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Okinawa countersues Japanese government over U.S. base move

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The above article said "Pacifist sentiments run high on the island". The people of Okinawa are not protesting against wars. They are protesting against the frequent "loud" noises of flying aircraft and helicopters, crimes like rapes, violent assaults by US soldiers high on illegal drugs or alcohol, and other problems associated with military bases.

They are protesting against the same problems and crimes which are also protested by Americans in the USA living near military bases in the USA like Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia and other places.

The author of the article should live in the neighborhood of these military bases on Okinawa for a month to find out what these people are experiencing.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

Maybe its time for the Marines to respect democracy for once and leave. I have been here for 15 years and have yet to see an explanation justifying we this is necessary today. This is base off of a policy set in the 1960s. America has already lost its respect here, what do we do now just continue to intimidate the Okinawans until we permanently destroy our relationship with them. It honestly seems like the us military becomes increasing self-centered every year here.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

Defense Minister Gen Nakatani repeated the central government's official line that Futenma must be relocated to Henoko "to remove the danger of the Futenma air station as well as concerns of local residents as soon as possible."

If the elimination of the danger Futenma poses to local residents is the reason for Futenma to be relocated to Henoko, then I suggest the quickest solution for it is to remove it to the U.S. then and there, either Hawaii or the U.S. mainland. That's all there is to it.

Tokyo should demand that be done, but they don't have guts to do so, saying relations with the U.S. are importand and must not be impaired. What an independent sovereignty, what a "beautiful country (P.M. Abe's catch phrase)"!

4 ( +8 / -4 )

We found that the U.S. Forces on Okinawa was not useful in deterring Chinese threats on Senkaku. America did not even show a sign of cooperation with Japan in defending the Japanese territory citing America do not get involved in territorial issues. China behaved as if they know U.S. Forces on Okinawa do not move. There was no friendship of America to Japan. We were very much disappointed. We felt as much as America is more friendly to China than to Japan despite we spend a lot money to keep U.S. Forces on Okinawa. While, America used Okinawa bases freely in wars of America in Vietnam and in Gulf. It may be a time JSDF replaces U.S. Forces over there.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

@Schopenhauer

I have to say that I agree with you 100%. Maintaining the excessive Marine presence in Okinawa is an unnecessary waste of resource that would be more vital elsewhere. What is the real reason for the American Occupation of Okinawa? Is it just to intimidate them into accepting something that they have never accepted in the first place. It is time to leave. 70 years ago we should have liberated them from Japan and that should have been it. Now our we just going to agonized them until we permenatly destroy our relationship with them.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

So much time, effort and money being wasted on something that has no chance of succeeding. The facility at Henoko will be built, as that is what the national government has decided. Then MCAS Futenma will be closed and returned – maybe they’ll be a Disney theme park there, or maybe some type of educational or industrial park – all contributing to the local economy. Additionally, Camps Kinser and major portions of Camp Foster will also be closed and returned, with all that land available for local use.

But we continue see Gov Onaga and the local government make decisions that stall and hinder these returns, all the while squandering money that could be used to help with some of the real issues affecting the local people; Okinawa has the highest unemployment rate and most number of single family households in all Japan – real problems that call for strong, innovative leadership – but what we get from the Onaga administration is political posturing merely designed with the next election in mind. What’s the result – the bases remain, the problems go unaddressed, and the local politicians, media and academics get what they really want, a continued large US military presence to leverage for votes, to sell newspapers and to feel important……..

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Independence! Okinawa is not Japan.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

What is going to happen is going to happen. Both sides will not budge and the construction will continue one way or the other, Dear Leader has made his position known.

On the other hand, after over one year of going back and forth on this why in the world has Onaga NOT held a public referendum on the issue? His spends money travelling all over the place pleading is points to people and in places that can do NOTHING to help him, and spending all the taxpayers money on lawsuits.

Yet he continues to not use the one thing that could help him the most in this fight, public opinion, if he is so sure all Okinawa backs him, then put his money where his mouth is and let the people choose on a stand alone referendum on the Henoko issue, yes or no.

He didnt get enough votes in the election, nor win by a large enough percentage to consider his victory a mandate for change, so if he thinks he represents the people let them decide, and then follow through afterwards. IF the people vote "yes"to Henoko then let it be, if the vote "no" then by all means stop it.

I for one have stated numerous times here, if the people of Okinawa, in a referendum choose "no" then I too will support that position, and if "yes" that as well. Let the voters choose!

0 ( +5 / -5 )

The people of Okinawa may want to file a complaint of violations of human rights with the United Nations and the European Union.

The USA is sensitive about complaints of violations of human rights against it or its allies while Japan under PM Abe does not care judging by the passage of the security laws in spite of rampant protests. The E.U. has been active in human right violation cases in other parts of the world.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Put it on the mainland. If no one wants it then why should Okinawa keep it either? That just proves it's not in the national interest but punitive against Okinawa. There are ways for Okinawa to win its case

3 ( +5 / -2 )

@lincolnman - Well then I guess so much for freedom and democracy. If The Okinawans do not want you here then its time to leave. No wonder why they dislike America.

@Yamiko Otokawa - The people of Okinawa shouldn't just file a human right complaint, they should succeed from japan and accuse the United State of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the international criminal court. This will agitate America greatly.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

@JWTNSSN

Ironically if Okinawa did become independent again, it would need those bases to thwart China. The only way this gets solved is in comparison to other prefectures on the western side that do not have the same bases.

No one wants a base but if the pressure were split between multiple prefectures then no one can claim they are being punitively singled out, and thus the notion of national interest holds some merit. But not until then

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The people of Okinawa may want to file a complaint of violations of human rights with the United Nations and the European Union. The USA is sensitive about complaints of violations of human rights against it or its allies while Japan under PM Abe does not care judging by the passage of the security laws in spite of rampant protests. The E.U. has been active in human right violation cases in other parts of the world.

Where do you think Onaga went to when he visited the UN in Brussels? He pleaded the case of human rights violations, but it is an internal problem with a member state that has not, technically or otherwise, done anything wrong. The UN does not typically get involved with internal political problems, particularly when there are no casualties or war.

Oh and the US is not so damn sensitive about human rights issues, that is totally a matter of convenience and anyone who thinks otherwise should just take a look at one of the US's closest allies, Saudi Arabia. The US only cares if it affects them, and what the Japanese government is doing at Henoko is what the US Military wants, so it's not getting involved in anything to stop the progress. IF anything they will do what they can to ensure it succeeds.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

after over one year of going back and forth on this why in the world has Onaga NOT held a public referendum on the issue?

Considering he campaigned on this matter, a referendum would be waste of money - the people have already said how they felt when they elected him.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@sf2k - Your correct, however instead of having 34 bases occupying 20% of their land, this should be done in a more modest level with Okinawas support. The marines have no reason to be here today and serve no actual purpose in regional security.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

How people that don't even live on Okinawa voice their opinions for and against military bases. They will be reduced the bases and the okinawan people and American community know it, but without the efforts of off islanders who don't even understand or live here. So go back to your own communities and clean up your own before you comment about ours.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Considering he campaigned on this matter, a referendum would be waste of money - the people have already said how they felt when they elected him.

Really? Then he shouldn't be pushing this as he does not have a majority of the population's support. Don't come and make the argument about people who voted or did not. The numbers show he won an election, but the reasons for his victory over a year ago go beyond the one issue of Henoko.

He wastes money globetrotting why not make his position stronger by pointing to referendum that "proves" he has the prefecture behind him?

There is an answer for why he doesn't or hasn't had one on the issue, and those against Henoko know the reason too. It isnt about the election either. It WOULD be a toss-up, one way or the other, with a public referendum, and one he runs the risks of losing, he does not want to take.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Good luck Mr Onaga

1 ( +3 / -2 )

"America did not even show a sign of cooperation with Japan in defending the Japanese territory citing America do not get involved in territorial issues".

Really? How can they have the brass face to say that after Vietnam, the Gulf War, The Balkans, and now IS? No point really in asking, politicians will always dissemble their way out of any criticism!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Yubaru

I have never met an Okinawan, who actually wanted to support the Marines. Maybe its time to just leave. Im getting sick of my tax money being wasted on unnecessary military interventions. If you want the base maybe its time for you to take to the mainland.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

I have never met an Okinawan, who actually wanted to support the Marines. Maybe its time to just leave. Im getting sick of my tax money being wasted on unnecessary military interventions. If you want the base maybe its time for you to take to the mainland.

Support the Marines? Everyone just thinks it's the MC here on Okinawa, and while yes they are the majority, Okinawa has the Army, Navy, Air Force and MC here, used to have the Coast Guard here too until about 20 years ago, but the point is that it isnt about supporting or not supporting the MC it's about getting the land back, and moving Futenma to Henoko WILL ensure that a huge amount of highly desired and develop-able land will be returned and greatly lessen the foot print on Okinawa.

People conveniently forget that.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Ironically if Okinawa did become independent again, it would need those bases to thwart China.

Or the US. China hasn't actually invaded any countries of late, while the US cannot say the same. And since Okinawa is a location of strategic importance, the US is more likely to invade than China.

Then he shouldn't be pushing this as he does not have a majority of the population's support. Don't come and make the argument about people who voted or did not.

He got a majority of the votes of people who cared. The people who didn't vote made the decision to let those who did vote choose who would be governor. Therefore, they by default voted for Onaga. And since he won a majority, it can be said that he already has his mandate - a referendum would be a waste of money.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

@Yubaru - I was here with the navy for 5 yrs, I am well aware of the other branches. 99% of the problems here are cause by the Marines and their refusal to respect the local community. if The Okinawans actually want to support the Marines then why does it take 20 years to replace this base. Only because Mainland Japanese like yourself refuses to accept some of the burden. I regret that my country handed them back to Japan. After all the Japanese where worst then horrible to them, just like the Marines are today.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

@tinawatanabe - Lets move the bases to Mainland Japan, this is where they should have been since the very beginning, why do you believe you have the right to tell the Okinawa.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Only because Mainland Japanese like yourself refuses to accept some of the burden.

Move the Marines to Gotemba, Camp Fuji. Expand that base. The local economy could use a "boost." Send the other half back to Lejune or Pendleton.

Its time to give okinawans a bit of breathing room.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

I think they are protesting as being treated like a colony by the Japanese, just as they were treated as a colony by the Americans before them. I think they are tired of having no say so it what gets done to them. I don't find that the least bit difficult to understand.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

JWTNSSN

@tinawatanabe - Lets move the bases to Mainland Japan, this is where they should have been since the very beginning, why do you believe you have the right to tell the Okinawa.

Mainland Japan has enough US bases already. Move to USA You have lots of space there.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

The US is only interested in protecting its own interests and doesn't care one iota about Japan, the Japanese people or the people of Okinawa.

If USFJ told Tokyo that moving the base to somewhere out of Okinawa to mainland Japan would serve the interests of everyone in this dispute, Tokyo would, as always, bow and do it.

I think a good question is, why does the US insist on staying in Okinawa? Go to Diego Garcia or Guam or Sasebo.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Mainland Japan has enough US bases already.

LOL! So how do think the Okinawans feel?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

lincolnman,

So much time, effort and money being wasted on something that has no chance of succeeding.

In your native state in the U.S., is there an administrative section exclusivelyt dealing with foreign military bases which take "[s]o much time, effort and money"? In Japan, the prefectures that host U.S. military bases all have such sections -- including Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamaguchi, etc. Among them, Okinawa is the most conspicuous because 74% of U.S. military bases in Japan concentrate here. How much time, effort and money does Okinawa Prefecture have to waste because of this?

If you say Okinawa shouldn't waste "time, effort and money" on base affairs, then the U.S. should take all these bases off the prefecture and let the prefectural government pay more or 100 percent attention to the welfare of the people and the betterment of their life.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

@tinawatanabe

Mainland Japan has enough US bases already.

So Okinawa should have over 75% of the bases, because the burden is too heavy for the Japanese.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

If USFJ told Tokyo that moving the base to somewhere out of Okinawa to mainland Japan would serve the interests of everyone in this dispute, Tokyo would, as always, bow and do it.

Japan hold the largest number of US soldiers on planet, and pay the far largest of other countries and hold 3rd largest us bases area in the small island. Why do Americans give Japanese so much sufferings?

ww.peace-forum.com/mnforce/2012/.../01okinawa.htm - キャッシュ

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

I just hope A&W stays in Okinawa even if the Ameicans eventually leave. This issue often gets ovelooked in the debate.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Japan hold the largest number of US soldiers on planet,

Um...I think the USA has the largest

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Um...I think the USA has the largest

In case you don't know Japan is not USA

-10 ( +0 / -10 )

“We will resort to every possible measure and will not allow the new base to be built in Henoko,”

Fine, so the current base will NEVER leave Futenma. Happy? That's what Onaga gave you, people. Okinawans are not a separate group of people -- they are Japanese, and must abide by Japanese law. Period. Japanese security laws demand, and even Okinawa has agreed, on the relocation to Heneko.

So, no whining about Futemna at all, or else you need to realize YOU are the very reason Futemna is where is it is, be it because you built your city around it, or because you won't let it be relocated. No sympathy.

And the government needs to cut funding to Okinawa already until it allows construction to resume. At the very least, it needs to cut funding equivalent to the money being lost in delays. The companies that suffer can thank Onaga.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

Mainland Japan has enough US bases already. Move to USA You have lots of space there.

. . . .but you need us here and you know it. At least a force large enough to assist SDF. The US military has better leadership than General Nakatani's goons.

In case you don't know Japan is not USA

The US imposed (a US drafted) Japan's Constitution. Japan is still a protectorate of the USA . . . . until you guys can get your act together and change Article #9. The security laws are a positive step.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

In case you don't know Japan is not USA

Thanks for enlightenment. But, you might want to enlighten yourself on data. I didn't need to look it up, but I can assure you that the USA holds the largest number of US military on the planet.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

tinawatanabe: "In case you don't know Japan is not USA"

This is your defense to a reply about your comment "Japan has more US soldiers than anywhere in the world" (which is obvious BS)? Why would you make a comment about the US in Japan, then turn around and say "This is not the US" when slapped down for it??

voiceofokinawa: "If you say Okinawa shouldn't waste "time, effort and money" on base affairs, then the U.S. should take all these bases off the prefecture and let the prefectural government pay more or 100 percent attention to the welfare of the people and the betterment of their life."

You mean the Chinese government, right? Certainly you can't mean the Japanese government, especially since "Okinawans aren't Japanese", right? Or are they suddenly Japanese again?

Yubaru: "There is an answer for why he doesn't or hasn't had one on the issue, and those against Henoko know the reason too. It isnt about the election either. It WOULD be a toss-up, one way or the other, with a public referendum, and one he runs the risks of losing, he does not want to take."

Very good point. People like voiceofokinawa, bam_boo, and others know that if Onaga held another referendum there is absolutely no way they could continue making the absurd claims that Onaga represents the majority of Okinawa (or just ALL, in the case of some posters), because clearly he does NOT represent the majority. It's kind of like when Abe decided to change security laws, claiming he had "a mandate from the people" despite the majority of people being against it.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

@smithinjapan

Okinawans are not a separate group of people

I think the Okinawans are completely different race with a completely different culture, However this might be hard for you to see. To you the Okinawans are just objects in your way. You will not allow them to speak to speak for themselves, instead you will look down upon them and speak over them. This is the typical marine mindset in Okinawa.

@tinawatanabe

In case you don't know Japan is not USA

So what you are saying is that its ok for the Okinawans to bear excessive burdens that hold them down and force them to live in poverty, while the Japanese receive a free ride and give the Okinawans no credit.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

So what you are saying is that its ok for the Okinawans to bear excessive burdens that hold them down and force them to live in poverty,

Okinawa people are Japanese.

while the Japanese receive a free ride

Japan is paying US forces more than 7 billion yen every year it gets more than 1 trillion yen with purchase.

and give the Okinawans no credit.

Japan is spending lots of tax money for Okinawa prefecture.

-11 ( +0 / -11 )

Thanks for enlightenment. But, you might want to enlighten yourself on data. I didn't need to look it up, but I can assure you that the USA holds the largest number of US military on the planet.

Really? I think you had better check to the west of Okinawa 中国, it's military has roughly 1 MILLION more under arms than the US. You might want to "enlighten" yourself about the "data".

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Yubaru, and how many US military are in China?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

the USA holds the largest number of US military on the planet.

Isn't it obvious? US military belongs to USA, but in Japan, a foreign country, US military is excessively occupying . It does not seem there is Japanese base in USA. How do you feel if Japanese base all over in your country all expense paid by your country?

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Yubaru, please enlighten me. Waiting for your "data" to enlighten me.

If there was a need for Japanese bases in a different country like the US, then so be it. But I would have a problem if a majority of Japanese bases in one area of one state.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

JWTNSSN: "I think the Okinawans are completely different race with a completely different culture, However this might be hard for you to see."

No. They are not a different race. They have somewhat of a different culture than the rest of Japan, but what's hard for YOU to see is that they are part of a nation called Japan, and must abide by Japanese laws. They are not "in my way", they are in their own way; they want Futenma to be closed, they don't want it to be relocated to the agreed upon location, they want the defense of and money from the national government, and they want to be kept under the joint-defense pact with the US, but they can't have it all. What is it you said yourself in the comment to tinawatanabe about a 'free ride'? You mentioned the nation getting one as a whole, without giving Okinawa credit, but it DOES give Okinawa credit; it's Okinawa that wants the free ride. They want all the bases gone, but want the defense, and the money, correct? So, sorry, bud, but it's you who can't see what's going on. And as for the US military causing 99% of the problems, you've got it backwards -- the locals cause more than 99% of the problems, but if a US military personnel commits a crime it takes 99% of the hot air that comes from hypocrites.

"instead you will look down upon them and speak over them."

I look down on anyone who wants a free ride, as you pointed out yourself that is what's going on with a lot of locals and their opinions towards defense.

"This is the typical marine mindset in Okinawa."

I'm not a marine, not an American, and not in Okinawa. So, so much for that. Again, not looking down on anyone who does not deserve to be looked down on, and that's just the way common sense works when people are acting like babies. Onaga is a prime example of such a baby. Hence, he can't hold a referendum and is just throwing tantrums to win points. He has no trouble with spending money from the national government for defense on wining and dining overseas, though.

tinawatanabe: "Okinawa people are Japanese."

For a change, you are right.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

I look down on anyone who wants a free ride

so why are you looking down on the Okinawans, who have by far put in more than the rest of the Japanese combined? If you are going to look down on anyone who wants a 'free ride', you should be looking down on the rest of Japan.

2 ( +8 / -6 )

Okinawa people are Japanese.

However, it's important to remember that historically, culturally, and genetically, the ethnic Okinawan people are certainly not Japanese. It's only in recent decades that the mainland Japanese population has displaced ethnic Okinawans to become the majority.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

@smithinjapan - So what you are saying is that your the victim because your host community (who has never wanted to support) refuses to warship you and will never support you volunteerly. As an American who actually served in Okinawa for 5 years, I will say the Okinawans deserve to be treated better than this and as Americans we now better than this.

In my opinion you are receiving the level of respect that you deserve from the Okinawans. Their land does not belong to you and what right do you have to tell them what to do?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

how many US military are in China?

China is US friend. they don't have to occupy China only Japan all over.

-10 ( +0 / -10 )

Strangerland: "so why are you looking down on the Okinawans, who have by far put in more than the rest of the Japanese combined?"

Not looking down on Okinawa as a whole, because it is NOT a free ride, which you once again selectively like to look past. I clearly said I look down on those who want the bases out now but still want the defense and the money; that is NOT all of Okinawa, and not even the majority.

"If you are going to look down on anyone who wants a 'free ride', you should be looking down on the rest of Japan."

I have on many occasions said that Okinawa is treated unfairly by the government on a lot of issues, and have been openly discriminated against and considered "non-Japanese", especially in regards to how they were treated before, during, and soon after WII (that's also part of my point when some Okinawans like to say, "Okinawans are not Japanese", by the way). I have said that I agree Okinawa hosts a number of US military personnel that is unfair, but they cannot all suddenly disappear, and the fact is Okinawa must continue to host a bunch of the bases because of its strategic location. Moving them simply because it's "not fair" is not realistic.

JWTNSSN: "@smithinjapan - So what you are saying is that your the victim because your host community (who has never wanted to support) refuses to warship you and will never support you volunteerly."

That doesn't even make any sense. No, I've never once said I am the victim. Please show me where I have before you try shoving words down others mouths again.

"In my opinion you are receiving the level of respect that you deserve from the Okinawans. Their land does not belong to you and what right do you have to tell them what to do?"

Again, I'm not American, not military, nor do I live in Okinawa, so what on earth are you talking about? You can talk about how 'unfair' it is until the cows come home, but it won't change the fact that the US military needs to be there, and Japan needs it to be there, and that's not going to change in the near future. Meanwhile, you want Okinawans to have the money for hosting the bases, but not host the bases, and want them to have the defense which you admit they need, but not want the defense forces to be there. Explain how that is not crying victim, and not a free ride, please.

"American who actually served in Okinawa for 5 years"

Yes, you should definitely know better. Shame you don't.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Smith I've read you complaining about Japanese conformity, and how grouping together all Japanese and not allowing individuality is bad. Yet here you are trying to pigeonhole them all into a single category of 'Japanese'. So when exactly is it on to consider then as all being the same, and when isn't it?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I'm not American, not military, nor do I live in Okinawa

Oh! Now I get it. I respect everyone's opinion as an opinion, but when It's not even close to your back yard, It's easy to make assumptions on issues you hear about third hand.

Now I understand where you're coming from.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Readers, please stop bickering.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Strangerland: "Yet here you are trying to pigeonhole them all into a single category of 'Japanese'. So when exactly is it on to consider then as all being the same, and when isn't it?"

You're asking me this after claiming that I looked down on ALL Okinawans when I clearly said I look down on those who are anti-base but want all the benefits of having the bases?

My point about Okinawans being Japanese is entirely valid given that this is an issue which falls under the national government, and more specifically I was using it to point out that some people on here like to say "Okinawans are not Japanese" in some cases, but would punch you in the face if you told them "you are not Japanese" in others. And how on earth could you claim I am pigeonholing all of Okinawans when I say that people like voiceofokinawa does not represent all Okinawans, nor does Onaga, and the fact he won't hold a referendum on the issue proves that?

Back to your question:

"So when exactly is it on to consider then as all being the same, and when isn't it?"

When it comes to obeying national law. Easy enough?

Conspiracy Theories: "Oh! Now I get it. I respect everyone's opinion as an opinion, but when It's not even close to your back yard, It's easy to make assumptions on issues you hear about third hand."

Japan is my backyard. And my front yard. My money goes to its defense. My money gets wasted when Governors use it to travel around the world in personal jets and wine and dine, then come back and delay construction on agreed upon bases. Having no US presence in Okinawa would open it up to threats that would threaten the nation as a whole. How is that not close, bud?

"Now I understand where you're coming from."

Yeahhh... or you just don't get it at all.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

You're asking me this after claiming that I looked down on ALL Okinawans when I clearly said I look down on those who are anti-base but want all the benefits of having the bases?

No, I'm asking this after you are claiming that their being Okinawan is irrelevant, as is the fact that Okinawa has supported more of a burden of US bases than the rest of Japan, because they are Japanese. You entirely disregard the fact that there multiple groups and cultures within Japan.

I'm having troubles figuring out when you think it's ok to entirely disregard individuality and differences, and when it's ok to complain about people who do that.

I say that people like voiceofokinawa does not represent all Okinawans, nor does Onaga

That's where you are wrong. Onaga does in fact represent all Okinawans - his job is literally their representative.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

You don't have to be in Okinawan to have an opinion, especially when it involves the nation you are in (Japan)

After stating that Okinawans are Japanese, you seem to say it differently in your statement.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

The rest of the US military branches, the AirForce, the Navy and the Army, are having jitters over the Marines arrogance and conniving with the Japanese government in trying to secure more favors while the going is good with Abe in power. I expect to see "inter-service rivalry" pulling strings at the Pentagon as events surrounding this base relocation issue gets out of hand. Also, the military echelon knows that the reason Japanese government wants to build up Henoko is for their own future purpose. Look at Naha AirBase after they got rid of the US Navy there in the 70's and the new runway they are building pretending it is for Okinawa's tourism growth. Look at Mitsubishi trying to build an airport in the southern islands. True the Okinawans are very easy to trick since they are poor and take things too easy until it's too late.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Yubaru, please enlighten me. Waiting for your "data" to enlighten me.

You did make the following statement;

. I didn't need to look it up, but I can assure you that the USA holds the largest number of US military on the planet.

And it is common knowledge that China has the largest standing military in the world. If you dont know that then you really dont know what you are talking about. It IS that simple.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I didn't need to look it up, but I can assure you that the USA holds the largest number of US military on the planet.

And it is common knowledge that China has the largest standing military in the world. If you dont know that then you really dont know what you are talking about. It IS that simple.

What does the size of the Chinese military have to do with the number of US military in the USA?

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And it is common knowledge that China has the largest standing military in the world. If you dont know that then you really dont know what you are talking about. It IS that simple.

WTF? It's that simple? As Strangerland has pointed out, What does the size of the Chinese military have to do with the number of US military in the USA? still waiting for that number...

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What does the size of the Chinese military have to do with the number of US military in the USA?

Strangerland, my response was to conspiracy theories and not you, he made a claim that just about everyone on the planet knows is wrong. He used that claim to back up whatever ideas he has about whatever, but if one assumption is incorrect then the dominoes tend to fall against everything else as well.

WTF? It's that simple? As Strangerland has pointed out, What does the size of the Chinese military have to do with the number of US military in the USA? still waiting for that number...

Nice try, I don't fall for the "defect and obfuscate"

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he made a claim that just about everyone on the planet knows is wrong.

This claim?

I can assure you that the USA holds the largest number of US military on the planet.

I personally don't know this to be right or wrong, but:

1) I still don't see what the number of military in China has to do with it, and:

2) If the US doesn't hold the largest number of US military on the planet, I'm quite curious to know what country does.

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2) If the US doesn't hold the largest number of US military on the planet, I'm quite curious to know what country does.

Me too

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China....as I mentioned before!

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China is US friend. they don't have to occupy China only Japan all over.

Many rich chinese occupy large businesses in america. Kinda like the same way Japan did in 70's, 80's (bubble yrs). But the chinese are doing it a little better- and at the same time flexing their military muscle.

This is why america occupies japan after 70 years. Change Article #9. Provide your own security without the US umbrella. Boost military budget. Boost young japanese guys to enlist into SDF, so that american GI's won't spill the blood first.

Protest against the base relocation efforts all you want. In the end, you still need the United States of America (USAFJ) unless Japan gets their act together and scraps Article #9. (weak? silent majority.)

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Another reason to worry about US bases, all of them prove to be hazardous waste sites, polluting both the land and the ground water. That is even true in the United States.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

More useless posturing

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

@Christopher Blackwell - How much responsibility will the US gov accept here, NONE its not even with asking the question. A gov that doesn't even care about its own troops (directly exposed to agent orange).

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We felt as much as America is more friendly to China than to Japan despite we spend a lot money to keep U.S. Forces on Okinawa.

No one respects suckers. The relationship should be based on looking each other eye to eye to obtain respect. Japan looks up, the US looks down.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@ThePBot - When it comes to Okinawa. Tokyo looks Down, Washington looks down. The values that Americans and Japanese share today.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

rouble-rouser

I think you mean rabble-rouser.

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China....as I mentioned before!

China holds the most US military on the planet? Forgive me for my skepticism, but I seriously doubt that. I've never heard of a US base in China, and I've been there a number of times.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Strangerland,

Thank you for the correction. A septuagenarian, I'm still struggling to learn correct English - no end in sight to perfect it.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

If the U.S. doesn't hold the largest number of U.S. military on the planet, I'm quite curious to know what country does?

Yubaru, it's definitely NOT China!

By definition, A military base is a facility directly owned and operated by or for the military, or one of its branches that shelters military equipment and personnel, and facitates training and operations.

With that in mind, the U.S. bases outside the 50 states and Washington, D.C., come in all sizes and shapes. Some are city-sized “Little Americas”—places like Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, and the little known Navy and Air Force base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. These support a remarkable infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, power plants, housing complexes, and an array of amenities often referred to as “Burger Kings and bowling alleys.” Among the smallest US installations globally are “lily pad” bases (also known as “cooperative security locations”), which tend to house drones, surveillance aircraft, or pre-positioned weaponry and supplies. These are increasingly found in parts of Africa and Eastern Europe that had previously lacked much of a US military presence.

Other facilities scattered across the planet include ports and airfields, repair complexes, training areas, nuclear weapons installations, missile testing sites, arsenals, warehouses, barracks, military schools, listening and communications posts, and a growing array of drone bases. Military hospitals and prisons, rehab facilities, CIA paramilitary bases, and intelligence facilities (including former CIA “black site” prisons) must also be considered part of our Base Nation because of their military functions. Even US military resorts and recreation areas in places like the Bavarian Alps and Seoul, South Korea, are bases of a kind. Worldwide, the military runs more than 170 golf courses.

The Pentagon’s overseas presence is actually even larger. There are US troops or other military personnel in about 160 foreign countries and territories, including small numbers of marines guarding embassies and larger deployments of trainers and advisors like the roughly 3,500 now working with the Iraqi Army. And don’t forget the Navy’s 11 aircraft carriers. Each should be considered a kind of floating base, or as the Navy tellingly refers to them, “four and a half acres of sovereign US territory.” Finally, above the seas, one finds a growing military presence in space.

The United States isn’t, however, the only country to control military bases outside its territory. Great Britain still has about seven bases and France five in former colonies. Russia has around eight in former Soviet republics. For the first time since World War II, Japan’s “Self-Defense Forces” have a foreign base in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa, alongside US and French bases there. South Korea, India, Chile, Turkey, and Israel each reportedly have at least one foreign base. There are also reports that China may be seeking its first base overseas. In total, these countries probably have about 30 installations abroad, meaning that the United States has approximately 95% of the world’s foreign bases.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Back on topic please.

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@ Yubaru

And it is common knowledge that China has the largest standing military in the world. If you dont know that then you really dont know what you are talking about. It IS that simple.

I think he meant the country with the most military bases around the world, rather than the number of personnel. We are talking about the American bases in Okinawa after all. I think you knew what he meant...

it's about getting the land back, and moving Futenma to Henoko WILL ensure that a huge amount of highly desired and develop-able land will be returned and greatly lessen the foot print on Okinawa.

People conveniently forget that.

It's more like moving from one place to another by taking other parts of their own land nearby (again). Okinawa is small, all of it is highly desired and can be developed. Because it's small, creating a new base in the same land doesn't lessen its footprint there. Henoko after all is still in Okinawa. People seem to conveniently forget THAT.

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