Okinawa marks the 50th anniversary of its return to Japan on May 15, 1972, which ended 27 years of U.S. rule after one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. AP takes a look at the frustration that still lingers in Okinawa today.
A 1946 decision by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, separated Okinawa and several other southwestern remote islands from the rest of Japan, paving the way for U.S. rule beyond April 28, 1952, when the San Francisco treaty took effect, ending the seven-year U.S. occupation in the rest of Japan.
The base-dependent economy hampered the growth of local industry. The local Okinawan government had little decision-making power, and authorities had no access to the criminal investigation of U.S. military personnel. But the delayed reversion, the heavy U.S. military presence and mismanaged development funds from the central government have hampered the island’s economic development, experts say.Many on Okinawa had hoped that the island’s return to Japan would improve the economy and human rights situation. A year before the reversion, then-Okinawa leader Chobyo Yara submitted a petition asking Japan’s central government to make the island free of military bases.Today, however, a majority of the 50,000 U.S.
The biggest sticking point between Okinawa and Tokyo is the central government’s insistence that a U.S. marine base in a crowded neighborhood, the Futenma air station, should be moved within Okinawa instead of moving it elsewhere as demanded by many Okinawans. Tokyo and Washington initially agreed in 1996 to close the station after the 1995 rape of a schoolgirl by three U.S. military personnel led to a massive anti-base movement.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Drake felt 'mixed emotions' when Rihanna announced pregnancy with A$AP RockyDrake and Rihanna have known each other for years and even collaborated on several songs together. The God's Plan rapper even declared his love for her at the VMAs in 2016
Read more »
AP & state testing postponed at Andrew Jackson High, enhanced security planned after teen shot near campusA 17-year-old was said to have serious injuries after he was wounded in a shooting Wednesday afternoon near the campus of Andrew Jackson High School, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Read more »
The AP Interview: US 'vulnerable' to COVID without new shotsWASHINGTON (AP) — White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha issued a dire warning Thursday that the U.S. will be increasingly vulnerable to the coronavirus this fall and winter if Congress doesn't swiftly approve new funding for more vaccines and treatments.
Read more »
Why Frustration Lingers in Okinawa 50 Years After US OccupationOkinawa on Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of its return to Japan on May 15, 1972, ending 27 years of U.S. rule after one of the bloodiest World War II ground battles was fought on the southern Japanese island. Despite reaching the milestone, there is more bitterness and frustration than joy and festivity in Okinawa, which is still burdened with a heavy U.S. military presence and is now seeing Japanese troops increasingly deployed amid rising China tensions. The Associated Press explains why.
Read more »
Harrisburg University holds first in-person commencement in 3 yearsThe school said this year’s class consists of 50 percent men and 50 percent women.
Read more »