Key Facts
• June 2024: A 70-year-old woman protesting the Henoko relocation caused a fatal accident.
• A security guard, Yoshikazu Usami (47), was killed after being struck by a dump truck.
• Okinawa police plan to charge the woman with gross negligence manslaughter.
• Protesters claim an “unwritten rule” for truck movement was violated, causing the accident.
• The Ministry of Defense denies the existence of such a rule.
• Local media highlighted the issue of “double truck dispatch” as a safety concern.
• Police emphasize the protest itself as a key factor in the accident.
• Calls for guardrail installation have been resisted by Okinawa’s administration, citing pedestrian restrictions.
• The incident has sparked debates on protest safety and administrative accountability.
• The victim’s family demands justice and recognition of the loss.
Summary
A fatal accident during protests against the Henoko relocation project in Okinawa has led to the planned indictment of a 70-year-old woman for gross negligence manslaughter. The incident, which occurred in June 2024, involved the death of security guard Yoshikazu Usami, who was struck by a dump truck. Protesters argue that an unwritten safety rule was violated, while authorities attribute the accident to the protest itself. The case has reignited discussions on protest safety, administrative responsibility, and the need for preventive measures like guardrails. The victim’s family continues to seek justice and accountability.
