News Anti-US military sentiment in Okinawa dipping

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.

Click to expand...