Away from Mainland

The people in Okinawa unequivocally exhaled their accumulated frustration against the national government of Japan. In the gubernatorial election in Okinawa, a candidate who firmly opposed the relocation plan of Futenma U.S. Marine Base to Henoko district of Nago City defeated incumbent governor who decided accepting the plan. Ignoring fundamental rule of democracy, Japanese bureaucrats do not show any attitude to change the plan. But what we are seeing is that Okinawa has made one step away from mainland of Japan, or one step toward secession.

The margin of obtained votes told unshaken determination of the people to reject the policy of national government. While former Mayor of Naha City, Takeshi Onaga, collected 360 thousands of multi-partisan votes, incumbent Hirokazu Nakaima lagged behind with 261 thousands. Onaga’s message, “I never allow military base in Henoko,” was overwhelmingly embraced by the voters. Nakaima’s “we do not have any alternatives” sounded as justification on his appeasement to national government.

The Ministry of Defense started drilling research in coastal area of Henoko in August. It basically keeps its policy to build new base there, regardless result of the election. It relies on official procedure that was made by incumbent governor. Dismissing democratic process of people’s expression on governmental policy, the Ministry expects actual construction of military base in Henoko next year.

Onaga will make his best to stop those processes. He indicated dismissal of Nakaima’s approval for the construction, which national government would definitely need to continue the construction. Onaga also considers rejection of request by national government for any minor change in current construction plan. It is regarded as an effective disturbance against national government.

What we will likely to see in coming months is Ministry of Defense keeps on building process and excluding protesters around there, people in Okinawa further accumulate their frustration against Tokyo and Washington, and China closely watching deterioration of security environment of Japan-U.S. alliance around Okinawa.

What U.S. needs to realize is that Okinawa will never be reined in by oppressive procedure of security policy by Japanese government. Even if both governments can finish the relocation of Futenma to Heono, anti-government sentiment will remain in the island forever. Rape, robbery or violence by American military will not cease, regardless they are traps or not.