News Anti-US military sentiment in Okinawa dipping

[thomas]

Despite the re-election of Governor Denny Tamaki, a fierce critic of the U.S. troop presence in Okinawa , the anti-U.S. military sentiment in Japan's southernmost prefecture seems waning in the light of China's looming presence and the ongoing financial crunch.

The bases are often seen as a disproportionate burden for Japan's subtropical southernmost region. Okinawa comprises 0.6 per cent of the Japanese archipelago's territory but contains 70 per cent of the land used for US bases and over half the 50,000-strong troop presence. Base-related crime, accidents and pollution are potent irritants for Okinawa's 1.5 million residents. But with Okinawa now a front line in the burgeoning confrontation between China and regional US allies, the bases are increasingly important for American and Japanese defence strategies. [...] The shift reflects security concerns but also financial challenges said councillor Matayoshi. [...] Okinawa is Japan's poorest prefecture, and its tourist-dependent economy was hit hard by the pandemic.

Anti-US military base sentiment in Okinawa dips amid China tensions

The deep-rooted opposition to US troop presence in the tourist-dependent prefecture is gradually fading due to security concerns and financial challenges.

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