Okinawa Island in Japan serves as host to a multitude of American military installations. Remarkably, despite comprising a mere 1% of the nation’s landmass, Okinawa accommodates 70% of all American military bases situated in Japan.
The planned relocation of the United States (U.S.) Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Island to a less populated area is currently on the agenda. This relocation proposal has encountered opposition from local residents and activists advocating for a general reduction in the U.S. military presence in Okinawa.
A Japanese high court ordered to approve this plan despite persistent opposition and protests by residents.[i] Within the escalating tensions with China, the strategic significance of Okinawa is concurrently amplifying. The decision made during this juncture underscores the fortification of the military alliance between Japan and the United States. Moreover, Japan has acceded to the proposal of augmenting its defense budget for the fiscal year 2024, earmarking 56 billion dollars for military expenditures.
The ruling, which effectively allows the national government to take over the authority of a local administration for a specific policy action, aligns with the central government’s position.[ii] The relocation plan of the military base had been protracted for an extended period due to the non-approval by the local administration. Nevertheless, the court, in consideration of ‘preserving public interest,’ adjudicated in favor of the government’s decision. The court ruling stated that if the prefecture does not approve the application, removing the dangers posed by the Futenma air base to human life and physical safety will be significantly delayed and would thus “harm the social and public interest”.[iii]
In the context of domestic politics, the Okinawan populace’s resistance to the relocation of the military base can be attributed to two principal factors. The first originates from recent historical occurrences. The Battle of Okinawa was the last major battle of WW2, fought between none other than the USMC and the Imperial Japanese Army.[iv] The second reason is attributable to environmental factors. The objection of the local administration arises from the soft nature of the seabed in the designated relocation area. Subsequently, the plan underwent revisions and was presented to the higher court.
Concurrently, the perpetuation of U.S. bases in Okinawa carries profound geopolitical implications. This deployment substantiates the United States’ commitment to preserving regional stability and assumes a pivotal role in dissuading potential adversaries within the Asia-Pacific sphere. Functioning as pivotal nodes for American military forces, these bases streamline responses to regional security exigencies, thereby fortifying U.S. military presence in a region characterized by intricate and evolving security dynamics.
The military bases in Okinawa hold strategic significance for both the United States and Japan. These bases are perceived as integral components of the U.S. strategy to encircle China. In a broad sense, the United States maintains its effectiveness in safeguarding pacifist Japan through the presence of its bases on the island. Recent provocations in the region, such as North Korea’s spy satellite and nuclear missile tests, have heightened tensions. In response, the trilateral alliance of the United States, South Korea, and Japan has strengthened defense collaborations, organizing joint exercises.
[i] Mari Yamaguchi, “A Japan Court Orders Okinawa To Approve A Modified Plan To Build Runways For US Marine Corps”, The Associated Press (AP) News, https://apnews.com/article/japan-us-okinawa-military-base-aca333c92758d5d0760631730066356f, (Erişim Tarihi: 24.12.2023).
[ii] “EDITORIAL: Court Ruling in Favor Of New U.S. Base Is A Blow To Local Autonomy”, The Asahi Shimbun, https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15090274, (Erişim Tarihi: 24.12.2023).
[iii] Aynı yer.
[iv] Parth Satam, “80 Years After Fighting Japan, US Marines Relive ‘Bloody Battle Of Okinawa’ To Checkmate China”, The EurAsian Times, https://www.eurasiantimes.com/80-years-after-fighting-japan-us-marines-relive-bloody-battle/, (Erişim Tarihi: 24.12.2023).
