Dissent on ‘Peace Island’

Tokyo – The Japanese island of Okinawa marked 50 years since the end of US rule yesterday, with discontent simmering about the ongoing presence of American troops and fears about growing regional tensions.

The post-World War II US occupation of Japan lasted until 1952, but it took another 20 years for Okinawa, the country’s southernmost prefecture, to regain its sovereignty.

The anniversary was marked with official ceremonies in Tokyo and Okinawa, with the island’s governor Denny Tamaki calling attention to the “excessive burden” he said is placed on residents in his prefecture as it hosts the bulk of United States bases.

The long-festering controversy was highlighted by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, too.

“The government takes this fact seriously, and will continue to make an utmost effort to reduce this burden,” he told the ceremony in Okinawa.

Longstanding concerns for Okinawans about the US troop presence – and more recent worries about the threat of a military confrontation involving China – remained palpable.

A key flashpoint is the planned relocation of Okinawa’s Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, dubbed the “world’s most dangerous base” –