Why US Military Bases on Okinawa are So Controversial

[vic]

When the mutual defense treaty between the US and Japan was up for re-negotiation in the '70s, one of the main concessions the Japanese got in exchange for extebding it was that the US agreed to move most of its personal to Okinawa. The Okinawans weren't happy but they got outvoted when the Japanese government held a nationwide vote on the matter. Okinawans are nkt ethnically Japanese.

[ZackTparker_Demon]

As a person who was staitioned there, i can say there was more than just what was said as to why they did not want us there

[lovebugmac]

My brother has been stationed there for years. He loves it there. Okinawa residents don't like the bases bit there is little they can other than protest. My brother marries a Japanese women from the main Island and she hated living on Okinawa. Main island Japanese treat people in Okinawa like second class citizens according to my brother.

[louisnall]

Fun fact: Okinawa is where the United States Marine Corps goes to for jungle training.

[RealUlrichLeland]

US military bases are often controversial in countries with left hand drive like Japan and the UK because personnel driving out on the wrong side of the road cause lots of road accidents. There's been dozens of these incidents in the UK, including a recent bigh profile one where Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a US diplomat killed a young motorcyclist in a hit and run and then fled the country.

[fifthdominion]

Everyone in the comments being unsympathetic due to Japan's war crimes in WW2 but don't realize Okinawa was also subjugated by the Japanese...Its like if Japan still owned Korea and we punished Korea for Japan's actions. Its not fair to the Okinawans, unfortunately the rest of Japan doesnt care.

[greggweber]

This was a dispute since before 1968 when I was there, and a group was milling by the main gate. I was in a small group that was to backup the Marines if they got in.

[frankjames]

Japan is a very close ally, and hopefully the US and Japan can work something out to resolve the situation

[jamesjohnson]

I remember, they used to protest outside Camp Schwab every day lol. It gets old quick.

[johnlacey]

You do realize that the primary purpose of the US military presence in Okinawa is not to bolster the local economy, right? It’s to promote military stability in the region... something that was sorely lacking prior to 1937 or so.

[Mattscalf]

My dad lived in Okinawa back in the 90s when he was in the Marine Corps.

[royxeph_arcanex]

Just to clarify for the other viewers, this is just the tip of the iceberg of why those bases are controversial in Okinawa

[matthew]

Maybe just don’t fuck with our boats next time

[Clicky_The_Blicky]

Hey thats just what they have to deal with when they lose a war. Honestly comparatively and historically the Japanese got a super sweet deal for losing the biggest war known to man. The US even rebuilt Japan after it was all done, they also got to keep their man emperor god.

[tom]

It's either that or give up American protection.

[kevinishki]

Okinawans love us being there and the business we bring for the most part.

[coz_grove]

And yet there are soo many abandoned houses for sale at $8-$12k USD in Japan. Also lets not forget the population decline. The old are dying out and the youth are not repopulating at a health rate. So expect more abandoned homes.

[Alloy]

As a U.S citizen and firm believer that U.S bases on other countries are a good idea. Okinawa needs some freedom from the bases...

[philipfrazee]

Comments referring to Pearl Harbor, should use the word “ships” not boats.
I lived on Okinawa from 1960-1963.
The Okinawans were generally a friendly and hospitable people.
We actually lived in a Okinawan village, which was a very unique experience.
Children were safe there and cherished with a day dedicated to honor boy children.
Later, girls were included in the celebration.
The island had some excellent scuba diving sites with super clean water.
There were multiple remnants from the war such as artillery emplacements, caves and
machine gun nests etc.
I always enjoyed the Karate, Judo and Sumo wrestling events.
When our father asked us if we wanted to stay there or return to the States, l said return to America.
What a big mistake.
Live and Learn. 😢

[ericclark]

Maybe they shouldn’t have lost













I’m kidding we should at least help economically