The people of Okinawa have been jeopardized by Japan in order to keep U.S. forces within the nation. The Japanese government, for a number of reasons, has decided to maintain relations with the U.S. and keep many forces and bases within their land. However, mainland Japan has decided to keep most of the U.S. presence in the small islands of Okinawa. This is a classic example of how the interests of one ethic group can conflict with the interests of another and thus cause marginalization of the former. Okinawa has been discounted as a lesser population than other Japanese people.
This shows us that security can no longer be played out between national actors only. The leaders of a nation can threaten the security of social groups within their scope. Since the author of the speech we read this week, Governor Ota, defines the security of Okinawa as the stability of industry, low rate of crime, freedom of land, and other non-military issues, it is clear the security of Okinawans is threatened to preserve the security of mainland Japan.
Why the Marginalization of Okinawa?
Okinawa used to be its own kingdom centuries ago. Mainland Japan, in an act of imperialism, annexed the kingdom and established its own rulers and the islands' rulers. Thus, the people were placed in a position of oppression and social demotion. When Japan signed a peace treaty with the U.S. requiring the nation to host U.S. forces for a number of years, they naturally appointed Okinawa as the host site to be built on and used for such exploitative purposes.
And this, the Governor points out, is the reason why the U.S. presence cannot be reduced on the island: it would threaten the military protection the U.S. provides for the rest of Japan. But what about the Okinawans???
Other Reasons for No Military Reduction in Okinawa
Okinawa is the perfect geographical location for a military base (near mainland Japan, China, Taiwan, and the whole of Asia). This is too perfect of a position to launch defensives or even offensives for any military body. Thus, the U.S. is hesitant to reduce or reallocate its military to other areas of further north mainland Japan.
Troop and Base Maintenance: What's In It for Okinawans?
Not a whole lot. As of right now, the economy is suffering under troop presence because the Okinawans have no land to build industry on. The military bases don't employ many native Okinawans. The military hurts their personal, daily life quality. If the troop presence is reduced, security for these people may increase. However, it does leave the island and U.S. military more vulnerable to invasion and loss of power (respectively). So, we must weigh the costs versus the benefits in the context of current politics, economy, and social norms. Do Japan and the U.S. really need to have as many bases in Okinawa as they have right now or can the Okinawans finally have the chance to advance themselves and have the peace they've craved for hundreds of years?
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