Okinawa on Sunday is marking the 50th anniversary of its return to Japan after 27 years of American rule in 1972, amid protests against a continued heavy U.S. military presence and lack of support from the mainland.
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, foreground, inspects the U.S. Marine Air Station Futenma from the city hall in Ginowan, Okinawa, Japan Sunday, May 15, 2022. Okinawa on Sunday is marking the 50th anniversary of its return to Japan after 27 years of American rule on May 15, 1972, amid protests against a continued heavy U.S. military presence and lack of support from the mainland. after 27 years of American rule on May 15, 1972, amid protests against a continued heavy U.S.
Because of the US. bases, Okinawa faces burdens including noise, pollution, accidents and crime related to American troops, Okinawan officials and residents say. Okinawa was sacrificed by Japan’s imperial army to defend the mainland, and many Okinawans are skeptical that the Japanese military would protect them in future conflicts, experts say.
Today, a majority of the 50,000 U.S. troops based in Japan under a bilateral security pact and 70% of military facilities are still in Okinawa, which accounts for only 0.6% of Japanese land. The burden has increased from less than 60% in 1972 because unwelcomed U.S. bases were moved from the mainland.
Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki earlier in May submitted a petition to Kishida's government and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel demanding a significant reduction of the U.S. military in Okinawa, the immediate closure of the Futenma base and the scrapping of a new base in Henoko.