After 64 Years . . . What WillBecome of U.S. Bases in Japan?

After more than half a century of bowing to dictates from the United States, Japan decided to take a stand against the U.S. regarding the future of military bases; immunities and privileges enjoyed by American soldiers; and the project of transferring Futenma air base, located north of the populated island of Okinawa. Also resolved is the ending of logistical support for NATO forces in Afghanistan by the end of the year and the opening of an investigation of secret treaties between Japan and Washington during the Cold War.

This position, adopted by Tokyo, aims to succeed in the first big credibility test for the new center-left government, represented by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who promised during his election campaign to establish equal relations with Washington, restore balance to bilateral relations, and to transfer Futenma to another area of Japan to ease the burden on the island of Okinawa. Okinawa contains 75 percent of the nine U.S. military bases and half of the 47,000 U.S. army troops. As a result, this response by the Japanese is considered a first in several decades.

These interactions are associated with the visit by U.S. President Barack Obama to Japan, which took place November 13 and 14. During the visit, the Japanese protested against the U.S. base presence in Okinawa and expressed the need to transfer it from the region, building more equitable relations with the U.S. Also expressed was interest in a review of bilateral security arrangements according to Hatoyama’s pledge because, at the very least, the existence of these bases contributes noise, pollution, a risk of accidents, and an increase in bacteria.

It is well-known that the strategic objectives requiring the presence of U.S. bases throughout the world are aimed at control of the global economy and global markets; the acquisition of natural resources through multinational corporations; and to take custody of states, as a preparatory step to invasion and occupation.

Therefore, knowledge of these objectives alone is enough to alarm people who have suffered for 64 years after Japan’s defeat in World War II and its occupation. It is also known that Japanese–American relations are remnants of a world that has ceased to exist. Japan, with the second largest economy in the world, needs to dispense with U.S. military protection and its security assurances. Under these circumstances, it is also essential that Washington play a more modest role, consistent with what is considered necessary to improve its relations with Japan and build a balanced relationship, apart from domination and subordination. In addition, the U.S. should declare its will and desire to comply and change its priorities towards Tokyo. Several days before his visit, the U.S. president said he will be reviewing the agreement with Japan, and the results will be for its benefit; the Japanese are awaiting those results.