Q: I have lived in Negishi off and on for over 5 years. During my stay, it seems that there is a problem with the off-base parking between the main gate and the fire station. This area is clearly marked in English and Japanese as DoD/military property. Since the base is close to a popular park, the parking spaces on occasion are occupied with Japanese Kanji plates. These vehicles are not marked in any way as a family member/ student/guest of the base. I have had family members and English students unable to park there due to the number of cars. When CFAY Negishi was notified, they stated they could not do anything about the vehicles because the Japanese plates are not registered on the base. When the Japanese police showed up, they stated they could not do anything because it is U.S. property. How is it that both sides cannot do anything about this? I have all of my guests sign-in and list my last name, address on Negishi, and a cell phone number so I can be reached if there is a problem. I suggest that some kind of rule be made stating this and have violators removed and/or ticketed.

A: Thank you for your concern. You are correct that this is U.S. government property; this area was used as parking for family housing that existed at this location two decades ago. Since residents of the Negishi are afforded ample residential parking on base we have intentionally opted to not tow kanji plates parked at this location. Taking an assertive and aggressive stance would send the wrong message; many of these vehicles are friends and family members of residents, or as you indicated - English students. With no clear way to differentiate who is parking there and to avoid further confusion the signs identifying those parking spaces as DoD/military property will be removed.