| PRINCIPAL POLICIES
OF THE TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT |
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| Profile
For Tokyo Metropolis, the ultimate goal with regard to the United
States Air Force Base at Yokota is to have the entire facility
returned to Japanese hands. As an interim action plan until such
restoration can be achieved, the TMG is appealing to the national
government to negotiate for Yokota Airfield on the basis that
it be opened up for use by private aviation. In addition, the
TMG is publicizing the issue to Tokyo's citizens in order to swing
public sentiment in this direction.
Because Yokota Airfield contains a runway 3,350 meters in length,
the availability of access to private aircraft would dramatically
improve air travel for the western part of the Greater Tokyo Area,
bolster economic activity and have other positive effects on the
area.
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TMG Approaches
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In demands submitted to the national government, the TMG has,
among its foremost priorities, proposed the improvement, downsizing
and return of United States bases, while at the same time promoting
the shared use of such facilities as an interim measure until the
facilities are finally returned to Japan.
With regard to Yokota Airfield, the TMG has expressed its desire
to open up the facility to use by private aviation. (June 1999 ~)
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Within the "Report on the Yokota Base Study and General
Situation Survey" (October 1999), the TMG expressed its projections
for private aviation demand, economic effects and other areas. |
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The "Group to Consider Private Use of Yokota Base"
was formed and continues to study the potential for the private
sector to utilize the base. |
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Within the "Basic Policy for Aviation" (December 2000),
the "Tama Future Vision 2001" (August 2001) and other
policy statements, mention is made of the need for private sector
use of Yokota Airfield. |
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Efforts are to be advanced to galvanize public opinion through
Internet and printed PR campaigns, and by approaching the local
business community and other target groups. |
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During a visit to the United States in October 2002, Tokyo Governor
Shintaro Ishihara held talks with U.S. government leaders and other
figures that included the proposal for shared use of Yokota Airfield.
Such efforts have succeeded in winning understanding on the American
side of the importance of this issue in high-level government talks
between Japan and the U.S. This was followed up with the May 2003
accord to examine the matter of sharing U.S. bases at Japan-U.S.
summit meetings |
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