Okinawa and Tokunoshima

Dear Shoji,

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I understand that the issue of American military bases in Okinawa is in the daily headlines in Japan.  You might be interested to know that there is NO discussion of the Okinawa question in the American news media.  The issue is completely invisible here.

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As I understand it, there are competing interests among all the parties—Okinawans, other Japanese, environmentalists, US military, and US civilian government.  I understand that the military bases are an important element in the economy of Okinawa, and the building of new bases would be economically advantageous to the builders who get the contracts.  And I have some understanding of the complex mutual-defense agreements between the US and Japan.

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So, although it would be ideal for all the American forces to leave Okinawa, that is not a viable option for the near future.  According to the reports I have read, the American response to the Okinawa crisis has been unhelpful and rather undiplomatic.  Apparently, Secretary of State Clinton is relying on General Jones as the final decision-maker on this issue, and he has a long-time vested interest in the US Marines position.  So, it doesn’t appear that the Japanese and Okinawans are going to get constructive help from the American side.  I can only hope that the people closest to the problem finally get the solution that is best for them.

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Best wishes,

Mike   2010-04-20

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James L. Jones

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_L._Jones