Japan Press Weekly

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2022 May 11 - 17 [POLITICS]

On 50th reversion anniversary, Okinawa prefectural assembly renews its determination to achieve drastic SOFA revision

The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly on May 13, two days before the day marking the 50th anniversary of Okinawa’s reversion to Japan, unanimously adopted a resolution and a statement urging the central government to realize a drastic revision of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and the closure and the return of the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station.

In the two documents, the prefectural assembly referred to the excessive concentration of U.S. bases in Okinawa, and pointed out that nearly half of protest resolutions and statements adopted over the past 50 years are related to U.S. military facilities. It stressed that even 50 years after Okinawa’s reversion to Japan, a truly peaceful and prosperous Okinawa has yet to be achieved.

The prefectural assembly expressed its determination to transmit to the next generations the history of hardships that Okinawans experienced during and even after the war. It stated, “On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the reversion to Japan, the prefectural assembly renews its determination to make tenacious efforts to prevent accidents and crimes associated with U.S. military bases, reduce other base burdens, and develop local economies for the purpose of improving Okinawans’ overall well-being.

Other demands in the two documents include state measures to reduce U.S. military facilities and promote Okinawa’s local economies. The written statement is addressed to Prime Minister Kishida and other Cabinet ministers as well as to chairs of the both Houses of the Diet.