In brief
In Okinawa, the longstanding U.S. military base presence evokes memories of war and subjugation among older generations, while the youth express anxiety over Chinese expansionism.
The island of Okinawa, located in the southwestern part of Japan, has become a focal point for tensions between global powers, especially between the United States and China. Keiko Itokazu, a resident, vividly remembers a tragic event from her youth in 1965 when a parachute attached to military equipment failed to open during a training exercise, resulting in a young girl's death. This traumatic incident sparked her long-standing opposition to the U.S. military bases on the island—establishments that have persisted even after Okinawa was returned to Japanese governance in 1972 after decades of American control following World War II.At 77, Itokazu remains active in the protest movement, recently joining demonstrations against a new U.S. Marine airbase under construction near Henoko, reflecting deep-rooted feelings of anger and resentment towards how both America and Japan have historically treated Okinawa. The pervasive sentiment among many Okinawans is that they are often viewed as second-class citizens, a narrative steeped in history that dates back to the 19th century when Japan annexed the Ryukyu Kingdom, which had previously maintained a degree of sovereignty.Okinawans’ discontent traces back further; during World War II, the island was ravaged as a battlefield for Japanese and American forces. The consequences of these historical conflicts linger in the hearts and minds of the residents, even as younger generations look over their shoulders at an increasingly assertive China. Therefore, the geopolitical dynamics are not solely a matter of military presence but encompass issues of identity, sovereignty, and the struggle for recognition amidst the shadow of larger powers.
