On June 23rd, Mr. Watanabe began the event by reviewing some basic historical facts about Okinawa that contributed to the current inequalities that Okinawans feel and several security paradoxes faced in Okinawa today. This foundational background included the reality of Okinawa’s delayed reversion to Japan 20 years after the American occupation of mainland Japan ended, the inability of JSDF bases to host US military forces due to the Article 9 ruling that they were not actually military bases, and Okinawa’s relative lack of economic development compared to the rest of Japan.
Watanabe then went on to discuss two key paradoxes that are currently preventing a satisfying resolution to national security needs in balance with Okinawa Prefecture’s needs for economic growth and its desire for self-determination. First, the lack of common ground between the political camps of realists (LDP) and pacifists (socialists). The former fear abandonment–that if US forces leave Okinawa, Japan is more likely to be attacked–and the later fear entrapment–that the presence of US forces in Okinawa may lead to Japan being attacked or drawn into US conflicts.
Second, Japan is in a period of prolonged peace, during which time its people do not appreciate the importance of security. This pacifist euphoria about the righteousness of Article 9 as it is written would not be possible without the US forces providing security for Japan. If pacifists want a reduction of US forces in Japan while maintaining the same level of peace and security, that would require an expansion of SDF capabilities, something pacifists are also against. Nevertheless, recent polls have shown that Japanese citizens are becoming more realist, and more likely to support increased defense spending.
Lieutenant General Gregson opened his comments by highlighting the importance of understanding Okinawan voices and perspectives, as exemplified by Okinawa’s Peace Memorial Park. He then described the strategic importance of Okinawa Prefecture as defining the border of the East China Sea. He also highlighted that many Okinawans do benefit from the bases now, discussing several lasting initiatives for the US in Okinawa including base employment, the establishment of Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) as a world-class research university, and the many Okinawan students who attend US university campuses hosted in US bases on Okinawa.
During the question and answer period with the audience, the speakers discussed the relationship between US bases and Okinawa’s economic growth, the question of moving US bases to the Japanese mainland, and opportunities for the military and SDF to pursue other projects that benefit everyday Okinawans. The speakers concluded that, while it is currently a complicated situation in Okinawa, more can and should be done to concretely improve its relations with the US and Japanese mainland. There is a need to work towards common understandings and goals for Okinawa's ideal future. Efforts are underway, but it will take time.
Jenna Lindeke Heavenrich for YCAPS