Acting as a proxy for the national government, officials from the Fukuoka Prefectural Office exercised eminent domain to secure part of a mikan orchard in the path of the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway in Buzen City on July 14. The orchard owner, Eiichi Okamoto, had refused multiple purchase requests for the property for 16 years. He and his supporters were holed up in a makeshift shed on the land, but were forcibly removed. The shed was bulldozed and the land was turned over to highway operator NEXCO Nishinippon. Approximately 200 NEXCO employees were on hand for the land grab, and the company plans to move ahead with surveying and other preparatory work. The segment of highway running through the orchard is now slated to open next spring. Source: Nishinippon 7/15
(Photo for image purpose only)
