The other campsite

The other campsite
July 8, 2008, 01:29
by Inoue Shunsuke

At present the anti-G8 movement activists are camping at the Shinrin (forest) Park campsite in Toyouracho. But did you know that there is another camp site near Toyoura station?

It's the Self Defense Forces (SDF) camp in Toyoura's Kaihin (seashore) Park. There are
more than 100 tents set up for the SDF forces at a campsite about 15 mintues by foot from Toyoura station. Looking over the rows of grey tents creates almost a surreal feeling. According to a sign near the entrance of the park that says "About Restricted Use of Kaihin Park, " the Park has been rented out by the SDF from Toyouracho for a full month, June 13-July 13. The reason given is to assist in the running of the Summit.

The "assistance in the running of the Summit" they refer to is clearly to protect the Summit from anti-G8 activity. Starting from July 7, I was able to witness their trucks repeatedly setting off in the direction of Shinrin Park, with sirens blaring. The people living around the park say, "Up until yesterday they never once used the siren. It's frightening to think the anti-G8 people might finally be clashing with the SDF."

There's also a sign at Shinrin Park that says, "About Restricted Use of Shinrin Park." This campsite also was rented from Toyouracho. The decisions to allow use of the campsites in Toyoura were both made by the local government. Sure there are plenty of people who would agree with the decision, but one wonders how much it reflects the judgment of the citizens of Toyoura.

Many of the residents say their "usually quiet town is now full of commotion and disturbance." The presence of the residents caught in the middle, is something that neither the Summit
supporters, nor the protestors should forget.