U.S. says it won't renegotiate Futenma relocation plan with Japan

Saturday 10th October, 09:29 AM JST

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

› Login to comment

Latest 15 of 46 Total Comments Show All

Badsey at 08:05 AM JST - 11th October

-that sounds like a good plan. We can relocate these bases to Hokkaido and everyone will be happy. Do military people like cows? Snow?
YuriOtani at 08:57 AM JST - 11th October

Time to kick the Americans off island. The sovereign nation of Japan needs to request the removal of the Marines and if that does not work cut off their power, water and sanitation. Revolve their driving privileges. Back this up with our self defense force, if the Americans want conflict then let them show their true colors. Okinawa is under American occupation, it is that simple.
mikihouse at 09:10 AM JST - 11th October

US needs Japan more than Japan needs US. The reason why US is in Japan is not really to protect Japan but protect US interest in the EAST ASIA. US military wants to check the power of China, North Korea, Russia, and to an extent SOUTHEAST ASIA including INDIA and PAKISTAN. The presence of US preserves the American interest and influence in these regions so stop the blabber about Japan having a free ride.
alphawolf at 10:13 AM JST - 11th October

Badsey.. good point, it is about control.... but also, profit. The arms business is big business and many don't want to diminish it. aw
palisadez54 at 11:06 AM JST - 11th October

How about this scenario: U.S. forces leave Okinawa(YuriOtani will be ecstatic), then Japan gives Okinawa back its independence from which it illegally claimed for itself and annexed during the Meiji Period in 1879, its name reverts back to the Ryuukuu kingdom (TheMarion will be overjoyed), and to fill in the vacuum of the U.S. forces departure, Chinese business will set up shop(Chinese President Hu Jintao will be elated).
mikihouse at 12:22 PM JST - 11th October

If US leaves Okinawa, Taiwan will be annexed the next day to mainland China and the Spratly islands will be taken over by China too trigerring war around the region. The Strait of Malacca is one of the world's most important and crucial routes because virtually almost all shipping lanes passes through this choke point. Yes, commercial sea vessels that goes to Europe, Far East, India, Persian Gulf passes through this area thats why US is aggressively and will not give up the OKINAWA BASE period.

This Strait of Malacca dominates economies of the whole Asian region and therefore, US needs its bases to protect its interest and prevent China from starting a World War in the region.

Again, US is in no way interested in shielding Japan. US is using Japan for its own interest. Thas why the US forces will not move elsewhere because it invalidates their ability to check and balance the Chinese growing military power in the region. The Spratly islands also contains Billions of gas and oil reserves, and it is a rich fishing ground.

Whe America lost its very important bases in Philippines because Filipinos can no longer tolerate the burden of having the American forces on its own soil, the military hardware were moved to Okinawa. Okinawa is a military strategic point as it is close to China yet not too near for direct confrontation.

If the bases will be moved to Guam or just even Hokkaido, the balance of Power will shift immediately to the Chinese and Russians who will gladly control the Malacca strait and thus dictate the world economy in the region.
KinuyeOshiro at 02:56 PM JST - 11th October

I enjoy reading all of the different perspectives as each has merits of their own from these writers. Reikizen is correct in many points, MikiHouse is also correct is many areas, actually correct in that the US is not interested in shielding Japan but in protecting their own interests in Asia, but the undercurrent that is not spoken about is the political interests for both the US and Japanese Business deals that make money, much of it under the table. When the US decided to move personnel to Guam, the biggest talk I heard about was all the income that would come to Guam, but then the protests start coming in as to who will do the labor? Will Guam People get jobs? as in Okinawa, do Okinawa Building Contractors get contracts? do Okinawans get to do the work? the answer to these questions is NO, the jobs are give to Indonesian and Filipino Workers who will work for less than Guam workers or Okinawan workers, Japanese Contractors also get the contracts why? because of the Political handholding of both US and Japanese Business Interests. The relocation of Futenma AirStation was designed to have a V shaped runway, not one but two. I hear from people of knowledge that the two runways are alleged to be, one for US Military flights, and the second for Japanese Business Interests who are wanting to turn the Norther end of Okinawa into retreats and commercial projects and to land in Henoko Peninsula is closer than Naha, so are these supposed intentions valid? We can speculate, but as history has pointed out, even here, when Commodore Perry wanted to open the door to Japan, he felt that "Taking Okinawa" away from Okinawans would make it easier to get to Japan, however a very smart president told Perry that Okinawa was too far away from the USA to protect and passed on the Idea. Cololonialism is not limited to just Japan but has gone on for centuries from the bullies of the world who want what you or I have and will take it whether by Eminant Domain as ReikiZen Pointed out or by force, as Satsuma did to Okianwa prior to the Meiji Restoration, all in the name of keeping foreigners out. Had Japan not been saved by a huge typhoon centuries ago, called a Kame Kaze (devine Wind) everyone in Japan would have been speaking Mongolian. I again will point out that to keep balance in Asia, not all bases shoule be closed on Okinawa, but this over saturation is again, ridiculous, the four main islands of Japan can easily handle many of the bases, and I am sure that military people do not like cold or snow and would prefer tropical climate, but the nature of the military does not include getting to go just to Okinawa or Hawaii, I believe there is a Military base in Massachusetts and New Jersey and many places that are cold. I think I read about a base in Alaska and I am sure the military there do not like to be stationed there either, but that should not be a factor in where bases are built. The fact that the last wars since at least 1990 (at least 18 years) have been in the middle east so when one speaks of being close to the confilcts, I think that Okinawa is quite some distance and not a factor. As for china and Korea, I believe that Korea is a hot topic and more reason to move bases from Okinawa to the main Islands of Japan. I heard a few years ago from knowledgeable sources that overheard Chinese Business interets mention that the US proclivity to station so many troops in Okinawa was like putting ones eggs all in one basket. If China ever goes to war with the USA which I dearly hope will never happen, I also believe that not a shot will be fired. It will be an economic bomb that will be dropped on wall street which will turn more US Businesses over to China that most ever are aware of. I have read about just the total amount of money China has invested in Treasury Notes alone would cripple the USA so again one must be careful in accessing the need to keep so many troops on Okinawan soil. My only problem with American Military on Okinawa is the number of crimes they commit, by a few, but the majority that do not take the time to get involved in getting to know Okinawa or Okinawans. I remember one incident in which two American Dependent women were shopping for pottery in Yomitan, my home town, and while I was browsing looking for gifts to send to American Friends in the USA, the American Women who did not know I could understand them were very condescending to me and treated me as though I was beneath them and were to the point of being rude. A sad single episode but again, there are many more involving the crimes that are committed by a few, but I wish that the good men and women in uniform would stand up and be counted and publically denounce their fellow military people who disgrace the uniform, but I never hear a word fromthese people just more trash talk about Okinawans asking for or inviting problems. Case in point, the recent case of the young Okinawan girl taken for a ride with the Marine who forced himself on her. I heard of only trash talk about the girl and nothing about the marine who should have known better, but this goes on and on. For ReikiZen, We have many Military Friends on Okinawa and enjoy seeing them and they are equally disturbed by behaviour of what some of their fellow military people do, but it is the lack of acceptance by the commanders who over react by punishing all by restrictions to bases rather than making examples of the guility parties in question. You can look up Why Okinawa? Messages from the People on google or look at the web site of SilkDragonProductions.com and see the film info. We will also have segments up on youtube soon in English with Japanese Subtitles for those interested. Again, this issue is strictly about the Relocation and or renogtiation about the Futenma Air Station and whether it should be moved north on Okinawa or not and I say Not. I would be interested if there is anyone here that can site any good reason to reclaim ocean area just to build another military base. The cost of doing it alone seems to make no sense at all and if you can point out how destroying our Ocean Environment will help secure Safety in Asia, I will be interested in reading becasue I do not believe there is a single valid reason and will not accept the answer that "it was negotiated to do it so therefore it has to happen" a lot of bad legislation has occurred in both Japan and the USA but thankfully people realize the foolishness of this stupidity and do make changes and the changes to this solution would be an economic boost to an already depleated US Economy.
apecNetworks at 05:20 PM JST - 11th October

I have very limited knowledge about Okinawa, but some info become available when studying the region. Thus, the problems on Okinawa Bases needs to be resolved more. The Marion mentioned more "autonomy", which would be possible. Immediate changes to number of personnel should be implemented, and of those chosen, the ones who are having problems in Okinawa. A significant move to get more seasoned, older military personnel who would benefit from a easier tour should be recruited, and refrain from stationing very young, unprofessional personnel. I would prefer an overall higher ranks remaining, and work can be allocated to local talent. Calming of the situation would alleviate many problems, and common complaints should be addressed at an macro level. Finally, Okinawans should be given more authority over problems near off base, and the bases respond effectively, or be put on a list to be dramatically reduced in size. In other words, the problems must be addressed, or that base will shrink. The US presence on Okinawa is important, but the problems either are addressed or "sayonara".
ReikiZen at 04:03 AM JST - 12th October

Thank you again KinuyeOshiro for your great comments!! Finally someone here that is objectionable. I think the key here is trying to figure out how US can return Okinawa to the Okinawan people while still maintaining US interest in the area which is important. No easy answer there no doubt but one that must be done to maintain continuity so to speak. On a scale of 1 to 10 the importance of Asian foreign relations to the west is a 20. It is absolutely vital that peace and stability is maintained in the region. After World War II if the U.S. hadn't occupied Japan then China would likely have taken advantage of that. We very well may have seen a very different Japan then we do today. It would have completely changed the political climate in the region and possibility the entire world. We cannot afford to have a conflict like this especially when we have radical terrorists to deal with. We need to have our Asian allies in place as China is a major counterweight to Russia. The U.S. is a counterweight to China and so on. It maintains a sort of balance which has kept up from complete destruction for the latter part of this century. I understand Japan and it's position but the peace and stability of the world may very well depend on their actions and how they handle this situation. In regards in how it got to this point I I knew in the end this would all come down to the abduction issue which is unfortunate.

I sometimes wonder why this issue seems to be higher in Japan then in other parts of the world? The U.S. has bases in Europe as well and I have yet to hear any incidents happening there. Although I do ad-mange they happen from time to time. So what makes Japan so different then anyone else? I don't like generalizing but Japanese society itself is likely partly to blame for this. Japan for centuries has been isolated and up until World War II independent of foreign influence.

Relocating the bases is a must and if Okinawa must remain open then the military needs to rethink how to address military personal stationed there. I am sorry KinuyeOshiro you have had those experiences as I would have likely punched the guys lights out if I heard them calling you that. That is ground for a court marshal in my humble opinion as is completely unacceptable.
ReikiZen at 04:11 AM JST - 12th October

The think the previous comment on relocating personally possibility order brass is brilliant. Why not only allow officers on base in Okinawa? Troops that don't want to be stationed in Japan should be allowed to relocate elsewhere. Some bases need to close that is a must but keep the one that are the most important but a reduction is necessary. I keep in contact with the state department quite frequently. I am not military personnel but I certainly let them know my concerns. They do have a comment line and as long as people give constructive criticism and ideas it should get through the people that count. I think this can be worked out what is acceptable to the public and the Japanese government but the U.S. need to be taking this very seriously. Making this a number 1 issue will show that the west is committed in finding an acceptable solution. I am with the thinking that Japan is absolutely critical to peace and stability in the region and the world. It would be interesting if the Japanese government or U.S. keeps track of these forums. There are a lot of good ideas among all the venting here. I for one would not be here on these forums if I didn't care about the Japanese people and I hope the same to be true with most others here as well.
YuriOtani at 07:46 AM JST - 12th October

The Americans take the right for bases in Japan for granted. Once they ignore the wishes of the people of Okinawa and the people of Japan they become just as bad as any occupation. Now we just want MCAS Futenma to be closed and the movement of the Marines off island. The Americans can keep the Kadena AFB as a base for their spy planes. Our new PM needs to grow a spine and honor his campaign promises!
Nessie at 11:15 AM JST - 12th October

Once they ignore the wishes of the people of Okinawa and the people of Japan they become just as bad as any occupation.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it's probably not quite as bad as Japan's occupation of China was.
KinuyeOshiro at 05:12 PM JST - 12th October

Again a varied interesting reading of comments. As for going out on a limb, to say it is not quite as bad as Japan's occupation of China was. I think there is a saying something about a difference between apples and oranges. In Japan's occupation, they were brutal in their domination of China and one only has to look at the Nanking Massacre and read the history, but Okinawa would be not in the same catagory as the US Occupation does not indulge in wholesale brutality so you are going out on a limb as the saying goes because there is a big difference. The idea of putting more mature military personnel is intersting concept. However I believe the same can be accomplished by teaching younger troops, who in my opinion join the military at a young age, go to training which is difficult, are taught to Kill as well as other things I am sure, then are sent to foreign countries, away from families and away from the conscience that keeps them the same respectible young people they where prior to going the military. The ones that have this "predisposition" to violence or bad behaviour is also seen when college students go on Spring Break, perhaps I am using poor analogy, but I think that if the military would spend more time on ethics, proper behaviour in foreign countries, and learning proper manners then they may find themselves more restrained in their behaviour. I see many young military at some recent events and they behaved very admirably, which takes me back to another letter I wrote. It is the few that create the problems causing the many to be judged and if their leaders would disipline the few, then the majority would not have to suffer the ill will that has been created. Common curtousy as an example, a tank drives into a school yard because of so-called mechanical problems but in the process frightens all the school children. This could have been avoided by avoiding doing this. I have watched as the Marine Helicopters fly lower and lower over Ginowan City, and they are so close I can see their faces staring down. I have watched the gestures they make after the City put up baloons to keep the area free of the low flying helicopters and the more the people complain about the noise levels, the more frequent the flights. At many times the flight times have been altered to start early, and fly continuously for quite a while, then they stop for a few hours and then resume, this goes on at various times all day long and all night. We set our camera up in the Peace Memorial on top of Kakazu Ridge for a 24 hour period and were amazed at the total lack of consideration for the people as these flight training I believe called Takeoff and Landings, and from not only the Helicopters, but the large Fueling Tankers as well. Flights right over the tree tops, and I read about "If the okinawans keep whining about the noise they should move" These are the problems that need to be resolved. This level of arogance is very disappointing, and A commander of Futenma, named Blackwood made the very foolish comment that the Okinawan People were partially responsible because they insist on continuing to build so close to the Futenma Air Station. I did not put in quotation marks as my exact wording may be slighly off and I may have misspelled his name, as I do not have the comments before me at the moment, but the issue here again, is "Should this Air Station, called the Futenma MCAS remain in the middle of a higly dense city? Why Cannot people who lived in and around Ginowan, Oyama, Futenma and all of the villages that were there prior to WWII, come back to their home villages and do as other countries are allowed to do...RE-Build and try to maintain a peaceful exhistance. Why should the Okinawan people move and where can they move to? The idea that the US will not renegotiale the Henoko Peninsula, and comments by a Marine General Conway, making statements that brought about some disruptions, for his comments that the Marines will not move unless they receive a relocation facility that is to their standards and acceptable to the Marine Corp. I listed to this General talk, via the internet, and was amazed for a General he used very poor English Grammer and would seem to me to be an uneducated nobody, however I realize that he has a lot of education, but probably too much battle experience to care much for his People Skills. With the arguments that I keep reading, it just makes me more determined in my beliefs that this base needs to be closed, not moved but closed and if moved, move it out of Okinawa all together. Thank you RedeiZen for your response, it is appreciated and I know there are many good Military People in the US Military, and we have met many, but it should be the educational goal of all military bases to tell their personnel to watch their behaviour while off base as people are watching them and many do understand what they are saying to us or about us. We want them to act as though they are in their own home towns with their family watching and perhaps their behaviour will be better. It serves no useful purpose for their commanders to try to cover up bad behaviour as it sends the wrong message. As a last thought, I wonder why, Marine Helicopters train take off and landings on a sterile environment such as Okinawa and Futenma's Sterile Hard Concrete or Asphalt landing strips, when for the past 18 years they have been fighting, dying, landing and taking off in a Desert Environment which seems to make no real sense. Train in the environment that you are going to fight in. That should be your training priority.
alphawolf at 05:32 PM JST - 12th October

If the DPJ doesn't get the Futenma base moved from Japan... they will be considered a failure.. all talk, but when push comes to shove, they buckle, get on thier knees and "pray"...

aw
apecNetworks at 06:00 PM JST - 12th October

I have been exposed to many US Govt Senior Personnel connected w/ US/Japan Relations, and the one question that can not be addressed is "sovereignty". One senior diplomat did not recognize it, but that was in the 1970's. I think the greatest question PM Hatoyama can accomplish is to delineate the degree of "sovereignty" that is recognized. Loosing a war makes the issue ambiguous.