The relocation of U.S. forces was already a thorny issue in Japanese politics. But insensitive remarks by a government official have made things far worse.
It’s difficult to write about the events of this week in Japan. There are moments that are simply inexplicable, and this is such a moment. Offensive statements by Japanese government officials have exacerbated the tense relations between the national government and the Okinawa governor.
For more than fifteen years now, the effort to reduce the footprint of U.S. forces in Okinawa, and to build a better understanding between local communities and U.S. forces there has been at the top of the U.S.-Japan alliance agenda.
The U.S. and Japanese governments have agreed on a plan to relocate Futenma Marine Air Station, and a new runway is to be built in the northern region of Okinawa for the use of Marine helicopters. The local city mayor has rejected the plan, however, and the governor has suggested that more main island Japanese communities share in the hosting of the U.S. military in Japan.
But officials in Tokyo are now embroiled in yet another controversy that has inflamed local sentiment, making it even less likely that the governor will be able—or willing—to work with the Defense Ministry. If badly handled, this latest controversy could significantly weaken the Noda Cabinet.
So what happened?
The Defense Ministry is preparing to initiate environmental assessment procedures that will call on Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima to make a decision to approve or reject the construction of a runway on Camp Schwab. In an off-the-record evening with reporters, the Ministry’s director general in Okinawa, Satoshi Tanaka, reportedly said that Tokyo was preparing to force itself on Okinawa if necessary. The story that ran the next day alleged that Tanaka had used the word “rape,” and while there’s some dispute over his choice of language, there seems to be little dispute over the import of his statement.
The allegation that he referred to Tokyo’s intent this way has added shock value because of the horrific incident in 1995, when three U.S. military personnel were sentenced for the rape of a 12-year-old school girl. But at the very least, at a time when the country’s ministers for foreign affairs and defense have repeatedly visited Okinawa to ask for their understanding of Japan’s need to move forward with the bilateral agreement, the callousness of Tanaka’s statements have now poisoned the effort to build trust between the Noda government and Okinawa prefecture.
On Tuesday, an obviously angered Gov. Nakaima refused to comment on the incident, claiming he would not lower himself to address the media report. On Wednesday, the minister of defense, Yasuo Ichikawa, announced that Tanaka had been removed from his post, and issued an apology. But he also added that the government would go forward with the submission of a request for an environmental assessment for the runway as planned. The vice minister of defense, Kimito Nakae, quickly flew to Okinawa to apologize to the governor and the people of Okinawa.
Photo Credit: U.S. Navy
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ikale Tahi
I am not sure why I am surprised but…..
it amazes me that a so called Japan expert is so incredibly naive to issues within Japan.
Ms. Smith has shown in this article she knows nothing about how Japan really operates. This sophomoric article ignores some pretty large issues in both Tokyo and Okinawa and plays into the soap opera aspect of Japanese politics.
I am fairly certain that the “remarks” were done on purpose in order to illicit articles such as this and continue the charade that the GOJ will build the FRF.
The bigger question is where are the tens of billions of USD that the OPG has been given over the last decade from Tokyo……hmmmmm
Jonathon Tuckey
Admittedly a couple of days behind but oh well.
I think this will be aimed at everyone, except the trolls, they just doing what trolls do, and I am sure this is going to be a headache but eh, whatever goes.
I think everyone is being just a little bit ridiculous. I know that part of blogging is sharing your personal views but come on, each person who has said something has taken away from the actual matter to further their own interest. I admit I really don’t know much about politics, my knowledge of politics is politicians are full of crap and their decisions are usually made of the same substance they are.
But seriously, it doesn’t matter at this point in time whether Okinawa is or was a tributary of china, it is currently a Japanese and U.S. problem. However if the Okinawans are against a U.S. Military base it should be relocated somewhere that is more suitable and more welcome.
I dunno I am guessing what I am trying to say is that this shouldn’t have evolved into a who’s country is better debate, and if any of you disagree I suggest you all look at what you have personally wrote and consider it from another person’s view. All three countries are beneficial to each other, I mean come on. You know if the governments of these countries stopped nit picking at each other like you have all done now, alot more good could come out of it.
Personally I think each three of the countries have their negative aspects, but they also have their positives. So maybe I don’t really understand alot of what you guys have said. But I do know that I see the same arguments being recycled over and over and it gets discussion no where and is pointless. Or maybe I am reading the replies, this blogging set up is confusing. :p
This rant would have been much more effective if i were to use the more colourful words that come to mind. Sorry for the rant but I just think, keep on the topic, not on other factors that may or may not have come into account and variables that are ultimately just what if scenarios.
Liang1a
PapaJohn wrote:
December 6, 2011 at 6:02 am
Just your wishful thinking! The 21st century could be America again, not greedy uncivilized China for sure. No doubt, she is in decline but no one should underestimate the resilience of America power, just look recently Obama artfully built up a coalition in Asia to contain China and is progressing a great deal. China started to feel isolated and one by one, her “friends” is leaving her. We are not stupid to get into the air boxing. We will knock the Chinese out of the game, this time, once for all. Our seventh fleet is ready.
————————————————–
It is a historical fact that America had been resilient. But past performance is no guarantee for future performance. Big companies have declined and collapsed and gone bankrupt even after 100 years of robust business and passing through many recessions. Nations are just the same. And America in particular must prove that it can revive itself again. There is always the possibility of long term decline into the future. Especially if the government is filled with self-serving corrupt officials. American government is now showing signs of such corruption and self-serving cliques.
As to Obama winning in Asia, what is America’s goal anyway? If it is to contain China then it is doomed to fail because China can no longer be contained. What is the definition of containing China? Is it simply to lure away China’s friends? Or is it to cause China’s economy to collapse? Obviously America has succeeded to lure away China’s “friends”. But China’s economy will only grow stronger with each passing year as China turns inward to develop its domestic economy through the urbanization of its farmers to leash their greatest productivity. And with 5 times bigger economy than America and world cutting edge technologies China can defeat America singly or any combination of enemies anywhere in the world.
America without China will simply collapse even faster.
Tom
“But past performance is no guarantee for future performance.”
That holds true for China, too.
Sing
Your comment is a wishful thinking! What is China per capita income compare with USA?
Liang1a
a_canadian_observer wrote:
December 6, 2011 at 7:09 am
@Liang1a: If you want people to take your points seriously, you need to provide non-chinese links, because chinese links are not considered reputable.
————————
Liang’s response:
It is nonsense to say Chinese links are not reputable. You are saying that ONLY American and Japanese links are reputable. What is your basis for saying this? If anything, the Chinese historical links have all been well researched and backed by solid tangible historcial evidence. It is the Japanese and Western links that are nothing but fabricated propaganda to minimize the Chinese interests. As the Westerners themselves say, it is the victor who write the history. And the Western history is nothing but a story to glorify the West. Therefore, if you want the truth you must go to the Chinese sources.
To use Western history and Western laws to justify China’s interests is like a defense lawyer using the evidence provided by the prosecution to exonerate his client. It is obviously prejudicial and will only serve to convict. Therefore, the last thing Chinese should do is to rely on Western history and Western laws to justify China’s national interests. For one thing, if China relied on Western history and Western law then it must immediately get out of the SCS, give up Diaoyu islands, let Tibet and Xinjiang be independent, let Taiwan go, etc.
a_canadian_observer
@Liang1a: Seriously, I think you need to use the world’s free sources for your reference. chinese sources are 1-sided, made-up by the CCP to serve their purpose, so they’re not reputable – you should junk them.
Liang1a
a_canadian_observer wrote:
December 8, 2011 at 3:03 am
@Liang1a: Seriously, I think you need to use the world’s free sources for your reference. chinese sources are 1-sided, made-up by the CCP to serve their purpose, so they’re not reputable – you should junk them.
———————————-
You think the West is objective? Just look at the articles here. Are they objective? Can you really learn any truth from these one-sided denigration of China? They are all lies.
Aki Soneda
@Chinese bloggers,
As a Japanese, I’d like to see China and Chinese hand s off in regards to Japan matters. Your Chinese bloggers here keep whining about China was raped by Japan, by the west with unequal treaties. But at the same time she uses the new wealth (thanks to the investments from Japan and the West) bullying the small and weaker nations in SEA. How pathetic!
Okinawa is a matter of Japan itself and Okinawa people are Japanese. Either you like this fact or not, you have to live with it. We Japanese know, without American protection form Okinawa, Japan would have been invaded by the Red China for a long time so back off, and care only for your polluted and corrupted China, where money is their god in these days.
John Chan
@Aki Soneda,
Do you agree that you are applying your outrage to the wrong place? American is the one you should yell at, American is the one interfering Japan matters day in and day out and they are occupying Japan too. Why didn’t the Japanese kick the white devil occupiers out of Nippon? Where has your Samurai spirit gone? If Samurais dare to hara-kiri, how can they get no guts to copy the Al-Qaeda suicide bombers to bomb the American out of Japan?
Chinese bloggers just want China to have a fair representation, like all nations’ citizens, they do not want their nation to be demonized by the unscrupulous people with underhand means. Chinese bloggers are here to rebuke all untruth about China.
It is a shame that Japan has never repented it war crimes since Meiji, it chose to hide behind a Whiteman’s back instead of facing the quilt like the Germans. Japanese occupying Ryukyu is a proof they are still Fascist imperialists.
Yang zi
@aki soneda, if I were to speak for Tibetans, I will be admonished by “fair” minded people. Since Japan is not currupted nor pluted, it should have high morals and admit it raped Okinawa and brutally treated locals. As a country with high moral, it should recognize its fault let Okinawans to be their own masters.
Japan is such a great country with high quality kind and peace loving citizens, it should start a movement to assist Okinawans urge to be independent.
Liang1a
Aki Soneda wrote:
December 6, 2011 at 4:11 am
@Chinese bloggers,
As a Japanese, I’d like to see China and Chinese hand s off in regards to Japan matters. Your Chinese bloggers here keep whining about China was raped by Japan, by the west with unequal treaties. But at the same time she uses the new wealth (thanks to the investments from Japan and the West) bullying the small and weaker nations in SEA. How pathetic!
Okinawa is a matter of Japan itself and Okinawa people are Japanese. Either you like this fact or not, you have to live with it. We Japanese know, without American protection form Okinawa, Japan would have been invaded by the Red China for a long time so back off, and care only for your polluted and corrupted China, where money is their god in these days.
————————————-
I don’t think China has any interest inJapan’s internal matters. But Okinawa is not Japan’s internal matter. Okinawa belongs to China through historical evidence. Okinawa people had petitioned China to become its tributary state. China had accepted it under its protection. Therefore, China has the right to redress the brutal wrong committed by the Japanese.
Japan had militarily conquered Ryukyu with barbaric brutality. If you think Japan can use brutal military force to conquer Ryukyu then certainly China has the same right to take back its former tributary state with the same military force. As much as the Japanese like to believe it, they do not have greater rights than others. The Japanese had risen to its greatest historical height over the last couple of hundred years while China had fallen into its deepest decline at the same time. But national power is based on logical factors. These are advanced technologies and well developed economy among others. Japan had achieved them while China had lost them in the last couple of hundred years. But things are now changing. Japan has peaked and in danger of declining. China has bottomed and are now ascending rapidly. Obviously China could ascend much faster with a more enlightened set of self-reliant policies. But China is ascending and growing stronger with each passing year. In military terms, China has already surpassed Japan by a wide margin. And if Japan wished to arms race with China then its economy will collapse. China’s PPP GDP is now between $12 trillion and $15 trillion. The Japanese PPP GDP is only around $4.4 trillion. A difference of 3 times or more. China’s military technologies are superior to Japan’s. China can rapidly increase its military technologies without impeding its civilian technologies but Japan’s civilian technologies will decline if it expanded its military technologies. In the end, Japan’s economy will collapse if it tried to arms race with China.
Up to now China cannot do anything but “protest” which the Japanese have seen as “whining”. I’ve always said that it is useless for China to protest. And the CCP government and Chinese people such as that self-alleged Chinese Xu who talks more like a Japanese should know that protesting has no purpose. It will only be taken as a sign of weakness and impotence and give reasons for enemies to denigrate China as “whining.” Therefore, China should assert its policies and display its military power. And use its military power where it is just and righteous. Then there will be respect from such as the Japanese and Filipinos. And China can call them whining if they protest.
Liang1a
Aki Soneda wrote:
December 6, 2011 at 4:11 am
@Chinese bloggers,
Your Chinese bloggers here keep whining about China was raped by Japan, by the west with unequal treaties. But at the same time she uses the new wealth (thanks to the investments from Japan and the West) bullying the small and weaker nations in SEA. How pathetic!
———————————
I’ve always said China should ban FDI and kick all the foreigners out of China. Many people including many Chinese think that would weaken China’s economy. This is not true at all. American economy relies on China’s cheap imports. America also relies on China’s deposits of trillions of dollars of forex reservs. Without China’s exports and China’s money, America will collapse overnight. If China kicked the Japanese blood suckers out of China then the Japanese economy will also collapse. Imagine Toyota closing its plants in China.
When all the foreigners are out of China, the Chinese domestic enterprises can take over and develop their own indigenous economies rapidly. China has already developed regional jets and on the way to produce jumbo jets. China has developed the world’s best high speed trains. China has developed some of the world’s fastest supercomputers. In just about all technological sectors China has moved to the cutting edge of the world or just on the cusp. No doubt Chinese scientists and engineers will be able to lead the world in most important fields within 10 years. Many foreigners and some Chinese compradors try to frighten the Chinese by saying China cannot be independent. But it is obvious that the Chinese can very well be independent. Wherever the Chinese have been denied foreign technologies they have managed to reach the world cutting edge. But wherever the Chinese domestic market were flooded with foreign products such as cars the Chinese enterprises have not been able to develop competing technologies. Therefore, by shutting out foreigners, Chinese technologies will surely surge forward rapidly given enlightened polices from the government to unleash the initiative and ingenuity of the Chinese people.
I dare the Japanese and the West to stop their FDI in China. I also repeat my call on the CCP government to bad FDI. America’s investment money into China is actually recycled Chinese forex reserve. And Japan’s investment money into China is from selling Japanese cars in China. China is funding its own takeover by the Japanese and the Americans. Therefore, China should stop giving more money to the Japanese and the Americans and use the energy and resources to expand its military and take back its sovereign territories.
Yang zi
If we want to respect Okinawans tradition, may be it is best to restore Ryukyu kingdom, make it a peaceful and demilitarized country, with China, Japan and US as its protectors.
However, boundary reconfiguration is not possible without a outcry of independence from local population. Otherwise you are looking at a world war.
Okinawa’s plight is real, it is a victim of Japanese imperialism, yet shoulders the burden of Japanese defeat. US should build a base on Japan proper, not on Okinawa.
The insensitive remark from Japanese officials are just reflection of the second class citizen status of Okinawans.
Yang zi
According to a wiki page, 40% Okinawans want independence.
John Chan
If one excludes the Japanese oppressors in Okinawa, there will be 100% Ryukyu people wanting independence.
Liang1a
John Chan wrote:
December 6, 2011 at 12:36 am
If one excludes the Japanese oppressors in Okinawa, there will be 100% Ryukyu people wanting independence.
————————
Very true. Public opinion is influenced by changing conditions. Many Okinawans are not against independence because they think they rely on the Japanese and the Americans for their jobs. But if China becomes a big factor in Okinawan economy by helping it to increase its tourist industry, agricultural exports and other kinds of exports then the Okinawans will be very much in favor of being a sovereign part of China. There was good historical reasons why the Okinawans preferred China over Japan. China had helped it while Japan had brutalized it.
Kane
But All of the Corrupted Communist China’s neighbors including Japan are seeking US Military Assistance to contain CCC (Corrupted Communist China) which is trusted by none of them. CCC is just a street thug in Asia-Pacific so everyone even Myanmars hate it. China will become just another USSR. History will prove it.
John Chan
@Kane,
Only predatory imperialist Westpac smeared their victims with unsubstantiated accusations, then bombed and killed them into total destruction. You are just one of those leading the charge to set up China as next victim.
Yang zi
The truth is closer to what Tokyo mayor said, Japan is America’s concubine. It is a punishment for Japan’s imperial past.
Some laymen observers has compared current China with yestoday’s imperial Japan. Just like after seeing a flower bud develop into a bad apple, one predicts the next flower bud will be a bad apple too. Sure, they all are growing, but China has no intention to challenge established borders, it is just doing what every country do, defend its claims in disputes.
The 21th century indeed will be a China century, not by its dominance, but by its artistry of writing a peaceful
chapter of human progress, how to be peaceful and progressive while swimming in shark infested waters.
PapaJohn
Just your wishful thinking! The 21st century could be America again, not greedy uncivilized China for sure. No doubt, she is in decline but no one should underestimate the resilience of America power, just look recently Obama artfully built up a coalition in Asia to contain China and is progressing a great deal. China started to feel isolated and one by one, her “friends” is leaving her. We are not stupid to get into the air boxing. We will knock the Chinese out of the game, this time, once for all. Our seventh fleet is ready.
John Chan
@PapaJohn,
If you can call Obama flying around an artfully build up coalition in Asia to contain China, I guess Hu could fly around USA to build up coalition in America to contain USA too. If Americans are complacent like you, USA definitely won’t be able to hold on to the 21st century as American century. BTW India does not consider USA a potential challenger to its hold on the 21st century as India century.
Why are you calling American stupid? Nobody is calling American stupid here. Seventh fleet is indeed ready to move its shelter to Australia.
Aki
@Chinese bloggers,
As a Japanese, I’d like to see China and Chinese hand s off in regards to Japan matters. You Chinese are the worst whiners. Your Chinese bloggers here keep whining about China was raped by Japan, by the west with unequal treaties. But at the same time she uses the new wealth (thanks to the investments from Japan and the West) bullying the small and weaker nations in SEA. How pathetic!
Okinawa is a matter of Japan itself and Okinawa people are Japanese. Either you like this fact or not, you have to live with it. We Japanese know, without American protection form Okinawa, Japan would have been invaded by the Red China for a long time so back off, and care only for your polluted and corrupted China, where money is their god in these days.
4peace
@AKI You’re ignorant! Have your overzealous pride of Japan blinded you from
history???? Let me enlighten you on your own history!
OKINAWA AND OTHER RYUKYU ISLANDS HAS ALWAYS BEEN INDEDPENDENT! You japs invaded Okinawa by force in the 17th century under SATSUMA-TAN during Edo dynasty! The Japanese invaders enforced Japanese law, language, politics harshly toward the Okinawan people, and abolished anything of Okinawan culture! Okinawan languagelike NAHA was greatly supressed by the Japanese. Instead choosing the side of peace…
Now centuries later, your japanese goverment has overlooked our please to remove the U.S. troops that settled in Okainawa for over 6 decades!!!!
MANY OKINAWANS ARE PRO-CHINESE! China history influence Okinawa unlike what the japs did!
READ UP YOUR OWN HISTORY BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY FOOLISH STATMENTS!!!!
4peace
@AKI
Oh and by the way, as much as you hate China, it was NEVER a “threat” to Okinawa instead China has greatly influrence Okinawan culture, religion, and history druing the 14th century!
Here’s a more info on your history Aki!
http://www.uchinanchu.org/uchinanchu/history_early.htm