Okinawa: 80 Years After WWII, Still Bemoaning US Troops.

Okinawa Clash: Residents Demand the End of US Military Presence

The 72‑year‑old former businessman Takemasa Kinjo stands in front of the American‑controlled base holding a portrait of his mother, a victim of a Marine assault in 1974. He and dozens of neighbors convene almost every day to rattle the status quo.

Historical Triggers That Fuel the Movement

• 1974 Marine Killing – Kinjo’s mother died by a Marine’s blade at a home bar.
• 1959 School Crash – A U.S. jet slammed into an elementary school, killing 18 and inspiring a roaring, terrified generation.
• 1995 Gang Rape – Three Marines raped a 12‑year‑old girl, a crime that still sends ripples through Okinawan society.
• 2016‑2017 Murder & Assault – A former Marine, now a contractor, raped and killed a 20‑year‑old woman.
• 2004 Helicopter Crash – A Marine helicopter hit a university; no injuries but heightened fears of accidental disasters.
• 2024 Law‑Enforcement Sweep – Eighty individuals linked to U.S. bases – soldiers, contractors, and civilians – were detained for various offenses.

Strategic Foresight vs. Local Reality

The U.S. maintains a formidable presence: roughly 54,000 troops are stationed across Japan, with 70 % of those bases in Okinawa. The island sits near the strategically sensitive areas of China, Taiwan, and the Korean Peninsula, and is therefore essential for U.S. surveillance.

Yet the consistent narrative is clear: the local population feels a persistent sense of danger that can arise from these forces at any moment.

Key Voices in the Debate

• Governor Denny Tamaki – He repeatedly describes Okinawa’s “excessive burden” and calls for a fair distribution of military responsibilities across Japan.
• Junko Iraha – Chairwoman of a coalition of women’s groups, she states: “It’s not that we dislike Americans, but we demand action concerning the bases.”
• Takemasa Kinjo – He asserts: “Our economy thrives on tourism alone. There should be no new military facilities.”
• Hiromasa Iha – She recalls the 1959 jet crash and warns new generations: “This can happen again, anytime.”

Public Opinion Trends

Polls paint a picture of frustration:

• About 40 % of Okinawans in 2023 believe the anti‑base movement cannot change Tokyo’s policy.
• Near 80 % of residents feel uneasy about the presence of U.S. military personnel.

Conclusion: The Quiet Reckoning of Okinawa

While the United States frames Okinawa as a strategic outpost to monitor neighboring power dynamics, the residents’s lived experience – years of violent incidents, aviation mishaps, and a persistent sense of vulnerability – has cultivated a powerful call for withdrawal. As the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II draws near, the island’s view of America shifts from gratitude to fierce resistance, echoing a sentiment that “no sea of injustice can be tolerated.”