The subordination of the Japanese government to the U.S. has gotten so extreme that we can no longer contain our outrage.
On Feb. 17, the government discussed plans to relocate a helicopter landing pad, or helipad, alongside the partial return of American northern training grounds. When it came to two helipads in district N4, which is extremely close to the village of Takae in Higashi, the cabinet decided to prioritize sponsoring the United States.
Because of this sponsorship, which will come before the return of northern facilities, the U.S. military will be able to increase the number of helipads they have and use their Osprey aircraft on these newly constructed pads. Their training will increase even more from now on, bothering the citizens with noise, low frequency waves, high temperature gas and more. We will not be able to avoid the deterioration of our living conditions and of the natural environment. No matter how anyone sees this, this is exactly what it means to strengthen the U.S. military bases. The government has gone back on its word about reducing the burden of holding bases to Okinawa, and this absolutely cannot be forgiven.
The partial return of the northern training grounds was included in a final report made in 1996 by a special activities committee arranged between Japan and the United States. However, the report details that seven out of twenty-two helipads will be returned, with six more newly added as if to surround the village of Takae. From the very beginning, this plan was simply a ploy to strengthen the bases by accumulating landing pads. On top of this, there is a large concern the U.S. may again cut through Yanbaru Forest, which is home to a large number of rare animals.
Furthermore, it is estimated that Osprey aircraft at these six new bases will be used 2,520 times a year. This is almost twice the number for the Osprey substitute CH-46E helicopter, which is used 1,288 times a year. It is completely natural for citizens to oppose this plan, and it is, in fact, common knowledge that sit-in protests have been occurring and developing each and every day.
Nevertheless, the Japanese government has enforced the construction of helipads. They have even blamed construction delays on the opposition movement and hastened the handing over of helipads on top of that. The truth is that they have crushed the voices of their citizens and made clear that accommodating the U.S. military is their top priority.
The Marine Corps major for the northern training grounds command has claimed that “we are receiving money” and “Ospreys will not fly over the forests that have been returned.” *It is easy to see that these are reckless claims that could not be any farther from the truth.
Even now, Ospreys have been confirmed flying over forests outside training ground premises. These words are nothing but lies. On Takae’s Prefectural Road 70, American troops can often be seen walking with guns on their person. The true state of Okinawa is exactly like that of a colony permitted to act freely by the United States. The Abe administration should stop helipad usage and construction immediately in order to lessen the burden placed on Okinawa, and sweep away the mistaken perceptions the Americans hold.
*Editor’s note: These quoted remarks, while accurately translated, could not be independently verified.
Did you ever hear the phrase “biting the hand that feeds you”? The U.S. is the only friend and protector that Japan has. If you want to go it alone, fine. But if not, stop your petty squabbling and man up to your own responsibilities in this alliance.