Okinawa, Japan: 'We Want All American Bases Gone'
Massive Protest in Okinawa Condemns US Military Bases
A 20-year-old Okinawa woman who had gone missing and was recently been found dead and decomposing in a suitcase sparked outrage from locals in Okinawa, Japan.
Ralliers' Outcry
Around 65, 000 ralliers attended the protest to catch the attention of U.S. President Barrack Obama, who recently visited Japan to honor and celebrate the two nations' friendly relations. Instead of a warm greeting, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe protested publicly before the U.S. President regarding the incidents involving the U.S. troops in Okinawa.
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"Try to understand the feelings of the Japanese people" he said, adding that a a strict improvement of military discipline must be implemented.
Unresolved Issues Since the End of World War II
Over time, a lot of people in Okinawa yearned for justice over violence and other problems associated with the presence of the U.S. army in the area. One of the significant incidents was the case of a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by two marines and a navy sailor in 1995.
In an interview, Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga said, "We've heard apologies and promises of prevention hundreds of times, for decades, but it hasn't had any effect".
The governor also told the rallying crowd how he was saddened by the recent attacks in the area. "We had pledged never to repeat such an incident," he said. "I couldn't change the political system to prevent that. That is my utmost regret as a politician and as governor of Okinawa."
Discipline Issues?
In the previous month, an American sailor was arrested for drunk driving in the wrong freeway and ended up crashing into two vehicles and injuring two people. A drinking ban was then imposed but was just recently eased.
Ongoing Peace Talks
Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, Japanese Commanding General of Marine Forces said, "Please do not allow this terrible act of violence to drive a wedge between our two communities."
Nicholson stressed the importance of the two nation's alliance, saying, "There may be issues we differ on. But we must continue to talk. Let's keep those lines of communication open." he then added.
In the midst of growing tension between the area, a university student cried to the public, "This is not how we want the country to be. We want the bases gone."
