U.S. Military and Okinawa

Okinawa was under American military control from 1945 until 1972, when it reverted to full Japanese governance. The USA retains several military bases on the island, and this is a source of resentment to some Okinawans, especially the descendants of former landowners. There is also discontent with the Japanese government for having favored US interests over local preferences. Although Okinawa Prefecture accounts for less than 1 percent of Japan's total land area, it provides 75 percent of the land occupied by U.S. military facilities in the country. In 1995, dissatisfaction with American presence grew as three U.S. military men were arrested for abducting and raping a twelve-year-old Japanese girl.  

The Okinawa Prefecture reports that there are now 32 U.S. military facilities on Okinawa, accounting for 15% of the island’s land.  They host about 50,000 service people, dependents and civilian support employees. 

Learn more: 

Okinawa Prefectural Government Washington D.C. Office.  “U.S. Military Base Issues in Okinawa”.  2016

Feifer, George. “The Rape of Okinawa.” World Policy Journal, vol. 17, no. 3, 2000, pp. 33–40. JSTOR.