Myths on Okinawa

While officially reiterating that the relocation plan of U.S. Futenma Marine Base to Henoko is the only option as Japanese government supposedly instructed, United States is gradually realizing how difficult the plan is to be achieved. Congressional Research Service indicated in its newest report that political antagonism between Tokyo and Okinawa would be intensified later this year. This is the Japanese version of power struggle between central government and local community that U.S. experienced from the beginning of its history.

According to a report of Japan Times, a CRS report predicted that the political contestation between Tokyo and Okinawa on the relocation plan was entering a new phase late 2015, pointing a possibility of intensified struggle between them over central government’s push to reclaim land. “Despite these advances, concerns remain about the implementation of an agreement to relocate the controversial Futenma base in Okinawa due to opposition from the local population,” said the report, quoting recent development in Japan-U.S. relationship including passing new security bills or update of bilateral security guidelines.

Why does U.S. still misunderstand in this issue? That must be because it looks the problem only from the viewpoint of Tokyo. Mainichi Shimbun raised four myths in Tokyo about Okinawa.

Firstly, Tokyo government tries to persuade the public that relocation of Futenma base is necessary to maintain deterrence of Japan. But, an experienced journalist concludes that U.S. Marine Corp in Okinawa does not have deterrence against other’s offensive action. Most Marine troops in Okinawa are for logistic support, except 31^st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The greatest deterrence, U.S. 7^th Fleet, stations in Yokosuka.

Secondly, Okinawa has been believed to be accepting better treat than any other regions in Japan, because of its heavy burden of U.S. military bases. But, things are different in Okinawa. One lawmaker elected from Okinawa argues that one half of Okinawa Development Budget is used for projects such as removing unexploded bombs, which should be done by national government.

The third myth of unreality of Okinawan independence is baseless because actual scenario is still discussed among the people. The forth one, an argument that relocation is indispensable for maintaining Japan-U.S. alliance to deal with China, is ridiculous, since U.S. has no intention to wage war against China at all.

If U.S. decision makers correctly understand the situation in Okinawa, it will realize how inappropriate for them to stay the course. For U.S. government, Japan is Tokyo, and for Japanese government, America is a few of the stakeholders like Rich Armitage or Joe Nye.