Even in the long post-war “peace,” Okinawans bore the wounds and scars of a massive U.S. military presence. Now, facing rising U.S.-North Korea tensions and the effects of the U.S.’ China-encirclement agenda, Okinawans are resisting a new wave of occupation and militarization.
Since 1972 American troops have committed almost 6,000 crimes while stationed in Japan, 571 of which may be categorized as grave offenses.
Recent scandals involving US military personnel have been widely covered by the international media. Instead of being the “bulwark of American democracy” and the “defenders of peace and security” American bases and their occupants are rapidly becoming a symbol of lawlessness and crime, as evident by the vocal criticism that has been voiced by
Demonstration a reflection of years of resentment against US military footprint on island, with former Marine suspected of recent murder and rape adding fuel to fire
Okinawa on Sunday was site of a massive protest against U.S. bases, the latest in years of demonstrations, with fresh anger fueled by the recent suspected rape and killing of a woman on the Japanese island by a former
After having endured several nasty episodes of criminality by U.S. servicemen on its citizens, many residents want the base gone entirely.
With diplomatic stakes high, the governor of Okinawa approved a measure on Friday that will allow the relocation of a controversial U.S. Marine base -- infamous locally for crimes committed by U.S. serviceman that include rape and gang rape -- to another part of the strategic island.
Despite overwhelming sentiment from the
