A key bill that would regulate the use of land around facilities deemed vital for national security purposes passed a Lower House committee on May 28, triggering criticism from residents of Okinawa Prefecture that the legislation is targeting local residents opposed to military bases.
Residents of the islands of Yonaguni and Miyakojima, where facilities to be designated as "special monitored zones" under the new legislation are located, have criticized the move, saying the government should provide an explanation as to why the legislation is necessary.
The government has said that it can issue recommendations and orders to stop acts by individuals and groups who "hinder the functions" at a designated area where facilities important for national security are located. Those designated areas include Self-Defense Forces bases as well as remote islands located near national borders.