Since 1975
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Home
  • Japan
  • Landowner continues struggle against expansion of Narita Airport

Landowner continues struggle against expansion of Narita Airport

Activists celebrated the mass demonstrations in the 1970s that disrupted the construction and opening of the airport near Tokyo. (ANJP)
Activists celebrated the mass demonstrations in the 1970s that disrupted the construction and opening of the airport near Tokyo. (ANJP)
Activists celebrated the mass demonstrations in the 1970s that disrupted the construction and opening of the airport near Tokyo. (ANJP)
Activists celebrated the mass demonstrations in the 1970s that disrupted the construction and opening of the airport near Tokyo. (ANJP)
Activists celebrated the mass demonstrations in the 1970s that disrupted the construction and opening of the airport near Tokyo. (ANJP)
Activists celebrated the mass demonstrations in the 1970s that disrupted the construction and opening of the airport near Tokyo. (ANJP)
Activists celebrated the mass demonstrations in the 1970s that disrupted the construction and opening of the airport near Tokyo. (ANJP)
Activists celebrated the mass demonstrations in the 1970s that disrupted the construction and opening of the airport near Tokyo. (ANJP)
Short Url:
09 Jan 2023 08:01:49 GMT9
09 Jan 2023 08:01:49 GMT9

Arab News Japan

TOKYO: SHITO Takao, one of the last landowners to hold out against the expansion of Narita Airport, held a New Year party on Sunday with hundreds of fellow activists.

Together, they celebrated the mass demonstrations in the 1970s that disrupted the construction and opening of the airport near Tokyo.

Because he is one of the last landowners holding out against construction, the airport’s second runway had to be shortened and a fence erected around his small landholding.

Mediation and a proposal for compensation was made by the Narita Airport company, but the farmer refused, saying he wanted to keep and cultivate the field of his ancestors. The land has been in his family for around 100 years.

In September 2022, the court ordered his eviction by the police on the grounds that he could not prove that he owned the land, something he and his lawyers dispute.

Expulsion might occur at any time of the day or night and guards have been put in place to protect the field. Volunteers take turns monitoring the movements of the police.

At the party, many speeches were made punctuated by the sound of planes taking off and landing. Various organizations condemned the expulsion plan and supporters denounced the “militarization” of the airport, which is regarded as part of Japan’s national security by the government of Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio.

Shito fights on despite the pressure. A guard tower which was erected in 1971 is in danger of being destroyed along with protest signs.

In a corner of Shito’s land is a grave in which lies the leader of the students who participated in the fight against the expropriations in the 1970s. It is a reminder of how seriously those opposed to the forced sale of land for the airport fought for their cause.

topics
Most Popular
Recommended

return to top