispel some stereotypes about American servicemen.

McGlone, too, seems pleased at the chance encounter. "When people talk to each other, you can see the wheels start turning on both sides. It's a great thing to watch. People learn best through face-to-face communication. That's what US for Okinawa is all about."

For information about upcoming US for Okinawa study tours, contact Emilie McGlone at us.for.okinawa@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Takae, a place flourishing with biodiversity and in danger ...

(photo by Rob Pott in Takae)

US for OKINAWA is pleased to share Peace Boat`s statement for Biodiversity.


On October 18, 2010, the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP10) began in Nagoya, Japan. During our global voyages Peace Boat visits numerous places throughout the world including the Galapagos Islands, the Guiana Highlands, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and Antarctica, learning about and spreading the importance of biodiversity. Throughout this process, we have learned that biodiversity is not only an issue of nature, environment, animals and plants, but also of peace and human rights. We also emphasize that this issue is deeply related to worldwide poverty, the rights of indigenous peoples, and conflict. Noting that war is the greatest destruction to the environment, we insist that global military expenditure – which exceeds 1.5 trillion US dollars a year – be allocated instead to protecting biodiversity.

To Peace Boat, a world where biodiversity is protected is one where all living creatures can be free of the threat of extinction or the threat of being killed unreasonably, and can fulfil each one of their lives. Such a world cannot be achieved without joint and continuous efforts by governments and civil societies across the globe.

Peace Boat calls for the points below regarding biodiversity:

  1. No need for military bases that threaten all natural lives
    Military bases bring huge damage to the ecosystem. People living in Subic Bay in the Philippines still suffer from health and environmental problems even now, although the US military base was closed in 1991. In Ecuador, South America, US military bases were recently forced to withdraw, and Ecuador adopted a Constitution which prohibits any foreign bases or troops being stationed in their country. We need all countries to follow the lead of Ecuador in order to protect diverse lives.
    The sea of Henoko, Okinawa, is a rich treasure of biodiversity where creatures such as the endangered dugong and precious corals live. We oppose the construction of a new military air base in Henoko's Oura Bay, and call for an Okinawa free of military bases.

  2. Nuclear development and natural life cannot coexist
    Peace Boat has travelled around the world with more than 100 Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) from Hiroshima and Nagasaki to talk about the devastation caused by nuclear weapons. Through our voyages we have learned that there are people who suffer over generations because of radiation from nuclear facilities and depleted uranium weapons. We have also learned that the common wish of ordinary citizens across the world is to live in a nuclear-free world. Nuclear waste is also a great concern. Nuclear weapons and development pose a threat to all living creatures on earth and to the environment. Citizens and governments must work together in order to realize a 'nuclear-free world'.

  3. Realize a world where the rights of indigenous peoples are ensured
    While indigenous people across the world have lived over generations in harmony with nature, they also have long suffered from violation of their rights. In British Columbia, Canada, a mass tourist resort development is violating the sacred land of the indigenous people, making it difficult for them to carry on their lives in the forest where they have always lived. There should be no human rights violations in the name of 'environmental protection' or 'development'. It is important that we learn to live in harmony with nature following the wisdom of indigenous peoples, and build a society where their lifestyles, cultures and rights are protected and respected. As an NGO based in Japan, we particularly pledge to learn from the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, and to deepen our activities in this field.

  4. Re-examine 'development'
    Through our global voyages, we have learned that our lives depend deeply upon the rich biodiversity existing throughout the world. Simultaneously, we have seen that mass development and deforestation have exacerbated environment degradation and poverty, and also the many people striving to improve such situations. It is time to re-examine the path of 'development' and 'modernization' we have taken, and to search for a sustainable solution for building the society. In order to realize this, all states must work together in cooperation for the global interest rather than confront each other in pursuit of short-term national interest.

Peace Boat calls on world leaders to deepen their discussions in Nagoya according to the above points, and for this to be an opportunity for citizens to consider these issues and take positive and effective actions.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Recycle in Fashion event


■■■■ Recycle in Fashion ■■■■
for peace and a base free okinawa

Join us for a night of fashion to raise funds for the US for OKINAWA peace action network while helping to recycle your clothes & accessories. Come and enjoy music and drinks, meeting new people, and making a difference for a good cause.

...DATE: 10/20/2010 (WED)
TIME: 19:30 ~ 22:00
PLACE: Peace Boat / GET salon, Marin bldg. 4 FLR, Takadanobaba
MAP --> http://www.getuniversal.co.jp/assets/img/maps/get_map_large.jpg

ENTRANCE: 500 yen donation
* Limit to bring no more than 10 pieces of clothing /accessories in good condition. Everyone is welcome to join us, even just to come shopping, so it is not necessary to bring clothes.

** Organized by US for OKINAWA with support from Peace Boat

info:
US for OKINAWA
http://www.us-for-okinawa.blogspot.com/

PEACE BOAT
http://www.peaceboat.org/

■■■■ リサイクルファッション ■■■■
平和で基地がない沖縄のために

洋服、アクセサリーを使ってリサイクルファッションイベントを企画していま
す。ドリンクと音楽を楽しみながらぜひご参加下さい!

曜日: 10/20/2010 (WED)
時間: 19:30 ~ 22:00
場所: ピースボート / GET サロン, マリンビル 4階, 高田馬場
MAP --> http://www.getuniversal.co.jp/assets/img/maps/get_map_large.jpg
<http://www.getuniversal.co.jp/assets/img/maps/get_map_large.jpg>

入場料: 500円
* Limit to bring no more than 10 pieces of clothing /accessories in good condition. Everyone is welcome to join us, even just to come shopping, so it is not necessary to bring clothes.


** US for OKINAWA 主催、ピースボート支援

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

ACTION towards COP 10


Us for OkinawaUS FOR OKINAWA "peace action network" takes action for Biodiversity in Henoko ! Make your appeal for COP 10 and attend the conference in Nagoya this month! > http://www.cop10.jp/aichi-nagoya/


The sea in Henoko, Okinawa is a treasure trove of marine life. Here, the dugong, a gentle marine mammal, and sea turtles live alongside
internationally endangered species of coral, and new species of plant and animal life continue to be discovered regularly. The construction of a new U.S. Military Air Base in the bay of Henoko means much of this sea
will be filled in, inflicting grave environmental losses and damage.

Only 10 to 20 dugongs remain off the coast of Henoko, and the new base construction may lead to their extinction from Japan. The Japan World Wildlife Fund designated 2010 as the "International Year of Dugong," and at this year's COP 10, we join them in calling for their protection. More than 1,000 military bases already exist around the world, and nearly 20% of Okinawa is already occupied by them. We need biodiversity, not more bases! US for OKINAWA, together with the International NGO, PEACE BOAT, promotes Disarmament for Biodiversity and we will carry our message around the world on the 72nd global voyage for peace.

沖縄・辺野古の海は、海洋生物の宝庫です。辺野古の海には国際的に絶滅の危機にある珊瑚礁とともに、
ジュゴンなどの希少な海洋ほ乳類やウミガメが生息しているほか、今も定期的に新しい動植物の生態が発見され続けています。この辺野古湾に新しく米軍基地が建設された場合、大部分の海が埋め立てられ、非常に大きな環境の損失とダメージを与えることになります。
 すでに辺野古の海にはジュゴンが10〜20頭しか生息しておらず、もし新しい米軍基地の建設が進めば、結果として日本でのジュゴンの絶滅を引き起こす可能性が高いです。US for Okinawaは、2010年を「国際ジュゴン年」と指定した日本の世界自然保護基金(WWF)とともに、名古屋で開催される生物多様性条約第10回締約国会議(COP10)でにてジュゴンの保護を呼びかけます。

世界には1000以上の米軍基地が存在していて、沖縄の約20%の土地は米軍のものとなっています。私たちに必要なのは、生物の多様性を保護することです。これ以上の米軍基地は必要ありません。
 私たちUS for Okinawaは国際NGOピースボートの協力を得て、環境保護と軍縮の活動を続けています。ピースボート第72回「地球一周の船旅」の航海では、実際に「生物多様性を守るための軍縮」のメッセージを世界中の人々に伝え、つなげていきます。(ピースボート http://
www.peaceboat.org


Sunday, September 26, 2010

Okinawa Peace Project Photo Report




US for OKINAWA successfully completed our second study program in Okinawa. Together with 13 participants from England, the United States and Japan, US for OKINAWA worked together with local people in Henoko, Okinawa to raise awareness about important issues such as the necessity to protect the Dugong, a now endangered species that can only be found in Henoko. The Dugong, along with other endemic species to the area such as the walking coral and blue coral, are endangered by the possible construction of a new US Military facility in Henoko`s Oura bay. US for OKINAWA and the members of Dugong no Sato helped organize the eco-tourism package for US for OKINAWA volunteers to go scuba diving, sea kayaking and snorkeling in the area.


See below for our photo report from the study program. We look forward to organizing another study program October 30-31st to learn about important environmental issues in Okinawa together with the organizers of the music and art event, Peace Music Festa ! Please join us !






"OKINAWA PEACE PROJECT" 沖縄ピースプロジェクト 

FALL 2010 (Dates Sept 22 - 26th)

INFO >
http://us-for-okinawa.blogspot.com/p/study-program-to-okinawa.html

沖縄・辺野古の海は、ジュゴンなどの海洋ほ乳類やウミガメが生息し、国際的 に絶滅の危機にあるサンゴが広く育つ海洋生物の宝庫です。この地に新しく基 地が建設されることになれば、大浦湾が埋め立てられ、マングローブなどの野 生生物に取り返しのつかないダメージを与えることになります。これは、一帯 の貴重な海洋生物多様性に対する重大な危機です。

「US for Okinawa」では、沖縄の状況をより深く知ることのできるスタディツ アーを計画しています。


(1) US for OKINAWA members participate in a candle action outside of Camp Schwab in Okinawa.

(2) Jonathan Yamauchi, a member of US for OKINAWA, looks out over Kadena military facility in Okinawa.

(3) A view of Henoko from Dugong Hill in Okinawa. The dugong feed in this area due to the sea grass that can only be found in Henoko.




OKINAWA TIMES ARTICLE from Sept 26, 2010 :


http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article/2010-09-26_10555/


【名護】米軍普天間飛行場の閉鎖と名護市辺野古への移設中止を求める在日米国人らのネットワーク「US for OKINAWA」(アス・フォー・オキナワ)の一行が25日、辺野古浜のキャンプ・シュワブとの境界線付近で、生物多様性を守り、新基地建設に反対する内容の横断幕を掲げるなどしてアピールした。

 アピールは、10月に名古屋市で開かれる生物多様性条約第10回締約国会議(COP10)の参加国に向けて行われた。


 一行は沖縄の基地問題を考えるスタディーツアーを23日から県内で行っている。25日は午前中に大浦湾でアオサンゴのダイビング観察などを行い、同湾の豊かな自然環境を確認した。午後は辺野古浜を清掃し、夜にはキャンプ・シュワブ前でのピースキャンドルに参加した。共同代表のエミリー・マクグローンさん(30)は「生物多様性が豊かな大浦湾はジュゴンの保護区にするなどして、エコツーリズムの活用をはかるべきだ。基地を造ったら貴重な自然をすべて失ってしまう」と話した。


Article from Okinawa Times on Sept 24, 2010 (below )http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article/2010-09-24_10495/
【中部】米軍普天間飛行場の閉鎖と名護市辺野古への移設中止を求める在日米国人らのネットワーク「US for OKINAWA」(アス・フォー・オキナワ)の一行が23日、同飛行場や米軍嘉手納基地の現状を視察した。住宅や学校などに近接した同飛行場の危険性を実感し、沖縄戦についても理解を深めた。参加者からは「アメリカで、こんなにコミュニティーに近い基地は許されない」という声が上がった。
 基地問題を考える沖縄へのスタディーツアーは4月に続き2度目。23日から4日間の日程。基地や高江ヘリパッド視察のほか、名護市辺野古などを訪れる。ジュゴンが生息する海でのダイビングやシュノーケリングを通して、生物多様性を体感するプログラムだ。
 2010年1月に発足した「US―」共同代表のエミリー・マグローンさん(30)=東京都=は「沖縄の海は生物多様性の宝庫。アメリカ人として恥ずかしいし、ごめんなさいという気持ちがある。現状を知った人はみんな普天間基地に反対する。基地をなくせるまで頑張りたい」と話した。
 初参加の大村祐子さん(25)=大阪府=は「本土で沖縄の基地問題を語っても、『あなたは沖縄の人じゃないでしょ』と言葉を投げられる。だから、主張できるようにここに来た。実際に見た基地の危険性を訴えたい」と話していた。

==============================
Ryukyu Asahi Broadcasting 2010年9月26日

http://www.qab.co.jp/news/2010092621636.html

在日外国人らの団体 新基地建設反対をアピール

普天間基地の閉鎖と新基地建設に反対する在日外国人を中心とした市民グループが25日辺野古で生物の多様性形態を守ろうと訴えました。

このグループはアメリカ市民を含む在日外国人が中心となって活動している「USforOKINAWA」です。

メンバーらは9月22日から普天間基地や嘉手納基地の見学、新基地の建設先とされる辺野古の海でダイビングなど、スタディーツアーの為に沖縄を訪れていて25日は辺野古で新基地建設反対をアピールしました。

これは10月に名古屋で開催される生物多様性条約の締結について話し合うCOP10へのアピールとして行われたもので存在が危ぶまれているアオサンゴやジュゴンが生息する海をさらなる軍事化で壊すべきではないと訴えました。

Friday, September 17, 2010

Press Release for US for OKINAWA Study Program

Press Release
US for OKINAWA Announces a Study Program for Biodiversity and a Base Free Henoko


US for OKINAWA, a peace action network formed by U.S. and other citizens from around the world living in Japan to support calls for the closure of Futenma Air Base and the halt to new base construction in Henoko, is pleased to announce it is organizing its second study program to Okinawa this year from September 22-26. The program, titled the “Okinawa Peace Project” will allow participants to witness Futenma and Kadena Air Bases firsthand, and to enjoy diving, snorkeling and kayaking activities in Oura Bay, site of the planned new base construction. The pristine bay is home to rare forms of biodiversity, including blue coral and the Okinawa dugong, that will be threatened or destroyed by plans to fill in a large swathe of the bay in order to construct the new base.

Given that the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) will be held in Japan this year, the United Nations has designated 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity, and the WWF has named it the International Year of the Dugong, US for OKINAWA aims to raise awareness of the grave environmental risk posed to Henoko from further militarization of Okinawa. US for OKINAWA will organize an action in Henoko on Saturday, September 25 to appeal to COP 10 members to protect the biodiversity of Henoko.

US for OKINAWA will also use this occasion to express its support for the candidacy of Yoichi Iha in the upcoming November 28 elections for governor of Okinawa. As mayor of Ginowan City, Mr Iha has demonstrated outstanding and unwavering dedication to the principles of citizen safety and security, transparent and democratic politics, and peace in Okinawa and the entire East Asia region. Without a doubt, he will serve as governor of Okinawa with excellence and integrity.

Local citizens and members of the media are invited to to join US for OKINAWA at various stops in our study program while in Okinawa. For more details of our activities on Saturday, September 23 and 25, please see below.

9/23
08:30 Visit Kakazu no Takadai (view of Futenma Air Base)
10:00 Visit Kadena Base and Information center
09/25
08:30-09:30 Visit to Dugong Hill (Henoko)
15:00-16:00 Beach Clean-up activity at Henoko
16:00-17:00 COP 10 Action “Protect the Dugong” at Henoko!
18:30-19:30 Candle Action in front of Camp Schwab gate

For details of events and activities on September 24, please contact Emilie McGlone at us.for.okinawa@gmail.com or 080-1295-7612 after September 22.

US for OKINAWA was founded in January 2010 by Peace Boat staff members from the United States residing in Japan. In cooperation with Peace Boat, US for OKINAWA organized its first study program to Okinawa in April of this year. Peace Boat is a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment. Info: www.peaceboat.org


プレスリリース

アメリカ市民とサポーターたちが呼びかける

生物多様性を守り、辺野古への新基地建設に反対する沖縄スタディーツアー

『US for OKINAWA』は、アメリカ市民を含む世界中からの在日外国人たちが中心となって、普天間基地の閉鎖及び辺野古の新しい基地建設の中止を求め活動するピースアクションネットワークです。この度、2010年9月22日~26日にかけ、第二回スタディーツアーを行う運びとなりました。本『沖縄ピースプロジェクト』スタディーツアーでは、普天間及び嘉手納基地の見学、新規基地建設の候補地となっている大浦湾にてダイビングやシュノーケリング、カヤックなどのアクティビティーが予定されています。本来の大浦湾は、新しい基地建設の大幅な埋め立て計画により、その存在が危ぶまれているアオサンゴや沖縄ジュゴンを含む希少価値が高い生物多様性形態の宝庫です。

今年日本でCOP10が開催されるにあたり、国連は2010年を国際生物多様性年、WWFは国際ジュゴン年と定め、US for OKINAWAは沖縄の更なる軍事化により辺野古にもたらされる深刻な環境被害に関する認識を高めることを目指しています。9月25日、US for OKINAWAは辺野古にてアクションを行い、辺野古の生物多様性を守ることをCOP10参加国に要請します。

US for OKINAWAは、来る11月28日の沖縄知事選に出馬した伊波洋一氏への指示を表明します。伊波氏は宜野湾市長として、市民の安全と保障、透明性のある民主的な政治、そして沖縄及び東アジア全体の平和に関する原則に、大変優れた揺るぎない献身的な努力をささげています。優秀で誠実な沖縄知事として活躍されることは間違いありません。

US for OKINAWAの沖縄での本スタディーツアーには、各所で是非とも地元市民の方々及びメディアの皆様に是非ともご参加頂きたく思います。9月23日と25日の活動に関する詳細は下記をご参照下さい。

9/23

08:30  嘉数の高台 (普天間基地とその周辺を見学)

10:00  嘉手納基地

09/25

08:30-09:30 ジュゴンの見える丘

15:00-16:00 ビートクリーンアップ(辺野古)

16:00-17:00 辺野古にてアクション(COP 10 参加国への要請)

18:30-19:30 キャンドルアクション(キャンプシュワブ・ゲート)

9月24日のイベントや活動に関する詳細は、担当Emilie McGlone(エミリー・マクグローン)までご連絡(us.for.okinawa@gmail.com)下さい。 ※9月22日以降は携帯電話(080-1295-7612へ)へのご連絡をお願いします。

★US for OKINAWAとは?

US for OKINAWAは、2010年1月にピースボートの在日アメリカ人スタッフによって設立されました。今年4月、ピースボート共催で初めてのスタディツアーを行いました。

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Parties 4 Peace supports US for OKINAWA

















Kakumakushaka performs live at the ECHO HYPE event, organized by Parties 4 Peace. Using dance and music as a platform, Parties 4 Peace brings people together from all nations to promote peace and understanding.
ECHO HYPE was a party to promote the Okinawa Peace Project, organized by US for OKINAWA. Join us for our eco-tour to Okinawa Sept 22-26th, 2010.
For more information, please visit our Study Program section of the website.

Watch the video here :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a6p1HBuMVU

Monday, September 13, 2010

PEACE MUSIC FESTA OCT 30-31st

Peace Music Festa!辺野古2010

〜辺野古の海から世界が見える〜

2010年 10月 30日(土)・31日(日)

場所: 沖縄県 名護市 辺野古ビーチ
時間: OPEN 11:30 START 12:00 END 20:00(雨天決行)
料金: <一日券>大人 前売り 2500円 当日 3000円
    高校生 前売り 1000円 当日 1500円
    ※通し券はありません。二日お越しの場合は二枚お求め下さい。
    中学生以下は入場無料。中高生は入場時に要学生証提示。

10/30(土)出演者(第四弾最終発表)
ソウル・フラワー・モノノケ・サミット/三宅洋平/カクマクシャカ/ヒゲのかっちゃん/ROACH/RUN it to GROUND/FAKE KINGZ/procal/Heinous Criminal/さとまん/STARS ENTERTAINMENT/エルビス・ウチマ(ex.極限BAND)/蹴闘~SHOOT~/中川五郎/Paul Mahoux/elmon/TEX & the Sun Flower Seed(アコVer.)/Ukwanshin Kabudan 御冠船歌舞団(fromハワイ)/創作太鼓衆 颯/KUMAKARA/KEN子/
10/31(日)出演者(第四弾最終発表)
SOUL FLOWER UNION/知花竜海×城間竜太/PAPA U-Gee/JAVA/MISSION POSSIBLE(THA BLUE HERB × OLIVE OIL × B.I.G.JOE)/七尾旅人/SOUTH/KACHIMBA DX/直枝政広(カーネーション)/
ラビラビ/Shaolong To The Sky/名護 瀬嵩青年会(エイサー)/KZ(G.A.C)/ST-LOW(DESSON)/DASTAMAS/琉球とらいぶ/
45 with RADICALITES/009/King Jam Session/operon/COMATON


主催
Peace Music Festa!辺野古2010 実行委員会
後援:名護市、宜野湾市、南城市、石垣市、西原町、与那原町、
   竹富町、北中城村、中城村、沖縄タイムス、琉球新報、琉球放送、
   沖縄テレビ放送、琉球朝日放送、FM沖縄、ラジオ沖縄、FM21、
   FMよみたん、タイフーンFM、FMレキオ、おきなわ倶楽部

【Info】pmf10@peace-music.org
【ブログ】 http://peacemusic.ti-da.net/

Friday, September 10, 2010

ECHO HYPE PARTY on 9/12

9.12 (SUN) ECHO HYPE
Sunday afternoon party
at Favela in Aoyama
MAP:
http://www.favela.jp/
...Tech-house / Minimal / Techno
*from 16:00 ~ 24:00 / 2000 yen

TIMETABLE
16:00 - 17:30 Maada
17:30 - 19:00 Sam Fitzgerald (P4P)
19:00 - 19:30 Kakumakushaka (live)
19:30 - 20:30 Raha (Ooooze)
20:30 - 21:30 Sho-hey (Octagon)
21:30 - 22:30 Bosh (Dial )
22:30 - 23:45 Ryo Tsutsui (Eden / Weekend Warriorz)

アティーストの紹介します!
■KAKUMAKUSHAKA (LIVE)■
地元・ 沖縄に根を張り活動するカクマクシャカ。一定のジャンルに拘らず、様々な表現をしていく姿勢は、 加藤登紀子やshing02など世代もジャンルも越えた様々なアーティストとのコラボレーションを生み出してきた。
2007年には初の単独作品「シャカの掌の惑星」を沖縄限定でリリース。
またshing02と坂本龍一による「stop-rokkasho」 という青森県六ヶ所村の再処理工場に対してのプロジェクトに賛同、shing02ともに制作した楽曲「無知の知」 をホームページで公開している。
http://kakumakushaka.com/profile/

■ Live Art by Rah Akaishi ■
& Free Organic food sponsored by Tengu Natural Foods

■ Photos by Hiro Ikematsu (SET) ■

*Discount list 1500 yen
email: parties4peace@gmail.com

Event on IFLYER:
http://iflyer.tv/event/66983

INFO:
http://www.parties4peace.com/

*funds from this event go to support the OKINAWA PEACE PROJECT
to learn more about our project, visit our website:
http://www.us-for-okinawa.blogspot.com/

ぜひ遊びに来てください~!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

ECHO HYPE - fundraiser for the OKINAWA PEACE PROJECT










































NEXT EVENT:
9.12 (SUN) ECHO HYPE
Sunday afternoon party
at Favela in Aoyama
地図: http://www.favela.jp

DJs
Ryo Tsutsui (Eden / Weekend Warriorz )
Sho-hey (Octagon)
Sam Fitzgerald (P4P)
Bosh (Dial )
DJ Maada
Raha (Ooooze)

+ Live Art & Free Organic food
*Party from 16:00 ~ 24:00 / 2000 yen

*Discount list 1500 yen / email: parties4peace@gmail.com

INFO: http://www.parties4peace.com

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Beach Clean-up at Enoshima east beach



US for OKINAWA and PangeaSeed join together for a beach-clean up and eco-friendly lunch over the weekend!

We plan to organize another beach event next year for Ocean`s day (海の日) in Japan !

To see more photos, click here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/us.for.okinawa/BeachCleanUp#

Monday, August 23, 2010

Beach Clean-up & Party at On the Blue, Enoshima


You are invited to join us at Enoshima beach for our first Beach Clean-up action and Eco picnic just before the BCWW beach party starting at 2 pm! Our time table is below, please come meet at On the Blue beach house at 11 am for the beach clean-up and stay for the party (last track at 8 pm !) 今年はBCWWのビーチパーティー、8月29日(日)の朝から江ノ島ビーチCLEANUPキャンペーンをやります!そのあと、ゴミゼロ・ランチ、みんなでビーチでピックニックをして、マイ箸などを持ってきます!ゴミにならないようなランチです!その次はON THE BLUEのビーチハウスで...14:00~はDJタイムスタット!今回はDJs MX、Aosawa, Nobu, AhimsaもとくべつのDJセットやります!ぜひ遊びに来てください!


■ 8.29 ( SUN ) ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
Beach Clean-up & music event
at ON THE BLUE, Enoshima beach


■BEACH EVENT INFO: 8月29日(日)
このパーティーの収益金の20%はパンジャシードとUS for Okinawaの自然保護活動へと寄付されます。パーティーの当日は11:00よりボランティア活動として江ノ島ビーチの清掃を企画していますので皆さん是非参加して下さい!
Beach Clean-up from 11:00 am on Sunday, August 29th at Enoshima`s On the Blue Beach House ! 20% of the funds from the party will be donated to US for OKINAWA.

■EVENT Timetable for AUG 29 (SUNDAY):
10:45 * Meet at On the BLUE江ノ島ビーチハウス

11:00 * Volunteer Beach Clean up
ボランティア活動として江ノ島ビーチの清掃を企画します

12:30 * Zero-trash eco-picnic, bring your My Hashi / cups and veggie food!
ごみゼロランチ!みんなでピクニクする!(マイ箸などを持ってきてください!)

13:00 * While having lunch, PangeaSeed will give us a talk about the Ocean!
ランチを食べながら、PangeaSeedからの海についてのエコTalk!

14:00 * Beach Party starts! Live art, music !
BCWWのビーチパーティー!音楽、ライブアート、DJs!

20:00 * Party ends / パーティーEND!

20:30 * Quick beach clean up after the party
パーティーが終わったら、もう一回ビーチをキレイにする
21:30 FINISH 

■DJs

DJ NOBU // Future Terror

MX // Blackmaps / Real Grooves

Aosawa // KSR

Ahimsa // Burning Desire/Dakini


ACCESS: ON THE BLUE 江ノ島
■駅:片瀬江ノ島 (Odakyu line)

PARTY INFO HERE:
http://iflyer.tv/event/64753/Mariana-and-P4P-present-BCWW-BEACH-WEEKENDER-2010--ON-THE-BLUE-Enoshima-East-Beach/

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

US for OKINAWA participates in an art exhibit organized by PangeaSeed


This week, US for OKINAWA participated in the art exhibit, Shark Love, organized by PangeaSeed at Gallery T in Enoshima, Japan.

Coming up on AUG 29th (Sunday), both organizations will be supporting the BCWW music event and a beach clean-up in Enoshima at On the Blue Beach House.




Saturday, August 7, 2010

Save the Dugong group at AUDIO TOKYO MUSIC FESTIVAL


US for OKINAWA invites the "Save the Dugong" Group to the Audio Tokyo Music Festival at Harumi.

See their blog update and info here:

Monday, August 2, 2010

FUJI ROCK "OCEAN LOVE" at the NGO Village

富士ロックのNGO VILLAGEでOCEAN LOVEのブースを出しました!Fuji Rock NGO VILLAGE REPORT !

ステージ「Gypsey Avalon」を中心に、人権、平和、環境団体などがアピールブースを構える「NGO村」や「オーガニック村」「フリマーケット」「ワークショップ」 「マッサージテント」もあります。 朝霧 JAMS' ボランティアが運営する「朝霧食堂」では、焼きそば、MILK 食品にも注目!

We met Zach de la Rocha from Rage Against the Machine! He is truly a peace activist and amazing artist!




VIDEO AT FUJI ROCK !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqfXHH921WQ


FUJI ROCK 2010
NGO VILLAGE presents: OCEAN LOVE
US for OKINAWA + PangeaSeed
http://www.us-for-okinawa.blogspot.com
http://www.pangeaseed.com

Supported by:
http://www.peaceboat.org
http://www.parties4peace.com

Electricity used on this whole field is produced from bio diesel and solar power to tackle CO2 emission.
Chill out in this relaxed hospitality area, including Gypsy Avalon, the NGO Village, set up to appeal for human rights, environmental and peace causes, Organic Village, the Flea Market and workshops. Volunteers from Asagiri JAM helped to run 'ASAGIRI SHOKUDO'. Amazing experience !
http://www.fujirockfestival.com/news/
Location: Niigata, Japan

Monday, July 26, 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

US for OKINAWA & PangeaSeed Art Exhibit


PangeaSeed & US for OKINAWA present




























"Sea Change" - an exploration of the ocean`s beauty through music and art, our one-month exhibition will not only portray the aquatic marine life from the depth of the seas, but will also encourage our viewers to engage in more critical thinking about the current environmental and political dangers that our Oceans are facing today.

Join us for our Art Reception Party on June 13th (Sunday)
Place: Pink Cow, Shibuya
http://www.thepinkcow.com/

Time: 17:00 OPEN
Film: 17:20 SPECIAL SCREENING of the award-winning film Shark Water, followed by special guest speakers!

Music by London Calling / Cafe Kitsch crew/ Redolent
Live Acoustic set with Sunset Drive (www.sunsetdrive.jp)
Live art by Rah and Wrecks (www.sideroom.com/www.wrecks.jp)

500 Yen donation at the door with live music, art, poetry
*delicious food and drinks available at the bar*

INFO:
PANGEASEED http://www.pangeaseed.com/
US for OKINAWA http://www.us-for-okinawa.blogspot.com/

Japanese Information:

PangeaSeed & US for OKINAWA present:
"Sea Change" - 音楽やアートを通して海の素晴らしさを探求しよう!
この1ヶ月を通しての展示会は、奥深いマリンライフを描くだけではな く、今海が直面している政治的な問題や最近の環境への危機について、より批判的に考えていこうと働きかけるものです。

展示会期間:6 月1日〜30日
レセプションパーティあり :6月13日 (日)
場所: The Pink Cow 渋谷 www.thepinkcow.com
オープン: 17:00〜 
フィルム:17:20~ 『Shark Water』with スペシャルゲスト!!
入場:500円寄付のみ。
映像、ライブ、アート、詩、そしてスペシャルゲストあり。
* おいしい食べ物とドリンクあります*

Friday, May 21, 2010

SHORT DOCUMENTARY ABOUT OKINAWA

US for OKINAWA supports the work of free-lance journalist, Sonia Narang as she covers the topic of the bases in Okinawa. Please watch this short documentary to learn more !

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/jan-june10/okinawa_05-21.html

Sonia Narang covers Japan for GlobalPost (Globalpost.com). She is a multimedia reporter who previously worked as a video journalist for NBC News, where she reported, filmed, and edited stories for the "Nightly News" and Msnbc.com. She was also an associate interactive producer at the PBS international documentary program Frontline/World, where she reported an award-winning multimedia series in rural India. Sonia’s video and print work has also appeared in Forbes, the San Jose Mercury News, and The New York Times Magazine. She has filmed and photographed throughout Asia, and she lived in Japan six years ago.


LABOR BEAT presents a video about the OKINAWA RALLY on APRIL 25th
* ENGLISH SUBTITLES *

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GExkHh-VtK0
Photo by Jiji News Agency.

Friday, May 14, 2010

ACTION for OKINAWA , MAY 14th (Friday)


More than 500 people gathered on Friday, May 14th, for the Peace Action in front of the Diet Building in Tokyo - " NO Base Okinawa" gathering with various NGO`s such as Peace Boat, Green Peace, WWF, World Peace Now and more...

Interview with Mr. Teruya from Okinawa (Japanese)

5月14日、国会前に460名が集まり、首相官邸に向け「普天間基地撤去」のコールが響き渡った。(主催、「沖縄に基地はいらない」全国同時アクションTokyo)

VIDEO 14 MAY , 2010
"NO BASE OKINAWA"
SEE THE VIDEO ON YOU TUBE HERE


Produced: 2010/05/14
Duration: 4 minutes 22 seconds
File Size: 10.0 MB

Full description:

この行動は、4月25日に明治公園に1250人が参加して「NO BASE OKINAWA」の文字をキャンドルで浮かび上がらせた行動に続くもので、16日に沖縄現地で行われる普天間基地包囲行動に連帯する取り組みである。

鳩山首相は自ら決めた5月という期限を前に、とうとう辺野古桟橋案、鹿児島県徳之島移設案を「政府案」とするという暴挙に出た。これは、沖縄と徳之 島にとって全く容認できないという事は、すでに明々白々なのにである。政府は、官房長官を先頭にすでに反対を明確にしている徳之島に乗り込み、切り崩しま で図ろうとしている。5月の期限を守るという事は、県内移設、徳之島に移設ということであったのか!という落胆の声が沖縄で大きくなっている。しかしこの 局面は、鳩山政権大きな焦りをもあらわにした。今こそ、政府により大きな県内移設NO!の力を見せつけ、この時期に安易には決めてはならない!という力関 係を築く必要があるのだ。(湯本)

*映像に出てきた、「ナマケモノ倶楽部」の会員MLのやりとりから誕生した「最低でも県外、最高は…」ムーブメントについてのウェブサイトは、以下です。

http://www.sloth.gr.jp/aboutus/event/2010/nobase2.htm