History Denialism Reaches Full Swing
This Week in Japan is your source for news and information about politics and other happenings in this East Asian island country. This episode covers the Top Five stories of the third week of August 2017.
Tag Archives: Nago city (Okinawa)
US Humiliates Japanese Allies over Osprey Aircraft
Doubt is once again cast on Japanese national sovereignty as the Abe administration is exposed as being utterly incapable of representing the concerns of Okinawa to the US military.
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.
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.
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!
