Plaintiffs in Futenma noise case tell U.S. diplomat to leave Okinawa

Wednesday 27th August, 06:15 AM JST

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sabiwabi at 03:12 PM JST - 27th August

Japan has made no rumblings at all that they don't want a US presence in Japan.

Who has made no rumblings? The Japanese government or the Japanese people?

My view is that having American military bases in Japan only make Japan a target, as well as contributing to increased tensions in the region.
Psych at 04:44 PM JST - 27th August

Those people need to get a job... there has to be training. flights are cancelled during school examinations so at least the military is listening.

the military is needed for many reasons. but since the reasons are not visible...
YaraChobyo68 at 04:48 PM JST - 27th August

Well, if all of you had the opportunity to study the history of Uchina (aka Okinawa), you will understand that Democracy has failed to protect the rights and liberties of Okinawans. Thus, minorities in Japan are structurally discriminated against, i.e. Ainu, Japanese Koreans, Okinawans, etc. Hence, during the years of American occupation… prominent among injustices were cases of forceful expropriation of privately-owned land by the US military in total disregard of the property rights of Okinawans. Consequently, after reversion, Japanese government now takes land under the façade of legality (see SMLEUL). Therefore, the US military could legally occupy the land under Japanese law. Now, is that Democracy or ethnocide?
“Okinawans are in a diplomatic twilight zone, uncommitted by the victors or vanquished, this frontier territory became the diplomat’s delight and essential tool, the quid pro quo.” – George H. Kerr
franknbeans at 05:21 PM JST - 27th August

Yawn.

Checks watch.

Scratches self.

Clicks the refresh button looking for any more insightful comments regarding how a fringe ultra-left wing political group has asked for a persons head on a stick and the roaches come out as if a light were extinguished to bask in the scent of the newly stirred angst.
YaraChobyo68 at 05:33 PM JST - 27th August

FYI, the base relocation and economic development are actually linked together. Thus, a "carrot-and-stick" approach... aka realpolitik or seibi!!!

Soldave, I am appalled by your comments. Unfortunately, I do not have the opportunity to educate you on this subject. However, to get a quick insight on this issue I recommend you watch the HBO movie, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Historically, the film will provide a good overview of the struggles over the war and peace in contemporary Okinawa… very similar to the Native American experience. May you find compassion in your heart, Yara Chobyo
franknbeans at 05:45 PM JST - 27th August

yara,

You seem like a smart enough fellow, but i spent a lot of time down there and trust me, not everyone want the Americans out. Sure, some would like some concessions to be made, but it is nothing like the Native Americans as you say.

I don't agree things would fall apart, but the end result of this arguing and name calling will be two hotheads who in the end are only one thing: angry.
gogogo at 05:48 PM JST - 27th August

Can I demand those black buses making all that noise leave tokyo please!
presto345 at 09:18 PM JST - 27th August

Noise pollution is something millions of Japanese live with all over the country. Having lived in this country myself for decades I am still amazed when I see how so many people live in housing right next to railway lines, airports, major highways and expressways, etc. A great deal of these housing projects built AFTERWARDS. I always tell myself I wouldn't be able to stand it. The plaintiffs should cool it. Perhaps not the base but the residents should be relocated.
usaexpat at 11:43 PM JST - 27th August

We'll suspend flights and leave Okinawa gladly, is that what the rest of Japan would like? I doubt it, most prefer American protection over having to build an offense capable military. Maybe the US should just buy out the homes of those near the airbase as we frequently do in the States when a civilian airport expands. In a way I feel their pain but I'm also sick of never getting thanks for the job we do and the tax money we spend on Japan's defense. I love Japan but the whiners about military bases make me want to feed them to the wolves (i.e. Japan's neighbors)
kimigano at 01:16 AM JST - 28th August

Perhaps not the base but the residents should be relocated.

And perhaps they should be re-educated.
sabiwabi at 11:13 AM JST - 28th August

most prefer American protection over having to build an offense capable military.

Protection from who? Having American bases here only makes Japan a target. Japan should be able to defend itself, it is not a poor nation.
usaexpat at 01:40 AM JST - 29th August

sabiwabi, do you really need to ask? How about China and North Korea. A defenseless Japan would invite former rivals to challenge her territory and very existance.
usaexpat at 01:42 AM JST - 29th August

sabiwabi, sorry I didn't read the part about Japan being able to defend themselves. On that we agree but I said most Japanese prefer not having to do it for themselves. If the will was there the US wouldn't need to be here. The problem goes more to the world still not wanting Japan to have an offense capable military. I am not among them, I believe Japan should scrap article 9 and join the rest of the world in having a standing army.
sabiwabi at 06:56 PM JST - 1st September

The problem goes more to the world still not wanting Japan to have an offense capable military.

I am convinced there are many more people in the world today that do not want the US to have an offense capable military.
franknbeans at 07:21 PM JST - 1st September

Wow Sabiwabi!

Congrats! You have officially taken the crown for the biggest hater of the US on this board!