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U.S. appeals court revives suit over U.S. military base in Japan

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" However, they determined there was NO Significant impact from the GOBS & GOBS of Trash that is thrownin the same waters, day after day ".

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Schopenhauer,

You seem not to understand that Okinawa's struggles against the Henoko base construction are not only for the sake of Okinawa but also for the sake of an independent Japan. You misunderstand those anti-base activists at Henoko are sitting in and protesting all these years for Okinawa's independence. But that's far from truth.

As I posted on another thread, the Henoko base construction is nothing different from selling or giving away a part of Japan's own territory to a foreign power because U.S. bases in Japan, particularly those in Okinawa, are like concessions in 19th-century China where the foreign residents -- U.S. military personnel, their dependents and civilian employees -- enjoy perquisites (extraterritorial rights) guaranteed by the Japan-U.S. security treaty. They are exempt from Japanese law, forming their own self-sufficient communities complete with movie theaters, supermarkets, schools, recreation centers, golf courses and what not. The bases are interconnected with each other, thus forming a colossal, integrated colony. 

Don't you think the central government is committing hight reason by building another base on top of already existing ones, making Okinawa a permanent U.S. military colony? Are you Japanese or do you identify yourself as a U.S. citizen?

4 ( +9 / -5 )

I have never seen a dudong. In all my conversations with other divers and snorkelers, none have ever made mention of a dudong.

From National Geographic, 10 years back

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/070823-dugongs.html

4 ( +4 / -0 )

(The last paragraph revised)

Droll Quarry,

I ask you, voiceofokinawa, are you the voice of all the people or do you just hate Americans enough that you will abandon the real needs of the Okinawan people in order to get rid of the gaijins?

I'm not the voice of Okinawa but a voice of many voices of Okinawa, but I'm sure my voice represents the majority of Okinawa's. Certainly, there's a fringe group of right-wingers in Okinawa who favors Okinawa as a permanent U.S. military military colony ( aka pseudo-occupation in my view). But their voice is very small and minuscule and off the track of the general concensus of Okinawa.  You may be associated with this group and see Okinawa's base issues through their biased and myopic view point. They claim they're patriots but, no, they are pseuto-patriots and, like those in the powers that be, feel no qualms to sell Okinawa to a foreign power, the U.S.

If you think I am anti-U.S., then you and these pseudo-patriots you are closely asociated with are anti-Okinawan and, no doubt, anti-Japanese because they are all part of the same gang who are intent on selling Okinawa to the U.S..

You're very naive if you think the duly-elected government of Japan invited U.S. troops to Japan to defend it. In other words, you think U.S. troops are invited guests here. But, I ask you, do invited guests behave themselves and blatantly demand for what they want?  Demanding Futenma be relocated to Heoko in spite of strong local opposition is the case at point.  

Or are these U.S. troops marcineries the Japanese government employs by paying so much money and giving so many perquisites to fend off enemy invasion? In a certain way, they are. 

But they are neither invited guests nor merceneries but none other than occupation forces carried over seamlessly from the Occupation period.  Otherwise, you can't explain this excessive military presence with so many bases that occupy so nuch land.  If you don't like what I'm saying, do something to address this abnormal state of affairs; ask Washington's Japan hands to make efforts to reduce this over-excessie military footprint.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Back. to. original court. Don't celebrate yet. Some. Issues. may be. dismissed.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Many land grabbers who are also dugong killers must be crying in their sleep now.

Salute to Mr. Peter Galvin and a big thumbs down to 'Crimea of Asia' co-perpetrator judge Edward Chen.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Isn't it annoying when the peasants won't just roll over and go away?

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Henoko base construction is nothing different from selling or giving away a part of Japan's own territory to a foreign power because U.S. bases in Japan, particularly those in Okinawa, are like concessions in 19th-century China

Except, Japan retains administrative control of the land, land owned by private parties remains in their's with more than fair compensation for its' use, and they have protection from one of the world's most advanced countries.

 U.S. military personnel, their dependents and civilian employees -- enjoy perquisites (extraterritorial rights) guaranteed by the Japan-U.S. security treaty. They are exempt from Japanese law,

That is an outright lie.. absolute ignorance if you believe that. They are required to follow Japanese Law, American Law, and Military Directives.

forming their own self-sufficient communities complete with movie theaters, supermarkets, schools, recreation centers, golf courses and what not. The bases are interconnected with each other, thus forming a colossal, integrated colony.

That's another ridiculous exaggeration. Except for a bus line that can transport people between bases, no they're not interconnected (Do you even live in Okinawa?). Most of the people that come here are here for 3 years or less so they'll need to buy American products or else they will be completely unusable when they return to the US, so yes they have their own stores and theaters on some bases. Schools and recreation centers; kids need to learn and people need to stay fit... your gripe with it makes no sense. You still haven't figured out the definition of a colony yet either.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

It pains me that outside forces have taken over Okinawa politics and are misleading segments of the Okinawan people with misinformation and propaganda.

No offence, but aren't you an "outside force"?

You can still love Okinawa and its people without the US military there.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

I'm not the voice of Okinawa but a voice of many voices of Okinawa, but I'm sure my voice represents the majority of Okinawa's. Certainly, there's a fringe group of right-wingers in Okinawa who favors Okinawa as a permanent U.S. military military colony ( aka pseudo-occupation in my view). But their voice is very small and minuscule and off the track of the general concensus of Okinawa.

That is a case of distorted reality. You are not a majority and are an annoying fringe group. Unfortunately you have the attention of SJWs that keep you all afloat. Outside of Onaga's election, a win that came highly on a lack of trust and quality of improvement under Gov Nakaima..."All Okinawa" has been ineffective in the polls.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

yubaru,

I told you before that have been living in Yokhama now for over 4 years but before that I was living in Okinawa for a long period of time.

As far as American Village and Hamby town goes they were built on land that was formerly the U.S. Army's Hamby Airfield. Yes it was located across from Camp Foster next to the Kitamae Area but it covered an area that included what is now known as Hamby Town and American Village. Please read this article from the Japan National Tourism Web Site.

Mihama American Village, in Mihama District, Chatan Town, in the southern part of Okinawa Island is a large-scale resort town, where facilities including stores, restaurants, large supermarkets, and amusement facilities such as a cinema and indoor swimming pools, are all gathered in one place. The idea for this village, built on a former U.S. Forces airfield, came from Seaport Village, a shopping mall in San Diego, U.S.A. As the name shows, the place is brimming with the atmosphere of West Coast U.S.A. 

Please read this article from the Stars and Stripes dated 2006 that is an interview with Morimasa Sakumoto, assistant chief of Chatan’s planning section.

The U.S. Army’s Hamby Air Field, about 105 acres, and an adjacent firing range of about 57 acres on the west side of Highway 58 were returned in 1981.

“With more than 60 percent of the town’s surface area … occupied by the military, Chatan was known as a town without a face,” Sakumoto said. “It was our dream to develop our town with a local character that we could be proud of.”

Hamby Town’s development began in 1990 with the opening of a large shopping mall near Camp Foster. Small shops, boutiques, specialty stores and restaurants followed, filling the former airstrip.

Later the area was expanded to what is now known as the American Village, the northern anchor of the business zone.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Theres a reason why Naha and Nago are the only towns with Onaga supporting mayors. The fact that most of Okinawa elected representatives that support the central government is a true testament to the majority of Okinawans lack of support for the Anti-Base side

2 ( +2 / -0 )

give up already

1 ( +6 / -5 )

We are sick of Okinawa as much as we are so of Korea.

No, you are only sick of the noise that you choose to allow the media to keep feeding you. If the media would, for once, tell all sides of the story, you would be singing a different tune.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

So, they continue further proceedings of the court case in the 9th Circuit Court. Regardless of the decision the GOJ does not have to abide by it. Not only that, but if the GOJ tells the US military they have to vacate MCAS Futenma and occupy the air station built onto Camp Schwab than the USMC will have to abide by that decision regardless of how this case ends up.

So what's the purpose of continuing this case? This is a waste of tax payer dollars, the 9th Circuit Court does not decide Japan's defense strategy.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Don't you think the central government is committing hight reason by building another base on top of already existing ones, making Okinawa a permanent U.S. military colony? Are you Japanese or do you identify yourself as a U.S. citizen?

I identify as a US citizen that was invited by the duly elected and recognized government of Japan to come to Japan and engage in joint military activities with the Armed Forces of Japan known as the Japan Self Defense Force. I have been on Okinawa for over 30 years and have come to love it and it's people. It pains me that outside forces have taken over Okinawa politics and are misleading segments of the Okinawan people with misinformation and propaganda. These people have no interest in Okinawa or its people and only want to use it to further their goals. If you identify as Okinawan, you should remove your tunnel vision glasses that only focus on getting rid of the US bases and focus on getting rid of the politicians that are feeding on hate mongering to stay in power. These politicians are using the bases and US forces as the cause for all things that are wrong, they covertly fan gaijin hate rhetoric and prey upon the elderly on Okinawa. What do you think would happen if the US picked up and left tomorrow? Don't you think Japan would have to shift the same military footprint into Okinawa to keep the balance of power in this region? Would it be ok with you if China started building air bases on yaeyama? I actually agree with you that the US should leave Okinawa, but I strongly believe and hope the US will not leave because a group of outside infiltrators usurped the best interests of the Okinawan people, then mislead them into a torch and pitchfork situation that forces the US to do something hastily that leaves Okinawa to the wolves.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

CrucialIS,

I don't know how you can fix traffic congestion and economic problems on Okinawa without addressing the base problems and reduce their sizes to return more land to local use. It seems to me that the most vibrant economic areas on Okinawa are the Naha Shintoshin Area which used to be the Machinato Housing Area for the Army, the American Village area in Chatan which used to be Hamby Airfield for the Army and the new AEON Mall Rycom which used to be Awase Golf Course for the Marine Corps. When base land gets returned and developed for local use it means more economic opportunities for people living on the local economy on Okinawa both Japanese and Foreigners.

Drunk driving is a personal responsibility and should not be blamed on any governor. Japanese drunk driving laws are very strict already so I don't know what more the governor could do. I don't know much about Japanese Schools on Okinawa because I sent my child to Okinawa Christian School but maybe you could ask the Japanese Govt. to build the same type of schools for the children on Okinawa that they build for the U.S. Military Children inside the bases because they are really nice.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Whatever Calif. Court decide will be nullified because Okinawa hasn't been presented to California by Japan yet.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

fix traffic congestion and economic problems on Okinawa without addressing the base problems and reduce their sizes to return more land to local use.

The two has not much to do with the other,especially the economy part.

How does presence of a US military base hinder economy?

Basically that is a piss pour excuse for not trying and don't tell me there are no solution because I gave an example above.

Same with traffic congestion since the governor can sure use his influence towards the central government to develop mass transit systems in exchange of cooperation which I have not heard of.

Basically he is not fit to negotiate.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@voice,

I've been living in Okinawa for years and I know what is real and what is doctored. I KNOW this community that I'm deeply a part of. I call that movement the annoying fringe because that is exactly what it is. All Okinawa has experienced more defeats than victories, most towns and cities had leadership that support the transfer of Futenma to Camp Schwab, and the only thing you can use to back up the weak concept it's a minority is biased Ryukyu Shimpo and Times polls.

The average Okinawan is not represented by the Anti-Base crowd and they're consider them the butt of a bad joke. Your voice does not reflect the voice of the majority

1 ( +2 / -1 )

 The opposition was born spontaneously and people participated in sit-ins in front of Camp Schwab's gate of their own will.

Yeah yeah, lefties from mainland Japan and foreigners.

Still not what you call majority of Okinawans by any means.

Okinawa's agony

True Okinawan's agony is people like you who withhold Okinawa's progress by not being able to negotiate more smartly with the central government in demanding funds which will uplift Okinawa's economy for the Okinawa people and not waste time for a meaningless cost which may provide funds for your personal agenda but helps no others on the islands.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Triring,

Can't you understand the U.S. is the very reason and the culprit causing this agony of Okinawa's with so many bases planted here? Remove them if not all.  Reduce this exorbitant military footprint.

Even conservative and hitherto pro-base politicians are beginning to realize bases are a hindrance to economic development. Look at Naha's Omoromachi district as evidence, where employment was negligible -- jobs such as house maids and gardeners -- when it was a sprawling housing area for the families of U.S. army personnel. Now it's become one of the thriving commercial districts with employment increasing hundreds of times now. 

CrucialS:

Protesters coming from mainland Japan are the people who understand and deeply sympathize with Okinawa's struggles to reduce the burden and sacrifice forced upon Okinawa. If some people were affiliated with a certain political party, they are certainly not working in line with "China's agenda", as you say. They are the people who recognize the Okinawa issue is not simply a local issue but the whole nation's issue per se.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

CrucialS,

Have you been to these rallies and seen enthusiastic crowds voicing against U.S. base-derived problems of various kinds, or are you saying things only through hearsay?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

CrucialS,

Just wandering by these crowds doesn't tell the number of people opposing the Henoko relocation plan which you assume is small and minuscule. You have to be in the venue where rallies are held, feel the air and also examine the statistics. 

There was a violent clash between the white supremacy demonstrators and people opposing them at Charlottseville, Virginia recently.

Rallies and anti-base demonstrations in Okinawa are not as violent and destructive as you might expect, like you see in the streets of big U.S. cities. Rather, gatherings are very gentle and peaceful, sometimes giving a mistaken impression of a sports event. The last two rallies in Naha were held at a baseball stadium and a truck field. Yes, there often occur small skirmishes between hot-blooded group of protesters and police riot  squads in front of Camp Schwab's gate from time to time. But, as a whole, protests and sit-ins at Henoko and Takae are as peaceful as can be

Your non-political and nonchalant neighbors, coworkers and friends may tell you there's nothing to worry about these anti-base crowds, which is why you could wander by them. And because of the lack of violence you get the impression that supporters for Gov. Onaga's anti-Henoko stance are small n number.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I think damaging coral ,eeefs may be affected this time. And plaintiff stopped tinclude non landlord to complain lands were stolen.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Yubaru,

All along this poster has been yelling for MCAS Futenma to be moved outside of Okinawa, and now starts with a new line of saying that the Okinawan protests regarding the move of the base are for the sake of an independent Japan?

Okinawa's protest against the Henoko relocation and for the immediate, unconditional closing of the Futenma air station is not necessarily carried out with recovering Japan's genuine sovereignty in mind.  But I think it never fails to boil down to this. You and Schopenhauer must undertstand this.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

I'm sure my voice represents the majority of Okinawa's.

Pretty vague words, what do you want?

An independent Okinawa?

If I recall the party that placed that as their manifesto only gained 6% of the last local election.

No US base but still wants protection from other invading forces?

Sorry but that is just childish fantasy that everyone hopes for but nobody really believes in.

Either case calling that as a majority is a bit of stretch don't you think?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Is Futema property ownrts suing or soomebbbodt else suing?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

CrucialS (Aug. 22 10:57 pm JST):

That is a case of distorted reality. You are not a majority and are an annoying fringe group. Unfortunately you have the attention of SJWs that keep you all afloat. Outside of Onaga's election, a win that came highly on a lack of trust and quality of improvement under Gov Nakaima..."All Okinawa" has been ineffective in the polls.

Let me say it this way. Opposition to Futenma's relocation to Henoko and demand for Futenma's removal from Okinawa completely is the voice of the majority of Okinawa's population. Denying this reality and calling the view reflecting this reality "distorted" are like a U.S. President criticyzing the media, saying they are reporting fake news about the decline of his popularity among voters. 

The fact that the majority of Okinawans oppose the Henoko relocation plan is shown by rally after rally, demonstration after demonstration in front of Camp Schwab's gate, voters' voting for anti-Henoko candidates in various elections on municipal and national level, and polls regularly conducted. 

I'm with them one hundred percent. Therefore, my voice represents the majority of Okinawa's voice. How dare can you call this majority voice that of "an annoying fringe group"? (In Kobe)

0 ( +1 / -1 )

by rally after rally, demonstration after demonstration in front of Camp Schwab's gate,

Yeah,yeah but how many are actually Okinawans?

We already know that many are agitators from outside Okinawa. Using that as an example to state it is majority of Okinawans is basically a shame and you know it.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

yubaru,

https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/spot/shopping/mihamaamericanvillage.html

I suggest you contact the Japan National Tourist Office and tell them of their mistakes.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

CrucialS:

You blast me by saying that my opinion -- to remove the Futenma air station unconditionally or at least outside Okinawa and never relocate it within Okinawa -- is a minor voice entertained by an annoying fringe group in Okinawan society. To hear it is like hearing the sun revolve around the earth, and that the sun-centered theory is wrong, biased and distorted.

It's true that several municipalities have elected anti-Onaga candidates as the heads of their municipalities. They are usually strongly backed by the LDP with lavish campaign funds provided. So let's wait and see how the upcoming Nago mayoral election in February next year will result in. Certainly, the election will be centered around the Henoko relocation issue.

In other municipalities, such as Miyakojima City and Urasoe City, the Henoko relocation issue never became an election issue. In Ginowan City, where USMC Air Station Futenma sits, the incumbent mayor and candidate Atsushi Sakima, intentionally avoided the Henoko relocation issue, instead concentrating in how the city can make economic development, emphasizing it’s beneficial for Okinawa to keep ties, political or economic, with the central government.

Of course, I am disappointed at these municipalities but I can't blame the voters because it's usually the case anywhere in the world in which nonpolitical people are inclined to succumb to the "nagaimono-niwa-makarero" or "Submit yourself to the strong current" (You can't fight the city hall) mentality. Doesn't this happen in the United States?

Triring,

We already know that many are agitators from outside Okinawa. Using that as an example to state it is majority of Okinawans is basically a shame and you know it.

Was it agitators from mainland Japan who agitated and arouse Okinawa's public opinion to oppose the Henoko relocation? You are completely wrong. The opposition was born spontaneously and people participated in sit-ins in front of Camp Schwab's gate of their own will. 

There may be some protesters from the mainland, but they are most welcome in Okinawa because, unlike nonchalant mainlanders, they seriously consider Okinawa's agony to be their own and also because they understand Okinawa suffers meaninglessly in exchange for the putative security the Marine expeditionary units are said to provide. (In Naha, back from Kobe)

0 ( +1 / -1 )

There may be some protesters from the mainland, but they are most welcome in Okinawa because, unlike nonchalant mainlanders, they seriously consider Okinawa's agony to be their own and also because they understand Okinawa suffers meaninglessly in exchange for the putative security the Marine expeditionary units are said to provide. (In Naha, back from Kobe)

Those protesters from the mainland are backed by the JCP and JSP who are mainly interested in getting the U.S. out of Okinawa in line with China's agenda and using Okinawa as a means to that end.  Of course you would welcome them their support.  "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If the dugong is so important, why don't they tag them so they can track their locations. Has there ben any sightings for the last few years?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

SchopenhauerToday 07:18 am . We are sick of Okinawa as much as we are so of Korea.

Yea but we really need Okinawa. It's a lot more than the trip-wire we have in ROK.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Excuse me the Northern California District Court*

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@Toasted Heretic, 

For us and the large majority of people living in Okinawa, we are sick of this one issue platform controlling Okinawa politics.  The Prefecture's government has been neglecting us for a years. We have issues completely unrelated to the bases that are way more important, problems with quality of schools, traffic congestion, drunk driving, and a lack quality employment opportunities forcing educated Okinawans elsewhere for work. The current governor has done absolutely nothing to address these issues but he's focused a great deal of time, money, and attention to the bases (which does not fix the more important issues).    

The fact that a large majority of participation in the anti-base comes from outside the prefecture, yes, its outside forces. Meanwhile we're stuck with the crap end of the stick.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Okinawa will benefit so much if she takes the same route as the American Caribbean pleasure cruise, Okinawa being the home port with pleasure cruisers hoping from one island to the next all the way to Taiwan and the Philippines.

Have the Japanese government call it a special economy district (strictly) on the boats and legalize gambling on them.

It could lure pensioners and create a lot of jobs as well.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

iluvyokohama,

Well, the other posters have already hit a lot of what you said but ill reiterate the points.

Traffic- the bases are not really the locations of the issues or responsible for them. A lot of it has to do with the tourism boom and lack of other forms of mass transit. As one poster mentioned, the Governor actually has a great bargaining tool to get mass transit such as rail and extension to the monorail built on the island but cannot figure out how to compromise in order to get improved infrastructure for the people.

Schools- they basically build the school the same. It's poor management and appropriation of funds by the prefecture that effects the quality IMHO. The DOD runs the school system on bases so that has nothing to do with the Japanese.

Economy- the bases don't hinder the economy or employment opportunity the Prefecture has just put all their eggs in the tourism industry basket. Tourism only provides service industry level jobs which is not very high paying. Most educated Okinawans are forced to move to the Mainland to get paid a wage the is equivalent to their level of education. The bases don't stop major industries from opening up shop in Okinawa, its the prefecture that needs to court and incentivize high paying industries like pharm and tech to open up shop in the prefecture.
-1 ( +1 / -2 )

As far as American Village and Hamby town goes they were built on land that was formerly the U.S. Army's Hamby Airfield. Yes it was located across from Camp Foster next to the Kitamae Area but it covered an area that included what is now known as Hamby Town and American Village. Please read this article from the Japan National Tourism Web Site.

Dude dont believe everything you read. I was here when the landfill was built. You know that river that runs around the outer ring of American village? That is one huge sign of just where the landfill project took place, the entire area, including the parking lot, AEON, MAKEMAN, Dragon Palace, and American Village are on landfill property.

Like I said dont believe everything you read.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Wrooong court. First collect the signing of Okinawans residents. make suture signed theiname top to bottom. Then withe what you are. appealing in several pages. Place on top of name pages. Submit to a Japanese court. No matter what California attorneys say, don't go to California Courts.. Speak in Japanese.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

It's those people from the mainland vice Okinawans that make up the majority of the activist. Especially during the large annual rallies.

Okinawans really don't support that group.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

hahaha yea I've wandered by those "crowds" a couple of times and even traveled up and visited the tents by Camp Schwab. Going there has confirmed what my neighbors, coworkers, and friends tell me that those people do not represent the majority of the people of Okinawa.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Okinawa dugong, an endangered marine mammal that resembles a manatee.

I have been on Okinawa for many years and dived just about every puddle big enough to cover my head. I have never seen a dudong. In all my conversations with other divers and snorkelers, none have ever made mention of a dudong. With the thousands of facebook pages posted by okinawa divers and beach goers, there is not one picture or mention of a dudong that comes to light. If there were photographic proof, you can bet it would be trotted out and pasted on every media site. The only photograph I have ever seen that supposedly showed a dudong was seven or eight years ago and was debunked as being lifted from a magazine in the PI. I don't begrudge the people who are passionate about kicking the americans out, but when you pull stunts like this, your credibility and sincerity is severely damaged. The Okinawa Dudong is just as real as Nessie, both a figment of someone's imagination.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

You seem not to understand that Okinawa's struggles against the Henoko base construction are not only for the sake of Okinawa but also for the sake of an independent Japan.

All along this poster has been yelling for MCAS Futenma to be moved outside of Okinawa, and now starts with a new line of saying that the Okinawan protests regarding the move of the base are for the sake of an independent Japan?

The poster believes they know the needs and wants of Japan better than the Japanese government itself.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Shopenhauer:

Lets take Rhode Island and put a few Japanese bases there. Now lets have them involved in aircraft incidents and other activities that may tick off some of the Rhode Islanders. The rest of the country is fine with bases in Rhode Island that take up much of its landmass, but Rhode Islanders never got a vote.

Walking in someone else's shoes can bring empathy.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I don't know how you can fix traffic congestion and economic problems on Okinawa without addressing the base problems 

Then you actually dont live on Okinawa, nor ever been here. The overwhelming majority of traffic congestion is no where even close to the bases. The minor congestion that occurs around Foster and Kadena is NOTHING.

And by the way there are some huge construction projects well underway to relieve the congestion where it matters the most, down south, in Naha, and Urasoe.

The bases are minor when it comes to traffic congestion problems.

Okinawa are the Naha Shintoshin Area which used to be the Machinato Housing Area for the Army, the American Village area in Chatan which used to be Hamby Airfield for the Army and the new AEON Mall Rycom which used to be Awase Golf Course for the Marine Corps.

Google did you wrong here, better luck next time! Yes Shintoshin was a housing area, but you forgot about Naha JUSCO, that was a housing area when the US used Naha AP, and yes Awase, too.

You swing an miss big time with American Village, that is a landfill project, started in the mid-80's, Hanby is across from Camp Foster on Hwy 58.

And you probably don't even realize what you have done here, but you are making a point against your self and dont even realize it.

Sure the land got returned, but all those shopping malls, with the exception of San Ei, are owned and operated by mainland corporations, so all the profits head OFF the island, The population of Okinawa, including the outer islands is roughly 1.4 million people.

Consider that, and consider just how many malls and shopping centers there are now, and one's that are being built, the money spreads out thinner and thinner and the profits leave the island, and the people who work there are part time help making minimum wages.

This is in reality HURTING Okinawa big time. Okinawa needs to focus more on the Tourism Industry and IT and while tourism is booming, the IT fields need more infrastructure and support improvements, also meaning that those industries have to pay a decent wage to get the people they need to work there.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Japan a sovereign country ? So what are these bases doing here after 72 years the end of World War II?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

"'m sure my voice represents the majority of Okinawa's

> Pretty vague words, what do you want?

An independent Okinawa?

If I recall the party that placed that as their manifesto only gained 6% of the last local election.

No US base but still wants protection from other invading forces?

Sorry but that is just childish fantasy that everyone hopes for but nobody really believes in.

Either case calling that as a majority is a bit of stretch don't you think?

The "voice" is anti-U.S. and wants the "Imperialist, Land-Thieving, Occupier" U.S. (and Japan) out of Okinawa. He is also pro-China and does not view China as a threat. Instead, he welcomes China's assistance to get rid of the U.S. military forces and bases and help Okinawa to become Independent, free of U.S. and Japanese dominance. When China eventually arrives in Okinawa, the "voice" will not view China as an "occupier", but as a "protector" against the "U.S. colonizer".

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Mihama American Village, in Mihama District, Chatan Town, in the southern part of Okinawa Island is a large-scale resort town, where facilities including stores, restaurants, large supermarkets, and amusement facilities

Next, where you are far off base is that Mihama is in the central part of Okinawa, ANYONE who has ever been to Okinawa knows this, and I mean literally anyone. No one, calls Mihama, or Chatan as being in southern Okinawa.

Hamby Town’s development began in 1990 with the opening of a large shopping mall near Camp Foster. Small shops, boutiques, specialty stores and restaurants followed, filling the former airstrip.

No one debates this part, and it wasn't large though, and it's actually become run down and can not keep tenants in the building because of the lack of customers who have all gone to Mihama, It's called the Hanby Town San Ei, and the area around it can not keep shops open due to lack of customer traffic, as it all went again. to Mihama.

From the Link provided;

Chatan’s Mihama area has gradually grown into the key business district and best known tourist area in the town even though it’s almost entirely built on a landfill.

Oopps, YOUR bad.

http://www.japanupdate.com/2014/07/chatan-is-okinawas-americanized-town/

Hence previous comments.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Oh, Hanby and Mihama are separated by ....a river! That is the southern border of the landfill project that became Mihama.

The pictures in the link will show the details.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I suggest you contact the Japan National Tourist Office and tell them of their mistakes.

I suggest you do it yourself, you are the one who uses inaccurate information, not me!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Anti-base activity group in Okinawa is behind this move. They use everything available to oppose the bases. Dugon is only one of them. Moving Futenma base functions to Henoko was intended to reduce dangers and noises. Now they are demanding all the U.S. bases out from Okinawa. Fine! Go independent and Japan will stop supporting them financially. We are sick of Okinawa as much as we are so of Korea.

-3 ( +7 / -10 )

Isn't it annoying when the peasants won't just roll over and go away?

It's funny you use the word peasants. The country that the Japanese and US military are trying to protect them from would treat them just like peasants or worse. This activism would never be tolerated in the country many of these protestors support and receive funding from.  

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

This will also hurt tourism and business. It's not possible to prohibit the base and bring tourists or industry.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

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