Local News

Saturday, Sep. 22 will be the last night Japanese citizens can visit the area known as Galaxy on the US Naval base in Sasebo. The zone which hosts restaurants, bars and a nightclub was made open to the public (Japanese citizens over 18) on Saturday nights on Aug. 11. The initiative was seen as a step by the US military to foster good relations with the locals. The termination of the program comes after a reexamination of the program in which duty-free goods were sold to unauthorized personnel. Masato Shinozaki, the member of editorial staff of “Rimpeace”, a Japanese organization which is observing U.S. forces in Japan, pointed out that “the constant public opening of a service at U.S.base could be considered as business, which would run contrary to agreements.” A PR person of the base said “our initial purpose is to provide community place where Japanese citizen can experience American culture and exchange friendship with officers in the base. Even though we are ending this service, it doesn’t mean that we are totally closed to the public. We still have official opening days, and we would like many Japanese citizens to attend these events”. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 9/11 URL: http://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nnp/item/323291