the landfill work is needed to build a replacement base for the futenma air force station. onagawa's decision was suspended in october by the land minister. in november, he filed a request with the panel that settles disputes between the central and local governments. but on thursday, the panel rejected that request. onagawa now plans to file a lawsuit against the state to have the minister's suspension canceled. >>> more details are being revealed about a japanese freelance journalist in captivity in syria. sources say he went to the country to cover the humanitarian situation. he is believed to be missing after entering syria from southern turkey in late june. the international journalist association reporters without borders says that the al qaeda related group is holding him. the armed group is demanding a ransom for his release. nhk met a man in southern turkey shortly before the journalist entered syria. >> translator: he tried to report on the refugee situation and the syrian people's struggle. he asked me for help to enter syria. >> the man said he sought approval f