Iwakuni Officials Intensify Protests Against US Military Fighter Noise

Local Officials Demand End to Noisy US Military Drills

Iwakuni, Japan – Japanese civil officials, led by Iwakuni City Mayor Yoshihiko Fukuda, have escalated their protests to the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, demanding an immediate cessation of noisy fixed-wing field carrier landing practices (FCLP) by US Marine Corps aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni. The renewed calls come after recent FCLP training sessions, which were relocated to Iwakuni, generated widespread complaints from local residents regarding severe noise pollution.

On Thursday, November 17, 2025, multiple meetings were held where officials reiterated their 'fundamental stance' that they 'cannot accept the conduct of FCLP training at Iwakuni Base, which causes severe noise pollution,' according to an Iwakuni City news release. This follows earlier protests in September 2025 when a delegation, including Mayor Fukuda, raised concerns after training by Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 of the USS George Washington (CVN-73) overlapped with a national holiday and extended beyond agreed-upon hours.

Escalating Noise Concerns and Community Impact

The FCLP exercises, which involve aircraft like the F-35C, F/A-18E, F/A-18F, EA-18G, and E-2D, are critical for qualifying aircrews for carrier operations but have a significant impact on the daily lives of Iwakuni residents. Reports indicate that the F-35 Lightning II, a prominent aircraft in these drills, is notably loud, with studies suggesting it is four times louder than the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

During a three-day period in September, 704 flights during FCLP drills resulted in 496 complaints to the city government. Noise monitoring devices have recorded levels exceeding 70 dB 851 times in one instance, and up to 88.3 decibels during late-night operations. Residents have also filed hundreds of complaints regarding operations conducted beyond stipulated hours. Yamaguchi Governor Tsugumasa Muraoka, who inspected the training, noted that 'the noise is so loud that you can't hear conversations' and emphasized the 'extremely large' impact on citizens.

Relocation Dilemma and Official Responses

The current FCLP training at MCAS Iwakuni is a temporary measure. The U.S. Navy typically conducts these exercises at Iwo Jima (Iwo To), a remote island. However, volcanic activity on Iwo Jima since September 1, 2025, forced the relocation of the training to Iwakuni. The U.S. Navy has stated its awareness of noise concerns and its efforts to minimize impact while balancing the obligation to maintain operational readiness for the defense of Japan.

Japanese officials have acknowledged the necessity of the training for the U.S.-Japan Alliance. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi expressed sympathy for the concerns raised by Iwakuni City officials and stated the Ministry of Defense would consider actions. Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Eri Arfiya described the situation as 'exceptional circumstances' and pledged to work with the Ministry of Defense to minimize impact and accelerate the construction of a permanent FCLP facility.

Long-Term Solutions and Ongoing Tensions

A long-term solution involves the construction of a purpose-built FCLP training base on Mageshima Island. However, this project has faced delays, with completion now anticipated in 2030, pushed back from an initial target of 2027, due to labor and material shortages. The Japanese government continues to urge the U.S. to conduct training elsewhere and to accelerate the Mageshima project.

The issue of noise pollution from military aircraft is not new to Iwakuni. Residents have previously pursued legal action, with a lawsuit in 2009 resulting in JPY 735 million (USD 5.66 million) in damages for noise pollution, though it failed to secure a ban on military flights. The ongoing protests highlight the persistent tension between national security requirements and the quality of life for communities hosting military bases in Japan.