Memorial Tower for the Reversion of Okinawa, dedicated on

May 15, 1972, when the United States returned Okinawa to

Japanese sovereignty – in a manner of speaking. It reads,

'Memorial Marking the Struggle to Return to the Homeland.'

 

 

Okinawa Deserves Long-Sought Freedom from American Bases (Tokushima Shimbun, Japan)

 

“U.S. base closures haven't proceeded as quickly as on the mainland, and Okinawa remains encumbered with 74 percent of U.S. military facilities in Japan. ... The reason Okinawa demanded a return to Japanese sovereignty was to achieve greater economic independence and life without bases. Hopefully now, the prefecture will be permitted to move closer to these goals, however fitfully.”

 

EDITORIAL

 

Translated By Violet Knight

 

May 16, 2012

 

Japan - Tokushima Shimbun – Editorial Page (Japanese)

Okinawa Prefecture Governor Hirokazu Nakaima is calling on Japan's central government to lift the tremendous burden of hosting almost 75 percent of U.S. military facilities in Japan. But with the rise of China and America refocusing its attention on the Asia-Pacific, his calls may go unanswered. BBC NEWS, U.K.: China, Japan and South Korea agree to hold free-trade talks, May 14, 00:02:38

Residents of Okinawa suffered vast casualties during the Pacific War, and the island was subsequently occupied by U.S. forces for a very long time. The movement calling for Okinawa’s return to Japanese rule finally bore fruit on May 15, 1972.

 

However, U.S. base closures haven't proceeded as quickly as on the mainland, and Okinawa remains encumbered with 74 percent of U.S. military facilities in Japan.

 

Efforts to invigorate the local economy have produced few notable results, and the struggle to achieve economic independence goes on.

 

The situation in Okinawa reflects Tokyo’s decision to concentrate the lion’s share of the burden of the U.S.-Japan alliance onto a tiny island. With the 40-year milestone upon us, we should pause and consider the origins of Okinawa’s return [to Japanese sovereignty].

 

Today of course, the big issue when it comes to recovering territory used for U.S. bases is of course the Futenma Air Station in Ginowan city.

Posted by Worldmeets.US

 

The governments of Japan and the United States had agreed to relocate the base to the Henoko district of Nago city, but a joint statement released last month suggested that other areas are being considered as well.

 

Given the reemergence of strong Okinawan opposition to relocating Futenma to Henoko, the idea of integrating forces at Futenma with those at the Kadena Air Base has resurfaced. The joint statement has added to the confusion. Whatever the case - permitting the Futenma Air Base, considered one of the most dangerous in the world, to become a permanent fixture, must be avoided at all costs.

 

The Futenma Marine Air Base in Okinawa: The almost legendary

aggravation of Okinawa residents with the noise of the base and

the disruption caused by the Marines that inhabit it is creating

big headaches for Japan's new government.

 

SEE ALSO ON THIS:
The Okinawa Times, Japan: It's Time to End Japan's 'Servitude to America'
Nishinippon Shimbun, Japan: It's Imperative for Japan to Look Outward Again
Nishinippon Shimbun, Japan: Revise ‘Inequitous’ U.S.-Japan Security Deal
Ryukyu Shimpo Shimbun, Japan: After Quake, Japan Can Ill Afford U.S. Base Repair
People's Daily, China: Australia Should Avoid Helping U.S. Hurt China's Interests
Australia: Aussie Coverage of Obama's Visit to Darwin; His Challenge to China
Isen Shimbun, Japan: Despite its Mistakes, Japan Needs U.S. More than Ever
The Hankyoreh, South Korea: Talk of Renewed North Korea-China Alliance
Huanqui, China: America Stirs Anti-China Fears in South China Sea
Mainichi Shimbun: China 'Mustn't Be Permitted' to Push Around its Neighbors
People's Daily, China: Clinton's 'Insults' Violate China's Human Rights
People's Daily, China: U.S. Internet Hypocrisy Creates Global Suspicion
Huanqui, China: U.S.-Listed Chinese Firms are Ruining China's Reputation
Huanqui, China: Blunt Talk Reflects Improved Sino-U.S. Military Relations

 

 

Okinawa Prefecture Governor Hirokazu Nakaima has said that, “I feel very strongly that the government should ensure fair treatment [in terms of bases] for Okinawa, and that other prefectures should share the burden.” His heartfelt words should not be taken lightly.

 

The relocation of other bases is also lagging behind, thanks to U.S. military strategy of positioning Okinawa as the “cornerstone of the Pacific.” With the backdrop of China’s emergence as a global player, Okinawa’s strategic importance has in fact risen in recent years.

 

But the status quo can no longer continue. The revenue derived from the presence of U.S. bases at the time of the handover 40 years ago amounted to 16 percent of residents’ gross income, whereas today it is has dropped to around 5 percent. Depending on how the land is used after the bases have been relocated, the local economy could be revitalized. In consultation with the United States, the Japanese government needs to come up with an early base closure strategy.

 

The U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement, which sets out the legal status of U.S. military personnel, has yet to be fully revised. While for serious crimes like murder, Japan can take custody of suspects before they are charged, fatal hit-and-run cases are exempt. The agreement should be amended as expeditiously as possible.

 

Over the last four decades, approximately 10 trillion yen [$128 billion] has been poured into “correcting the disparity between Okinawa and the mainland.” As a result, infrastructure such as roads has improved. However, the income of the average Okinawan is still only 70 percent of the national average, because reliance on public works has hindered the growth of the private economy.

 

As the core of its plan for a fifth round of stimulus, the government aims to “become a center for Asia-Pacific development.” The goal is to capitalize on Okinawa’s superior proximity to the Asian mainland and encourage international trade and tourism.

 

As a response, within the framework of the stimulus program, Okinawa will offer its own detailed plans. In the past, such plans were drawn up exclusively by the central government, resulting in tax relief and special economic zones that were never utilized. Policymakers should base such planning on local circumstances to come up with the wisest and most effective measures.

 

The reason Okinawa demanded a return to Japanese sovereignty was to achieve greater economic independence and life without bases. Hopefully now, the prefecture will be permitted to move closer to these goals, however fitfully.

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