The large US military presence on the Japanese islands of Okinawa has long caused tensions with local residents. But as Voice of America correspondent Henry Ridgwell reports, the increase in tensions with China and Russian aggression in Ukraine are affecting the change in the attitude of local residents towards the American bases in Japan.
About 30,000 American troops are stationed in Okinawa. The United States has maintained a large military presence there since the end of World War II, when American forces captured the islands after three months of fierce fighting. The bases have long been a source of tension with local residents.
The Voice of America spoke with Mrs. Yoko Shima, editor of the “Ryukyu Shimpo” newspaper.
“The 60- and 70-year-olds keep the stories they learned from their parents about the battle of Okinawa. Many of them have been involved in protests against bases in the past and continue to be against them.”
Aircraft noise, road accidents and perceived safety risk influence opposition to the bases. The rape of a 12-year-old girl in 1995 by three US Marines sparked huge protests.
But sentiment seems to be changing. Polls suggest most residents believe Okinawa bears an unfair burden and mainland Japan should have more US bases. However, young people have more positive views.
“Although there is not much support for American bases, young people think that nothing can be done about American military bases since they already exist and that they are also necessary for Japan’s defense,” Ms. Yoko Shima told VOA. editor of the newspaper “Ryukyu Shimpo”.
A few hundred kilometers west of Okinawa lies Taiwan. China has stepped up military maneuvers around the island, raising fears it could launch an invasion. The Japanese fear that their islands could become embroiled in a wider conflict.
In December, the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning passed through the Miyako Strait south of the main island of Okinawa. Ms. Aiko Shimajiri represents northern Okinawa in the Japanese parliament.
“The security threat from China is becoming more concrete”.
Russian aggression in Ukraine has changed people’s minds, says lawmaker Shimajiri.
“It is unclear whether this situation can happen in Asia. There are many people in Okinawa who think that since no one knows what might happen, it is necessary to prepare for such an eventuality.”
Residents in Okinawa who spoke to VOA offered different views on the US bases.
“If Japan’s peace is protected, I think they are a good thing,” says Taro Kishimoto.
“The issue of Taiwan is a problem. “When I see the news about the war in Ukraine, I think that having the power of the US military is absolutely necessary,” says resident Katsufumi Nishime.
“Personally, I am against it and keep negative images, because my grandparents experienced the war. I would be happier without the basics”, says Okinawa resident Ayako Yagi.
Okinawa’s painful history is still strongly felt among its inhabitants. Geography puts it on the front lines of growing geopolitical tensions.