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Gov't to pursue U.S. base relocation in Okinawa despite Tamaki's win

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Kishida has expressed readiness to gain an understanding from local people of the importance of relocating the transfer of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma....

What in tarnation does that mean?

22 ( +24 / -2 )

As usual the LDP brushes aside what people actually want and claim they will get their understanding sometime in the future. They represent themselves not the population.

6 ( +20 / -14 )

@cricky

They represent themselves not the population.

Themselves and at least one other Western country with a sprawling military.

But let us not forget that Tamaki is also a politician and may have a price for cooperation that has nothing to do with "the people".

8 ( +15 / -7 )

How about relocate the best military in the world to The Senkaku Islands? Now that would be a hoot! ; - ))

-3 ( +11 / -14 )

The politicos in Tokyo are still treating Okinawa as a vassal state…

-2 ( +15 / -17 )

The solution is to move some of the military facilities to "mainland" Japan so the burden is spread more evenly. Kishida can work to try to gain the understanding of residents of Kagoshima or Miyazaki.

4 ( +12 / -8 )

Kurisupisu..

The politicos in Tokyo are still treating Okinawa as a vassal state…

The politicos in Washington are still treating Japan as a vassal state…

0 ( +14 / -14 )

@JeffLee

"Locals don't understand what's best for them. We will make them understand or ignore their voices until they do."

That's my interpretation. Typical menacing politicians' talk used at times when the pretense of caring what voters actually want is dropped to push something unpopular (and potentially very dangerous for those very voters).

3 ( +11 / -8 )

As usual the LDP brushes aside what people actually want and claim they will get their understanding sometime in the future. They represent themselves not the population.

Really now? The national government has the sole duty and responsibility of deciding the needs of the country with regards to it's defense.

Okinawa is in an extremely important strategic location, and is also the southern gateway to Japan.

Okinawa as a prefecture, has a responsibility, as do the other prefectures in Japan as well, to actively participate in the defense of Japan. If there werent US bases in Okinawa, you can damn well rest assured they would be exchanged for JSDF one's instead.

The US Security treaty was signed by Japan and the US, not the US and Okinawa. Oh and Denny and company think they live in Utopia and everyone in the world is dancing around a camp fire singing Kumbaya!

For your information, the people of Nago City, within which Camp Schwab and the new landfill is taking place, elected a PRO relocation majority was elected to the city council, as well as having a pro-relocation mayor as well.

They host the base, and those people should have the BIGGEST say in what happens! I highly doubt some voter in Miyako really cares about a base affecting them!

-5 ( +8 / -13 )

No fan ok Kishida and his ilk but..

Tamaki has long said Okinawa bears an unreasonable burden by hosting around 70 percent of all U.S. military facilities in Japan. The prefecture was returned to Japan from U.S. control half a century ago.

Where should they go then sport? Or would you prefer to find out the hard way what happens when this strategic base is moved somewhere else. CCP & DPRK are waiting....

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Has he proposed any alternative place for the relocation? The Futenma base is considered dangerous, and its shutdown is a bipartisan agreement (including the US).

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Go into detail regarding the election, and Tamaki won 28 out of 41 municipalities, with his majority coming mainly from Naha and Okinawa City.

His opponent, Sakima, won in Ginowan, the host city of MCAS Futenma, and Nago, the city that hosts Camp Schwab, where the landfill project is taking place. Which means that the people of Ginowan WANT the base closed, and the people of Nago, would happily accept it's relocation. The people have spoken, but even Denny doesnt listen, just like the PM's dont listen to him. Turn-about is fair play in politics!

Due to the large population of Naha, and Okinawa City, Denny's history as a city council member in Okinawa City, and following Onaga, the former LDP member who was first Mayor of Naha, then prefectural Gov. it is easy to see why he is "popular" there.

Sorry, only in Japanese

https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1023456

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Gov't to pursue U.S. base relocation in Okinawa despite Tamaki's win

Denny Tamaki has always an easy campaigning and winning theme. "Remove US Bases from Okinawa" The local older generation which actually votes hates the bases. So it's a sure Job for him.

The younger generation does not even care. They enjoy dating dem military goons and Jugheads. The economy of okinawa literally depends on these military bases. So to think Kishida will support the removal of the military bases from these Islands is a fantasy.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Tamaki and his supporters want Okinawa go independent and then later be a vassal state of CCP China Right?

In such case the base would simply be replaced by the Chinese ones. Japan is underestimating Chinese spies underground

-9 ( +4 / -13 )

Well, when the government is in the pocket of the rogue state of the USA, then what do you expect.

-2 ( +8 / -10 )

JeffLeeToday  06:51 am JST

Kishida has expressed readiness to gain an understanding from local people of the importance of relocating the transfer of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma....

What in tarnation does that mean?

It means we will keep repeating the same mantra until you concede and accept. The usual way compliance is obtained in Japan. A century or two ago it was done with a swift strike of a Katana which resulted with your head being separated from your body. Compliance usually followed swiftly from all those who witnessed it and spread the news.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

The economy of okinawa literally depends on these military bases. 

This is a huge fallacy! Less than 4% of the GDP of Okinawa comes from the US Military here. There was a time, nearly 2 generations ago, where what you wrote held true, but NOT today.

Please stop repeating this.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

It really is time for the LDP to change the name of the party to something more befitting if its actual beliefs and actions. There’s not a lot of liberal or democratic about it.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Gee that's a surprise ....NOT .

Japanese "democracy" in action!

-3 ( +11 / -14 )

Good, anything else makes it seems as if Okinawa is just trying to throw its weight around, or they've been bought off by the CCP.

Countering China is more important than Okinawa playing games.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Well I guess to protect democracy the will of the people must be ignored.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

We are listening to you - Kishida.

We will go against your wishes- Kishida.

We don't care - LDP

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

After the Senkaku Islands, the next stop is Okinawa as far as China’s concerned. The U.S. military bases are what’s keeping the Chinese away from Okinawa.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Just because he wins you think it’s going to stop government level military defense objectives?

Think again. He’s just there to line his pockets, from what others say.

Go back and do a bit of research

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Why should LDP listen to citizens?

okinawans, Would you talk back to your boss or father? Just suffer in silence, don’t rock the boat. Works in NK.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

I wonder if all the locals in Futenma really want the base to relocate.

Are there not any folks whose livelihood depends upon having US military personnel staying?

Not just the shops, stores and establishments, but also those with land rights.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Of course it will, they agreed to it decades ago. Electing a random anti-base governor will never do anything.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Sadly only a little more than 20% of Okinawa voters voted. The rest get what they deserve by default. In opinion polls (probably representing a balance of the Okinawan population), the base issue(s) were fifth in importance, far behind economic issues. For 50 years, Okinawa's government has used base compensation funds for infrastructure projects (pouring lots of concrete) rather than benefitting its citizens. Okinawa is the poorest prefecture with the highest child poverty level. Recently Japan has been cutting the money it sends to Okinawa each year. Newly reelected governor Tamaki puts more effort into fighting the Henoko base construction than the economy. It looks like four more years of the same.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

What makes this what it is, playing politics is the fact the supposed issue of Reef Damage, etc is that NOTHING, NO OBJECTIONS were made when the new pier was built across the bridge from Nominoe’ shrine, for super size passenger ships that now frequent Naha port area, not to mention when Naha airport was made decades ago, and not a peep from anyone, but mention a MILITARY Base connection and that’s when it hits the fan.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Sadly only a little more than 20% of Okinawa voters voted.

Where in the world did you pull this figure from? There are roughly 1.16 million eligible voters in Okinawa.

Well over 500,000 voted, in fact the number was a bit over 58%, down roughly 5% from the past election.

People here vote, based upon emotion for the most part, and see Denny as a "charismatic" leader, even though he knows nothing about leadership, much like the reason why Abe was so popular.

They put on a great show, but open the hood, and there is nothing underneath!

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Always the same.

Each time.

What is the "burden" of having a military base?

Each one its burden (industry plant, airport, highway, etc.).

Some Japanese still seem to consider the USA like conquistadors, while there are there for protection.

What does Tamaki propose as a sensible move instead ?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

How about relocate the best military in the world to The Senkaku Islands? Now that would be a hoot! ; - ))

How about relocate all US bases to US..

It would do the world a great favor..

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Are there not any folks whose livelihood depends upon having US military personnel staying?

obviously haven’t heard of tourism and protecting local people from nuclear attacks from NK, China and Russia?

How about relocate all US bases to US..

Actually Guam.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Are there not any folks whose livelihood depends upon having US military personnel staying?

obviously haven’t heard of tourism and protecting local people from nuclear attacks from NK, China and Russia?

It was a rhetorical question.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Until Kyushu bears a heavier burden of sharing the Imperium's military bases, the Okinawans know exactly how Tokyo regards them: as vassals to be bullied and ignored. It is absolutely obscene that a place as small as Okinawa has to host such a large percentage of this monstrous military-industrial machine.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

In case you forgot or never knew what it’s like to live somewhere else, close by:

https://youtu.be/ehrPwVyN8lc

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Foregone conclusion. The tail cannot wag the dog.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The bottom of seacoast of Henoko is soft and so weak to build something facility, no one knows that completion or not.

Henoko US base is just runway, it is never strong military facility where can make China flinch.  

But Japan's LDP government still cling to build it, tries to waste over 1 trillion yen.

Since Abe regime, LDP government never change direction even if those are clearly wrong way.

in this connection, LDP is very autocratic and self-righteous, never liberal, never democratic.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

At least this guy think for himself,that leadership

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine and some countries' willingness to have a good rapport with Russia, it demonstrates invasions can happen anywhere when we are off guard.

If I were Prime Minister of Japan, I would certainly have no choice but to keep the US base in one of the best defensive locations, which is Okinawa to deter China's invasion of Taiwan, to begin with, then Japan.

Of course, the US is not perfect, they obviously want to keep their influence, but much more reliable than China, Russia, and their allies if I have to choose.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This is a huge fallacy! Less than 4% of the GDP of Okinawa comes from the US Military here. 

GDP perhaps yes, but how much of the economy is dependent on the US Military for example.

When I buy a $2000.00 guitar at a second hand shop. Is my purchase marked as an American purchase and annotated as such?

How about when Americans go out to eat off base or staying at a resort. Is it annotated as an American?

Or when I’m paying my son’s tuition for his off days private international school? Half of his classmates are Japanese and the other half are American (my son is both).

Unfortunately is impossible to determine the exact percentage of American dollars being placed into the Okinawan economy.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Then Futenma will never close.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Tamaki received 339,767 votes, or 50.8 percent, while Sakima collected 274,844, or 41.1 percent, and former lawmaker Mikio Shimoji gained 53,677, or 8.0 percent, according to official data.

I think Tamaki fared well in this election despite the central government's all-out support for Sakima as well as a strong headwind coming from China's assertive activities around Taiwan and in the Senkaku/Diaoyudao waters.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

While I can certainly sympathize with the people of Okinawa over the base issue, I also understand how a democracy has to function.

A single province cannot and should not be able to dictate to the central government something as critical as defense. There is a reason military and defense affairs are the exclusive domains of central governments. It’s because those sorts of decisions often require discomfort and sacrifice and people generally don’t like to partake in either of those things of their own volition. Completely understandably.

If you want a good example of what happened when you DO let a state/provincial govt dictate military affairs, look no further than the Confederacy during the US Civil War. When things were going good, states were happy to willingly send their own troops beyond their borders. But when the tide turned, those same states were suddenly far more reluctant to send “their” boys off to some “foreign” battlefield. By the end of the war, states were outright refusing to send troops beyond their own borders, even when they were desperately needed far afield. And the central govt was too weak to compel them. In the end, many men that might have been useful elsewhere sat at home while the South collapsed.

State and provincial officials are elected to represent the interests of the citizens of their state or province. National leaders are elected to represent all citizens of an entire nation. Sometimes, what’s good for the part is not good for the whole, and what is good for the whole may place an uncomfortable burden on the part. That’s just the nature of democracy.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Okinawa percent of land mass of all of Japan = 0.6%

US military personnel stationed in Okinawa as percent of all of Japan = 75%

Something is seriously out of wack here. The phrase military colony comes to my mind.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

GDP perhaps yes, but how much of the economy is dependent on the US Military for example.

When I buy a $2000.00 guitar at a second hand shop. Is my purchase marked as an American purchase and annotated as such?

It's all included in the GDP when it is calculated.

Unfortunately is impossible to determine the exact percentage of American dollars being placed into the Okinawan economy.

Who ever talked about "exact"? It's impossible to get exact, and no one expects it, except you it seems. Its ludicrous to think that any statistics are "exact". But that 4% figure is a pretty damn accurate number about the TOTAL effect of the US Military economically here.

Used to be 100%, but then I guess you would find a reason to state why it wasnt, right?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Why is the central government, in consonant with the U.S. government, so hectic to forge ahead with the relocation despite repeated showings of public opinion against it?  Is this really democracy, a value Japan shares with the U.S.?  LOL.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

 so hectic to forge ahead with the relocation despite repeated showings of public opinion against it?  

The only one being "hectic" is you! The construction will continue, the landfill will be completed and Futenma will close. The overwhelming MAJORITY of the people here are either for the relocation, dont care either way, or are totally apathetic about the issue, and that was proven time and time again, much to the chagrin of the anti-base coalition.

If Denny's position was so popular, and public opposition so strong, it should have been a landslide victory for him, but facts show it wasnt, and people dont care enough to vote, because he has shown that all he can do is put on a show, but has nothing else to offer!

The "hectic" one's are Denny, because once the landfill is completed, and the base closed, he wont have any other reason to point to in an election. He will lose his proverbial golden goose, which is the best thing for Okinawa to have happen.

Maybe then we can get a Governor that actually cares about ALL the people of Okinawa! Okinawa has suffered enough, from the hands of wholly incompetent politicians and governors who only run on an anti-base platform, and screw the rest of the people!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

 Is this really democracy, a value Japan shares with the U.S.?  LOL.

From the manner in which you write, your idea of a democracy is one led by Stalin, or Kim Jong il, those are leaders you surely seem to admire. Brainwashing the people with propaganda to the point that fiction becomes reality!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Yubaru,

The only one being "hectic" is you!

True, I am hectic about denying opinions like yours. Maybe, more so than you trying to deny my opinion. But I have a reason for this.

I think Futenma's relocation within Okinawa, i.e., to Henoko, must be prevented by all means from occurring not to let injustice go unpunished. May I repeat that Futenma sits on illegally confiscated private lands. In other words, the Marine air wing, MAG-36, are using the base land like illegal squatters. This illegality must not let go unpunished.

If you let this injustice go unpunished, the U.S. military presence, a.k.a. occupation, would go unfettered forever.

What's your hectic stance on denying my opinion?   

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What's your reason for being hectic about endorsing the government's plan?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

May I repeat that Futenma sits on illegally confiscated private lands.

No it doesnt, and you know it. You also know that no one, none of the anti-base coalition, not the numerous anti-base governors, no one, has ever made this an issue.

You also know why, but just cant accept that you are wrong. Everything you write, before or afterwards, is meaningless, because it is all based upon a false premise.

You would never win a case in any court in the world, based upon an opinion!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Yubaru,

You aren't answering my question: What's your reason for being hectic about endorsing the government's plan?

Instead, you mumble: No, it doesn’t, and you know it.

Confiscating private lands while area residents were herded in camps like POWs is not illegal but just and righteous in your view?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yubaru,

You aren't answering my question: What's your reason for being hectic about endorsing the government's plan?

Instead, you try to find fault with the other part of my post and mumble:

No, it doesn’t, and you know it.

Confiscating private lands while area residents, including the owners of lands, were herded in camps like POWs is not illegal but just and righteous in your view? What a world!

FYI. Article 46 of the “Convention Respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land” clearly states that “(p)rivate property cannot be confiscated.” Do we have to go to law specialists to interpret this simple English sentence for us?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

You aren't answering my question: What's your reason for being hectic about endorsing the government's plan?

I am not being "hectic", look in the mirror! You are because you realize the landfill will become a reality!

FYI. Article 46 of the “Convention Respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land” clearly states that “(p)rivate property cannot be confiscated.” 

Nonsense, the Security Treaty nullifies any of this argument! You know that, just again, you cant accept reality

Do we have to go to law specialists to interpret this simple English sentence for us?

Seems like you need to, as no legal specialist, BTW they are called "lawyers" would even take the case,

There is no case for what you continually repeat at every chance you get. It truly shows that you believe if you tell a lie enough times, you believe it's the truth. Just like the propaganda of North Korea, which you seem to emulate, the "leader" or someone, tells lies over and over , and everyone is brainwashed into thinking its the truth.

The world knows differently, and when the landfill and relocation are completed, this too shall end! Amen!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Yubaru,

I am not being "hectic", look in the mirror! You are because you realize the landfill will become a reality

I am very hectic, yes, because illegality and injustice seem to be going unpunished.

You say you aren't hectic despite the fact that you urge and cheer up the government to forge ahead with the landfill and you take every chance to deny my posts hectically. The landfill must stop right then and there because Futenma's replacement now under construction but expected not to be completed is a white elephant financially, strategically and ecologically.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I am very hectic, yes, because illegality and injustice seem to be going unpunished.

Wow, now you go off the proverbial deep end! Punishment!

Take your case to the court! If you are that possessed with the idea that something is illegal, why talk about it here, take some initiative and do something.

You say you aren't hectic despite the fact that you urge and cheer up the government to forge ahead with the landfill and you take every chance to deny my posts hectically.

Dont put words in my mouth, never urged, nor cheered the government. When you resort to this kind of response you have lost.

I counter your post no one thinks what you say here is the actual truth.

Just a question; is "hectic" your new word of the day? lol!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Yubaru,

Take your case to the court! If you are that possessed with the idea that something is illegal, why talk about it here, take some initiative and do something.

Do I have to file the case to court for them to interpret for me the meaning of a sentence in the Hague Convention provision that says: "private property cannot be confiscated"?

Isn't the U.S. government eager to relocate Futenma to Henoko partly because they are also aware the current facility sits on illegally confiscated private lands? Many of the bases on mainland Japan, such as Iwakuni, Yokota and Yokosuka, were IJA bases initially which the U.S. occupation forces took over as the result of the war. Futenma is very different from those mainland bases in that point.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Do I have to file the case to court for them to interpret for me the meaning of a sentence in the Hague Convention provision that says: "private property cannot be confiscated"?

Really now? Can't you figure out why?

It's not an issue.

As I have also asked you countless numbers of times as well, "Why do you think NO ONE has ever taken this up as an issue following Onaga failing miserably to get an audience with anyone of authority in the US?" The governors and anti-base coalition, have pulled at all the straws they can think of, even allegedly faking evidence regarding some species or another, beyond the dugong, and none of those issues made any difference, with anyone, anywhere.

Do you think the anti-base coalition is so naïve and ignorant to not have looked at every possible angle to make their plea to the world? Are you THAT condescending of them, and do you actually think you know better than all of them?

You really should attempt to try and find a different angle, as this one, and your misconstrued idea about the Marines in Japan, are totally moot points.

What issue are you going to pick on next, after the landfill at Camp Schwab is completed and Futenma is returned?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

No Henoko base means no financial assistance to Okinawa from the central government.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Many of the bases on mainland Japan, such as Iwakuni, Yokota and Yokosuka, were IJA bases initially which the U.S. occupation forces took over as the result of the war. Futenma is very different from those mainland bases in that point.

One point here you again conveniently over look, probably because it also defeats your idea about Futenma.

ALL the bases here in Okinawa were taken from "private" landholders, well something like well over 90%, but you only talk about Futenma. Everyone knows why, but that's another story.

Also since you wrote Iwakuni here too, you openly acknowledge that it's ok for the Marines here too! As Iwakuni IS a Marine Corp Air Station the same as Futenma!

You also should be aware that the landholders of Futenma, are truly worried where their "money" is going to come from when it gets returned, as many have never had to work a day in their lives because of the rent they received from the Japanese government for the use of their land. It may not have started that way, but many, with a few exceptions, have been VERY well compensated for the use of their land.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Yubaru,

Your frantic reaction to my posts always makes me wonder why you are so hectic to have the relocation realized whatsoever. No Japanese, how conservative or of pro-U.S. bases he may be, would be so proactive for the relocation as you are.  

You once posted that you were discharged from the U.S. Marines Okinawa, obtained a Japanese citizenship, thus paying national taxes just as other Japanese do.

If so, why are you so hectic to endorse the relocation, which is destroying pristine natural environment by mindless landfill work?   

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If so, why are you so hectic to endorse the relocation, which is destroying pristine natural environment by mindless landfill work?  

You owe me a new computer keyboard! I just spit my coffee up on it after reading this! I will pass on commenting about your use of the word hectic, as I see you seem to have fallen in love with using it.

However, your comment about the "pristine" environment..... that is what made me laugh the hardest!

Dont think for one second that anyone who knows anything about Okinawa can take you even 1% seriously when you say this! Probably less than that really. It is hypocritical to complain about Camp Schwab's landfill and not say one thing about the 1000's of times WORSE has been done by Okinawan and Japanese governments in the name of development here.

You have zero credibility in making comments like this!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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