How the US-Japan Alliance Operates
Interview with Sayo Saruta, Director of the New Diplomacy Initiative.
Tag Archives: Okinawa (island)
Democracy at Stake in New Battle of Okinawa
On November 16, a new governor was elected in Okinawa, Japan, pledging to take on the governments of both Japan and the United States to stop the construction of a controversial US Marine airbase in his prefecture.
Okinawa Elections: Keeping Democracy at Bay
The people of Okinawa vote unmistakably to end the plan to build a new US Marine airbase at Henoko beach with the election of Governor Takeshi Onaga. Signs are few, however, that the governments in Tokyo or Washington are prepared to listen.
Nago Mayor Susumu Inamine Interview
Inamine reflects on US military bases, economic development, and the state of democracy in Okinawa.
Losing the Plot in Okinawa
The virtues of Shokichi Kina as an Okinawan folk musician are impossible to deny. Long after the man is dead and buried, his song “Hana” will be an immortal classic. As a politician, however, the sooner his career is forgotten the better.
Henoko and Ferguson
The various dramas occurring today near Henoko beach, Okinawa, and the city of Ferguson, Missouri, undoubtedly have many points of difference, but it is worth reflecting briefly on some issues that unite these two cases.
A Democratic Victory in Nago
Michael Penn urges Tokyo and Washington to respect the will of the Okinawan voter.
Okinawa’s Opposition Has Only Begun
Former Ginowan Mayor Yoichi Iha says anti-base sentiment in Okinawa remains the consensus.
Nakaima’s Betrayal Cuts Deep
Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima’s decision to approve construction of the planned US Marine air base at Henoko has won its fair share of admirers. Much of the international media has portrayed it as a “breakthrough” that resolves a long political “stalemate” that had plagued US-Japan relations for many years.
Shinzo Abe’s True Colors Emerge
For almost a year now after his thumping victory in December 2012 we have found ourselves surprised again and again by Shinzo Abe. We have asserted repeatedly that the Abe that we were witnessing was not the “real” Abe, and that the agenda he was pursuing was based on a tactical calculation about what was necessary to maintain public support, but not a reflection of his basic character.
