Okinawa's Military Legacy: A Struggle Between History and Security

Okinawa's residents grapple with the impact of U.S. military bases, rooted in historical trauma, while younger generations voice new anxieties about regional security, particularly concerning China.

In Okinawa, a small yet strategically significant island in Japan, local inhabitants wrestle with the complexities of the enduring U.S. military presence. Many, like Keiko Itokazu, reflect on personal tragedies linked to military exercises. Itokazu recalls the day in 1965 when a training mishap resulted in the death of a young girl, spurring her vocal opposition to the bases. At 77, she continues to protest against U.S. Marine construction efforts, illustrating a generational continuity of dissent.

Historically, Okinawa has always been caught in the crosshairs of power dynamics. Under U.S. control post-World War II and subsequently returned to Japan in 1972, Okinawans often feel marginalized, with deep-rooted grievances stemming from their continued status as second-class citizens. The island’s colonial past, when it was known as the Kingdom of the Ryukyus, adds another layer of complexity to its ongoing struggle for identity and rights.

While older generations express anguish over historical injustices linked to foreign military presence, younger Okinawans manifest concern about modern security threats, particularly from China. As tensions rise in the region, the challenge for Okinawa remains: balancing the legacy of war against the appeal of strategic military alliances that some argue serve to protect the island from external threats. The discourse within Okinawa highlights the ongoing negotiation between history, national security, and the quest for sovereignty in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.