Nago Mayor Susumu Inamine Interview
Inamine reflects on US military bases, economic development, and the state of democracy in Okinawa.
Tag Archives: Henoko (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.
Gloves Come Off on Henoko Base Construction
The determination of the leaders of the Liberal Democratic Party to get tough on the Henoko base construction issue is becoming apparent to close observers. It has long been a question whether or not Tokyo was really willing to repress the popular will in Okinawa, which clearly opposes the construction of a new US Marine base, but the message is now coming through more openly: Let Okinawan opinions be damned! The base will be built!
Restarting the Nuclear Reactor Restart Battle
The results of Sunday’s House of Councillors election are a foregone conclusion in light of the electoral district system and the number of candidates run by each party. The ruling coalition of the LDP and New Komeito will win a strong majority in the upper house but cannot possibly win on their own the 2/3 majority required for constitutional revision. What we will have when the Diet next opens will be the Abe government popular with the public and in firm control of the parliament.
