Okinawa Reading

In Governor Ota's Message to the JPRI Conference on Security and Stability in East Asia, there were many troubling issues that came to light. The first and most important issue that I took out of this reading is the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty. It must be noted that the United States is not the only actor in taking advantage of Okinawa, but Japan needs to take as much or even more of the blame. From the facts given by Governor Ota, it appears that Japan is treating Okinawa absolutely horrible by making them take the brunt of U.S. military bases. By doing so, Okinawan's are living drastically below the standard of life compared to the rest of Japan. The unemployement rate is double, the average income is 30% less, and they cannot develope their island because 75% of U.S. bases in Japan are located on their island which accounts for 1% of Japanese land. Furthermore, dealing with the loud noise and cases of military crime, hold these people victim to unpleasant living conditions. Although it would make sense that the economy was bolstered by having U.S. military presense on the island like in the case of San Diego, in fact the military only supports 5% of the local economy. However, I find this number to be extremely low, and wonder about its accuracy.

Secondly, yes, the United States does have blame in the situation. How much of a presense do we still need in Asia? With North Korea coming off the list of Terror State's recently, and China becoming more and more interwoven in our economy, can the threat of turmoil be reaccessed? Even if the military is forced to remain in the region, and therefore be subjected to Okinawa because Japan refuses to allow the U.S. to change bases to other islands, what can the U.S. do to help the native people and give back to the community? Afterall, the best way to win support for the U.S. cause is not to enforce our rule, but to help live alongside others more efficiently.

Finally, I believe that Japan had the largest military budget in Asia, but I am not quite sure. If they are the dominant presense in Asia, what kind of effect do Japanese bases have on their own people? Is it better or worse than America's impact on Okinawa?

Okinawa is a small island with two large enemies in which they cannot defeat. In order to win back their island, and return to their peaceful existence they must first take on Japan, their country that has left them behind. By winning more support in the Diet, then they will be able to pressure the United States to either consolidate or move their bases out of Okinawa. I understand the importance to have military presense in Asia, and Okinawa being such a good tactical point makes it a key military objective. However, they should not be punished for being subjected to this military island, subsistence should be given to these people for putting up with unwelcome guests.