HENOKO

In this page, we are going to talk about Henoko. Henoko is on the north east side of Okinawa. This name is often broadcast because of the new American base. So, even if you are not from Okinawa, you might have heard the name “Henoko.” And maybe, some of you don’t have a positive image of Henoko, because of such news, and you may be reluctant to visit here. But one thing what we want to express to you through this website is you should go there when you come to Okinawa.

              First, let us show you how you can get there. If you are south of Henoko, we think it is nice for you to drive route 329. Soon you’ll see the Camp Schwab on your right hand. There are some tents to protest the construction of new base in Henoko in front of Camp Schwab. There, you can hear the feelings of the people in tents. Some people experienced the war. You should hear the last voice of them.

              And next, we want to talk about Oura bay in Henoko. Here, you see many plants, then breathe in the fresh air. What a good thing! It will make you excited! Behind these plants, there is the beautiful sea. Your vision will be filled by the blue that the sea and the sky make. You can swim, dive and do anything that you want to. Look! There are many corals, sea-crabs and many kinds of shells on the bay. If you came to want to go, you should ask the way to there at the tents. Some kind people may navigate you.

             There are many beautiful beaches in Okinawa, but the reason we strongly recommend you to go to Henoko is because of one special point. This is that you sometimes see a dugong here. Dugong is an animal that is the origin of the mermaid myth. Moreover, Dugongs are threatened with extinction. So it will be an amazing experience for you to see them.

              In Japan, as you know, politicians have been discussing the American bases. People who live in the mainland of Japan may not care about this issue so much. And if you are a foreign person, you might never think about this at all. But this issue doesn’t only matter in Japan, but also in the world. If you go there, you can learn about the politics in Japan, especially the relationship between the mainland of Japan and Okinawa. It is true that Henoko has many problems, but it is also true that you will be moved by Henoko’s sea. So we recommend you to visit here to think about these issues and to see the beautiful see. Don’t avoid thinking.