politics

Top court rules in favor of U.S. base relocation in Okinawa

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Surprise surprise ! They already received BILLIONS of YEN and will continue to received funds from the annual budget,and lets be realistic,most of the locals who oppose the bases are the ones who don't make any money from them.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

And so, now, the million dollar question is this: what do the base relocation opponents do next?

Interestingly, the article didn't really touch on this and it is really the most important question now.

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Its very strange that Top court rules in favor of U.S. base relocation in Okinawa i never thought something can happened.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

If all the population who live on Okinawa were Americans and if the trouble is as serious as Okinawans say, they may move out of Okinawa and find other places to live rather than continue to live there and whine.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Why doesn't the land of the Free house its troops in its OWN territory?

They certainly aren’t here to protect Japan.

They are here because they get free rent and "protection money" (omoyarikin) into the bargain.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Japan’s Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in favor of the central government

We can stop the story there. Nothing more to say. Ever.

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In September, a high court ruled that the central government’s position should be respected because it has “fundamental responsibility” for Japan’s defense and diplomacy.

This is the key to the entire argument. Onaga was barking up the wrong tree in taking his arguments (abusing our tax money) damn near anywhere he could, but got shut out of any office that would have made a difference. Why? Because he is not the leader of the country, and the court got it right!

Finally, Futenma will be moved, after over 2 decades. It's going to take a few more years but at least the expected end is in sight!

Its very strange that Top court rules in favor of U.S. base relocation in Okinawa i never thought something can happened.

No it's not strange, as the land and land to be created with the landfill is Japanese territory, leased to the US military as a part of the security agreement. The court did not rule in favor of the base relocation, it voted in favor of the Japanese governments claim. If you do a little research you'll understand that a bit better. ,

most of the locals who oppose the bases are the ones who don't make any money from them.

My position regarding the base relocation is rather well known here, but I have to say this is BULLSHIT! It bugs me no end that people assume things that they know nothing about.

There are plenty of protesters who are against the bases that work ON the bases and the bases are their source of income that they use to raise their families. Look up Zenchuro and see what THAT tells you. It's a base workers union and they are against the bases. SO, you have NO proof to support your unbiased claim.

They are here because they get free rent and "protection money" (omoyarikin) into the bargain.

Once again BULL SHIT, the US gains NO "protection money" from Japan, this budget you speak of goes DIRECTLY to the Okinawan government, so, you are again making false claims!

You have a problem, take it up with the Japanese government! They made the security agreements and they are responsible for adhering to it, dont like it...tough, but you are wrong to think it's for the rather ignorant reasons you state here.

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Japan’s Supreme Court ruled made into law for the JAPANESE National government granting the relocating of a U.S. air base at Futenma in Okinawa ,

So what is the Oki island’s governor. gonna do now? , develop a coup backed by his allies, and radical extremist? to take some complete destructive form of action, after all the years of rejection of such base related arguments? Dont punk out now Oki gov.

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So what is the Oki island’s governor. gonna do now? , develop a coup backed by his allies, and radical extremist? to take some complete destructive form of action, after all the years of rejection of such base related arguments? Dont punk out now Oki gov.

What he is should ethically do is follow through on his promise to adhere to the courts decision!

Then he should resign.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Onaga has already stated his plan. There are 3 permits that need to be renewed in the next 4 months 1 for coral transplanting 1 for Breaking coral to build the foundation 1 for the fill coming from outside Okinawa has to certified no invasive or hazardous critters and toxins The Nakagusku council already made a pact that demands the immediate closure of all bases including Kadena. It keeps him in office and its his form of extortion to get more mainland money Reporters and news stories that are lopsided and data out of another era are repeated as if it happened yesterday Just to inflame the masses over and over and does no good Life goes on, But remember when the new runways are at Schwab (not a new base only expanded) The full deal comes into play. Here comes Kinser and Lester, Port of Okinawa, Futenma and parts of Foster And all other places south of Foster 18,000 marines and family members will also leave to Guam and Australia Guamanians are tough people, Marines will get their butts kicked a lot, they fight back They don't call the police as they want the fun themselves the police pick em up after the thrashing they get. Then in Australia The marines will be the sheep in the fields as they will also take care of them well if they get out of line. A marine learns respect when they get their butts thrashed. So be patient its a win win for all

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Just only money for defense 70 years as it is economy is the clue it will be there , believe

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Onaga has already stated his plan. There are 3 permits that need to be renewed in the next 4 months 1 for coral transplanting 1 for Breaking coral to build the foundation 1 for the fill coming from outside Okinawa has to certified no invasive or hazardous critters and toxins The Nakagusku council already made a pact that demands the immediate closure of all bases including Kadena. I

By the way, these are not "problems" , IF they were, then the extension and landfill for Naha airport would fall under the same jurisdiction, and since they do not, so Henoko does not either.

Also no matter WTF Nakagusuku decides has NOTHING to do with the closure of any bases.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

An osprey costs 72.1 million to build. Isn't there any other thing to spend $72.1 million on?

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Relocate to US tourism area base Camp Pendleton... Truman ordered bases in Japan so that Japan will never attack USA. But beside Pentagon receive money from Japan, it must be still suspicious of Japan.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Gov Onaga's actions seem very understandable for Okinawans. Okinawa was occupied by US for 27 years to build military bases for US government's interest and these heavy US military bases and facilities still remain all over there for 44 years after its return. It is very understandable that Okinawans are very sick and tired of them and really want all military bases out of there.

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Everyone needs to stop saying "Okinawans" as if this is something that ALL Okinawans are fighting against. "All Okinawa" is just an overhyped propaganda group.

If you actually lived in Okinawa and knew Okinawans you would know for many it is not a serious issue, Most are apathetic to the whole issue and do not actively participate in anything involving the issue. So stop lumping the entire population into this opposition group because this isn't an oppressed island and that majority enjoy the status quo.

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Okinawa should get what it wants. Its time for marines to stop taking this so personnel and just leave. Even many Americans are getting sick of you attitude here.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Okinawa should get what it wants. Its time for marines to stop taking this so personnel and just leave. Even many Americans are getting sick of you attitude here.

No one is sick of anyone in Okinawa, there's a minor segment of senior citizens that are sick of the Americans but the vast majority are friendly with them and the rest doesn't care either way.

The more bizarre comments I read by you the more it becomes obvious you've never been to Okinawa and know nothing about Okinawa. Are you making an attempt to troll?

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

If you actually lived in Okinawa and knew Okinawans you would know for many it is not a serious issue, Most are apathetic to the whole issue and do not actively participate in anything involving the issue. So stop lumping the entire population into this opposition group because this isn't an oppressed island and that majority enjoy the status quo.

Yes! Even the people who gripe here on JT and live here on Okinawa choose to be blind to this fact as you have written here. It's too hard for them to change an ingrained idea.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Yes! Even the people who gripe here on JT and live here on Okinawa choose to be blind to this fact as you have written here. It's too hard for them to change an ingrained idea.

My guess is they have their own political motives and nasty prejudices that make it inconvenient for them to accept reality... Much like the wealthy business owners who entered politics for their gain play false narratives for political gain. Meanwhile, the average Okinawa resident is held hostage and used as a bartering chip in this political cat and mouse game the OPG plays.

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not to*

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I can accept the idea that a lot of people on Okinawa accept the status quo but I cannot accept the idea that they enjoy it. The reason that a lot of people except the status quo is because that is all they know. The U.S. Bases have been on Okinawa for over 70 years which means that a majority of the people of Okinawa have never known an Okinawa without U.S. Military Bases. No one should think that just because someone is apathetic it is because they are happy with their situation but in most cases it is because people have given up hope. You should ask Japanese Children on Okinawa if they would like to be able to freely play on those large grassy areas that the U.S. Military Children have to play on, you should ask Japanese Adults on Okinawa if they would like to be able to freely live and travel inside the areas that are now used by the U.S. Military.

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This is a top court ruling of colonizer and land grabbing USA and not of Japan!

The UN should investigate this gross and blatant abuse and violations of the human rights and inherent sacred sovereignty of the Ryukyuan people.

This is akin to extrajudicial squatting of Okinawan land which has been goin on even before ex-UN Chief and perennial US crony Ban became blind and senile.

Hope the new UN Boss will have more cojones to stand for the rights of the Ryukyuan Nation and eject the US squatters off our land by 2020!

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

I can accept the idea that a lot of people on Okinawa accept the status quo but I cannot accept the idea that they enjoy it.

Overly altruistic here? I mean hell I don't enjoy going to work everyday, but I live with the status quo too.

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There are two reasons the central government says why the function of USMC Air Station Futenma must be relocated within Okinawa, that is, to Henoko in northern Okinawa. First, the potential danger the current site poses because of its location in a densely populated residential area must be eliminated.

This explanation is a real crap because Yokota Air Base and Atsugi (Naval) Air Base, both in MetropolitanTokyo, are located in far more densely populated residential areas than Futenma. Kadena Air Base in Okinawa has far worse accident records than Futenma. Why aren't they subject to immediate relocation?

The Marine Corps Okinawa had blueprints in the1960's to build a new base complex in Henoko and its vicinity, which they yearly submitted to U.S. Congress for budgetary approval. But the bill was disapproved because the U.S. was being engaged in a costly war in Vietnam.

The Henoko relpocation plan this time around is a partial revival of the Marines' 1960's blueprint, not an exact replication but a very look-allike twin with new port facilities added for berthing a behemoth amphibious assault ship such as the Bon'homme Richard. The building costs for the new base will be all borne by the Japanese government. So for Washington there is nothing more lucrative than this bilateral agreement.

I'll come later because I'm travelling now.

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The Marine Corps Okinawa had blueprints in the1960's to build a new base complex in Henoko and its vicinity, which they yearly submitted to U.S. Congress for budgetary approval. But the bill was disapproved because the U.S. was being engaged in a costly war in Vietnam.

It was rejected not because of the US congress, it was rejected in meetings between the US and Japanese governments as the Japanese government refused to pay to assist in building the base as Okinawa was not a part of Japan at the time.

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voiceofokinawa,

As you say, "So for Washington there is nothing more lucrative than this bilateral agreement."

Exactly, without Japanese financial support, they simply couldn't afford to build the new base in Henoko.

And as for Okinawa, evidently Tokyo and Washington have decided that Okinawa is expendable and have closed their eyes and ears to anything else. Any attempt to build a new base the size of Henoko any closer to Tokyo and there would be riots. Abe's only doing it here because the votes he loses in Okinawa he will gain in the rest of Japan by people thinking, "Glad it's them and not us!"

0 ( +0 / -0 )

One small place in N Okinawa is promised to be returned today , 12/22 after so many years. Anyone, do you know is it returned?

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toshiko: One small place in N Okinawa is promised to be returned today , 12/22 after so many years. Anyone, do you know is it returned?

It isn't small. It's 10,000 acres ("more than 4,000 hectares"). It's about the same size as Naha core city (40 km sq, half of the base which is 80 km sq, Naha core city is 39 km sq).

They held the handover ceremony in Tokyo yesterday (Wednesday in Tokyo).

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&gl=us&tbm=nws&q=okinawa

https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-12-21/u-s-returns-largest-tract-of-okinawa-land-to-japan-in-44-years

... the largest tract of land in more than 40 years, reducing American-administered areas on the southern island of Okinawa by 17 percent.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Yubaru,

It was rejected not because of the US congress, it was rejected in meetings between the US and Japanese governments as the Japanese government refused to pay to assist in building the base as Okinawa was not a part of Japan at the time.

Okinawa that time was under the direct occupation of the U.S. and the Japanese government had no say whatsoever about how the U.S. military might use and handle Okinawa. Land was requisitioned with impunity to expand bases and develop sprawling housing areas for the military personnel and their families.

Naturally, the Marines' blueprints to build a new base complex in northern Okinawa were exclusively their own, not something they consulted with Tokyo for monetary help. The Marines, a Naval arm only when dealing with U.S. Congress, submitted their plans through the Department of Navy more than twice but each time they were rejected for the apparent reason I mentioned above. Some members of the relevant committees are reportedly to have opposed the bills, saying Okinawa was not U.S. territory and that, if it were returned to Japan, the whole project of constructing a new base complex with U.S. money would be the waste of money.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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