U.S. military bases in Okinawa

U.S. military bases in Okinawa

A contentious issue in Okinawa is about to resurface after the end of the Group of Eight summit meeting.

In deciding to hold the G-8 summit in Okinawa, the government intended to have the (U.S.) air-station relocation plan accepted by local governments. At that time, many Okinawans had a different wish. They wanted to plead for consolidating and reducing the U.S. military bases to the people of the world. Their wish did not come true.

Nevertheless, it was meaningful for Okinawa to have hosted the G-8 summit.

The eyes of the world focuses on Okinawa. European leaders who had no previous connection to Okinawa reached out to Okinawans. And standing before the Cornerstone of Peace memorial, which holds the names of 230,000 victims of the Battle of Okinawa, U.S. President Bill Clinton must have reflected on the tragic history of the island group.

Furthermore, 27,000 people joined hands at the 10.2 mile perimeter of Kadena Air Base, the largest military facility in the Far East. Although it was an expression of protest by those critical of the administration (of Okinawa governor Keiichi) Inamine, the human chain highlighted the enormity of the problems imposed in Okinawa by the presence of the U.S. military bases.

With the wishes of the Okinawan people in mind, Inamine will have to show a firm resolve in negotiating with the central government on the 15-year term limit and on the shared use of the base by the U.S. military and civilians. Is it not the duty of the government to meet the wish of Okinawans in its talks with the U.S. government?

-- The Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo