Okinawa marks 50th anniversary of handover from U.S. rule

Emperor Naruhito addressed the commemoration ceremony online from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo with Empress Masako. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida praised the Japan-U.S. efforts of more than five decades ago that led to Okinawa's reversion to Japanese sovereignty in 1972 after 27 years of U.S. occupation. "It is extremely rare historically for a country to recover its territory lost in war through diplomatic negotiations," he said. "It was made possible due to the friendly relations and trust between Japan and the United States." He referred to the southernmost prefecture as a gateway to Asia, saying it has huge potential as a hub of international exchanges. Kishida also renewed a central government pledge to reduce the burden borne by Okinawa in hosting about 70 percent of all U.S. military facilities in Japan even though it accounts for only about 0.6 percent of the country's total land area. Islanders for the most part bitterly resent the massive U.S. military presence.

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According to a Kyodo News survey conducted on 1,500 residents age 18 and older across Okinawa from March to April, 55% said they have been dissatisfied with the course of history after Okinawa's return to Japan, while 94% welcomed the reversion itself. Repeated calls to alleviate their burden of hosting the bases have largely been ignored by the central government, which has emphasized the strategic importance of Okinawa due to its proximity to potential flashpoints such as Taiwan, in the face of an expanding Chinese military presence. The central government also claims that the presence of U.S. forces on the island serves an important role for the security of Japan as they would enhance the deterrence offered under the Japan-U.S. alliance. Competing desires between the central government and Okinawans have led to the stalled relocation of the Futenma base. While the central government is determined to build a replacement facility in a less populated coastal area of Okinawa, many Okinawans demand the base be relocated outside of the island prefecture.

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thomas said:

Yesterday, Okinawa marked the fiftieth anniversary of its return to Japan from U.S. rule, despite ongoing protests over the concentration of U.S. military bases and its uphill battle to make its economy self-sustaining.

Okinawa marks half century since handover from U.S. rule | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Here's a concise overview of the most contentious issues:

Why frustration lingers in Okinawa 50 years after its reversion to Japan

Okinawa on Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of its return to Japan on May 15, 1972, which ended 27 years of U.S. rule after one of the bloodiest battles of World War II was fought on the southern Japanese island. The day is being marked with more bitterness than joy…

japantoday.com

Okinawa marks 50 years since reversion from U.S. rule

Okinawa continues to shoulder the bulk of U.S. bases in the country despite its long-stated hope of becoming 'a peaceful island free of military bases.'

www.japantimes.co.jp

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