All TV networks reported today that the Okinawa Defense Bureau informed the Okinawa government this morning that earth pouring will start at a new section of the Henoko reclamation area as soon as preparations are completed. The TV networks explained that landfill operations started last December will reclaim around 6 hectares of land around the embankment in waters off Henoko, while work starting today will reclaim a section measuring some 33 hectares beside this section, and the two sections combined will make up around one-fourth of the total planned reclamation area. The defense bureau reportedly also plans to reclaim two more sections in the summer of 2020. NHK predicted that the new landfill work will intensify tensions between the Tokyo and Okinawa governments.

In this connection, NHK also reported that some 40 activists in canoes protested the new landfill operation, while 100 protesters demonstrated in front of the gate of Camp Schwab this morning.

All TV networks reported later that earth pouring has actually started in Henoko this afternoon.