VFP Japan Speaking Tour #1 - Military Contamination in Nagoya, Japan is also caused by the locals
By Pat Elder
September 23, 2024
Professor Yoshimi Tsuboi points to deadly levels of PFAS contamination flowing from the Mitsubishi Heavy Industry's Plant at the Komaki Airport near Nagoya, Japan. The airfield is used jointly by US Forces Japan and Self Defense Forces, Japan.
Members of the VFP Peace Speaking Tour met with Dr. Tsuboi at a community center near Komaki Airport on August 7, 2024.
The U.S. military is known to poison the air, soil, groundwater, and surface water at its bases throughout Japan with a host of deadly contaminants. Little attention, however, is given to contamination caused by hometown actors like Mitsubishi and the Japanese military.
Japan is in denial about the environmental destruction caused by the Japanese military and industry. Dr. Tsuboi wants to shift some of the attention to the locals. He has tested water in the region and has found it is perpetually contaminated with per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS.
Final Assembly Hangar for the F-35 in Nagoya Japan.
Dr. Tsuboi brought us to the assembly hangar of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industry in the airport's terminal building. The site is the location of the final Lockheed Martin F-35 assembly plant in Japan. In a sense, this is the belly of the Asian beast.
The US and Japan have a deal worth $23.1 Billion for the purchase of 105 advanced fifth generation nuclear-capable F-35 fighter jets. This totals $220 million per plane. Ask the Japanese people and they’ll tell you there are better ways to spend this money. The Japanese become irate when they learn that this entire operation results in their environment being contaminated and their health seriously compromised.
There is a wave of indignation sweeping the country among increasing numbers who realize this militaristic bellicosity has an ugly side effect that may poison the unborn in future generations.
The Downs Law Group helps to make this work possible. Their support allows us to research and write about military contamination around the world. They’ve helped us buy hundreds of PFAS kits and they’ve helped pay for flights and hotels. The firm is working to provide legal representation to individuals in the U.S. and abroad with a high likelihood of exposure to a host of contaminants.
The Downs Law Group employs attorneys accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist those who have served in obtaining VA Compensation and Pension Benefits they are rightly owed.