The Abe government needs to know that the people of Okinawa are staunchly opposed to the Osprey deployment and that their resolve is unshakeable.

There was a well attended public meeting at the Naha Town Hall a couple of days ago.

I can confirm that the title above is quite correct and that the people of Okinawa do want Ospreys and the US bases OFF the island.

The Mayor gave us some interesting statistics.

There is a misconception, he explained, that Okinawa relies on the income from US bases and that without them it would collapse. Comparing the income produced by Shintoshin and Hamby Town in Chatan, the income for these areas has INCREASED 15 and 20 times respectively over what it had been when they were occupied by the US military.

A large part of the reason Okinawans want the bases off the island is simply because they are losing money by having the bases here. The Ospreys are dangerous and extremely noisy.

I didn't notice any anti-American sentiment at the meeting. People gave me smiles and nods. I am not American, but they were not to know that. It is my observation that they are against the Ospreys because they are really noisy and dangerous and that they do not like having such a huge foreign (to them) military presence on their island.

The people of Okinawa need to know that Abe and his ilk are none too concerned with them or their issues.

For guys like Abe, citizens are mere pawns in their quest for more power and influence.

The Osprey? Still? They really need to pick and choose their battles; there are more pressing concerns in society and their environment than some aircraft.

Of the list of problems Japan is facing right now, the US forces in Okinawa and the Osprey aren't even in the top 100. US forces have been in Okinawa since long before most of the residents were born, and the people there seem to have forgotten why it is they were placed there in the first place. The forces should remain asna constant reminder of the consequences of starting wars.

With the nonsense going on between China and Japan over the Senkaku islands, it is the presence of US military forces which has prevented China from acting more aggressively than they have. But, people in general are hopelessly stupid, and few have the ability too see and understand what goes on in the world beyond their front door.

But I sure bet Okinawans would like the help of the US military if China were to get a little too close for comfort, no?

BertieWooster

Comparing the income produced by Shintoshin and Hamby Town in Chatan, the income for these areas has INCREASED 15 and 20 times respectively over what it had been when they were occupied by the US military.

That's quite a claim. I assume you have the source document/report and that you'd be kind enough to cite/link it so I can refer to it myself? Not that I doubt the veracity of your claim of course but...

USinJapan2-san,

That's quite a claim. I assume you have the source document/report and that you'd be kind enough to cite/link it so I can refer to it myself?

I'm afraid I don't have the source document. As I said in my post, this was information given out by the Mayor of Naha in a public meeting. You seem to find it hard to believe, yet a person in his position would hardly give out false information in a televised public meeting, would he?

Also, if you take a look at these areas, you can get some idea of the truth of this statement. Both areas have high rise apartment buildings. Each apartment costing (roughly) upwards of 30,000,000 yen. Hamby Town is a shopping area. Rent is not cheap and there are plenty of shoppers. The Mayor also explained how many jobs were created in these areas, but I don't remember the exact figures except that there was a significant increase.

Perhaps you could try googling for the information. Personally I am satisfied that what he said is accurate.

tmarie-san,

But I sure bet Okinawans would like the help of the US military if China were to get a little too close for comfort, no?

Honestly, I don't think that's likely.

Okinawa, or rather Ryukyu, has always gotten along well with China. Much better than Yamato (Mainland Japan).

Also, I wonder what China would gain if they had Okinawa?

Apart from tons of Goya and Satokibi, there's not much here apart from the tourist trade, which they would certainly lose if they attacked.

BertieWooster

I'm afraid I don't have the source document. As I said in my post, this was information given out by the Mayor of Naha in a public meeting. You seem to find it hard to believe, yet a person in his position would hardly give out false information in a televised public meeting, would he?

An Okinawan politician give out false information that's not objective? No, never.

Are you kidding me?

No, USNinJapan2-san, I am not kidding you.

With Tokyo's beady eyes on him, just waiting for him to make a wrong move, I don't think he would give out false information. Especially a person in such a prominent position as the Mayor of Naha.

And a brief inspection of Hamby Town and Shintoshin shows both areas to be bustling and obviously making money. Business that wasn't there when those areas were occupied by the US military. There must be a huge increase in the number of jobs too.

But, if you are so suspicious, why don't you google around. I'm sure you will find the information you are looking for.