Michael McNally, 36
Engineer (Irish)
I think it reflects the politics of the situation based on the economic climate and the potential threat from North Korea. (Former Prime Minister Yukio) Hatoyama's options were very limited. But he did go back on his election promise.
Enid Lee, 46
University professor (Japanese)
It's a disgrace that Hatoyama broke his promise to move the base off the island. He seemed to think that if he kept apologizing, Okinawans would forgive and forget — that was never going to happen.
Thomas Nilsson, 32
Student (Swedish)
Hatoyama shouldn't have gone back on his promise. If he promised to move the base outside Okinawa, he should have honored that. And he should have taken steps to protect the marine environment.
Satoshi Miyahira, 44
Electrical engineer (Japanese)
It is a very difficult problem but I agreed with Hatoyama's decision because it was the only way to settle this difficult question. In years to come this won't seem like it was such a big deal.
Yukiki Irei, 19
Student (Japanese)
The sea is beautiful in Henoko and it's wrong to damage our natural environment for the sake of an army base. Once nature is destroyed it's impossible to get it back again.
Robin Smith, 29
Scientist (Canadian)
I heard it was bad for the dugong (a kind of sea mammal) population to build the base in Henoko, so that would be a concern. It seems a bit arbitrary to move it for political reasons.
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