US military has worn out its welcome in Okinawa
As a foreign resident of Okinawa since the ’90s, I have grown accustomed to the overarching reach of the US military that reflects Okinawan society every single day, whether it is a gruesome car accident caused by a young service member driving a large ta
By the military’s own admission, sexual assault is rampant on the bases. So rampant, the highest law enforcement authority on the bases, NCIS or OSI depending on the branch of service, is overwhelmed with case upon case.
Unfortunately, these criminal acts bleed out into Okinawan society, many times going unreported due to the difference in criminal codes interpretation between the Okinawan Prefectural Police and the military police. The US military had been welcomed and tolerated as they performed a vital service to the US-Japan defence treaty; however, with the continued intolerance toward other cultures and treating the Okinawan people as second-class citizens unworthy of respect, their welcome has been worn out.
The Self-Defence Forces are more than capable to defend Okinawa against any aggression by our Asian neighbours. The only reason North Korea has its missiles trained on Okinawa is due to the large amount of US forces present. The Okinawan people are speaking loud and clear voting in Gov Takeshi Onaga and several other politicians who have a common sense approach. It’s time for an exit plan for US forces to leave Okinawa and follow the will of the Okinawan people. Only then will Okinawa be able to transcend itself into a true tourist destination and reap the economic benefits of being an international hub for business and education in Asia.
MICHAEL CURT
OKINAWA CITY
