The Japanese Ministry of Defense plans to build a new training ground for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) in the central area of Okinawa’s main island, drawing strong opposition from local residents. Should the central government forcibly execute the plan, this could be yet another tinder box in pacificist Okinawa, the nation’s politically and … Read more
Advertisement On September 4, the Japanese Supreme Court ruled that Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki is legally obligated to approve the relocation of a U.S. military base from the Okinawan district of Ginowan to Henoko district in the prefecture’s Nago city. The decision follows Tamaki’s years-long legal battle to prevent the relocation after landfill work, which … Read more
Advertisement Okinawa, the southernmost Japanese prefecture where many Japanese choose to spend their holidays thanks to its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage, has evolved into the battleground of a long-running conflict. For over 60 years, the local populace has voiced its discontent with the presence of U.S. military outposts on the islands. One of … Read more