Symbol of anti-airport movement in Narita removed

A building that was once a stronghold for opponents of Narita airport has been demolished, despite opposition from activists.

The building, located within Narita airport, near Tokyo, was a symbol of the movement that began in 1966 when the Japanese government decided to expropriate land from farmers to build the airport.

The airport's operator said the building was hampering the construction of a taxiway.

In May this year, the Tokyo High Court ruled in favor of the airport operator and ordered the removal of the structure.

The demolition work began early Saturday morning amid protests from activists.
A member of the group said it was regretful that the symbolic structure was demolished by force.

The president of Narita International Airport Corporation, Kosaburo Morinaka, said that the airport is the gateway to Japan and the company is determined to keep it operating smoothly.