The Ongoing Battle of Okinawa

By Valerie Cha

Okinawa is a collection of Japanese islands that is known to consist of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and marine wildlife. Before Okinawa became a top travel location for American tourists, it was a combat zone during World War II when American troops invaded the islands. Okinawa was a major location that the U.S. military used to mobilize their troops towards mainland Japan. During the Battle of Okinawa, roughly 160,000 Okinawa citizens were sacrificed by the Japanese army or killed by American troops in case they were spies for Japan (Sarantakes, 2000). This led to a distrustful relationship between the U.S. military and Okinawa after WWII. Since the war, the United States has built multiple military bases across the island and has stationed several thousands of US military members and their families on those bases.

In the article, “Okinawa and the U.S. military, post 1945,” Lane Johnston discusses the hindered relationship between the two groups who now, share the island. The first half of the article describes Okinawa as a valuable location to the U.S. due to its strategic position. Okinawa was viewed as a “stepping-stone” into Asia for the U.S., especially during times of assistance for South Korean allies and communist movements occurring in surrounding enemy countries. This encouraged the expansion of military bases on the island (Johnston, 2013).

As the expansion continued, the number of Americans increased which greatly affected Okinawans. Many of the military bases were used for testing and storing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons (Johnston, 2013). This negatively impacted the locals because the failed tests often caused harm to the prefectures (Japanese cities), the environment, and the locals themselves. However, the increase of American troops was also beneficial because it led to a spike in the economy as Okinawa’s tourist industry began to market the island and the troops supported local businesses (Johnston, 2013).

Based on personal experiences of living on and interning for a US military base in Okinawa for 10 weeks, I know there is still existing tension and rising political and social controversial issues between the two cultures that affects the lives of locals, US military families, the islands environment and wildlife, and potentially citizens in the United States and the Japanese population on mainland Japan. Although Johnston mentions some effects of U.S. troops in Okinawa and fundamental issues that underlie the U.S.-Japan alliance, Doug Bandow, author of “What Should the U.S. Do in Okinawa? Bring America’s Troops Home from Japan,” states that it would be better to decrease America’s military presence on the island.

Bandow states that one third of the troops in Japan are scattered across the island. He further describes that the bases are closing off beaches, housing, cemeteries, and other land that are important and valuable to Okinawans (Bandow, 2016). He also mentions ongoing discussions concerning complaints from locals to the Japanese and American government regarding crimes, noise, and misconduct under the influence. However, the complaints were often dismissed and the locals were left to suffer the outcome (Bandow, 2016).

I understand the logic and importance of having American troops stationed in Okinawa; however, is the large number of troops necessary if their presence brings about conflict and distress to the island’s locals? As I explored the bases during my stay, I saw headstones that belonged to Japanese families who could not gain access to the military bases. This sparked another question of how much of a voice local Okinawans have when considering the development of U.S. military bases on their homeland. I have also experienced the night-life of young marines and can understand why locals take caution around military under the influence. From Johnston’s view on economic benefits, I can agree that the U.S. presence does in fact contribute largely to the economy because of the many attractions and delicious restaurants owned by locals. On the other hand, Bandow has me questioning our presence as well, when he highlights the risks and dangers that the military has on locals and valuable features of the island. I believe that although there may be good political purpose for military locations, the host country (in this case, island) should have control over safety regulations and development, especially when it benefits the locals who are more likely to spend their whole lives on the island.

References:

Bandow, Doug (2016). “What Should The U.S. Do In Okinawa? Bring America’s Troops Home From Japan.” Forbes Magazine.

Haw, Jim (2013). “Okinawa and the U.S. Military, Post 1945.” Scientific American Blog Network.

Sarantakes, N (2000). Keystone: the American occupation of Okinawa and U.S. – Japanese relations. Texas A&M University Press.