Why Okinawans Question the U.S.-Japan Alliance

Okinawans, who suffered terribly as American and Japanese troops battled at the end of the second world war, have long been promised an easing of their “burden” of playing host to the bases that have been there ever since. Instead the Ospreys and the rape accusation offer new reasons for anger. In Tokyo politicians pay lip-service to their concerns, but seem to believe they can be bought off. One DPJ politician sees the timing of the Ospreys’ arrival as a godsend. It greatly enhances deterrence towards China in the Senkakus—which are within range of the Ospreys, but not the Sea Knights. And it coincides with real threats to Japan’s security, when some Chinese hint at a territorial claim to the whole Ryukyu chain, which should soften opposition.