Due to the United States creating military bases in Okinawa during the second World War, you might be confused as to who owns this small island just off Japan.
It is actually Japan who owns the island. The U.S. returned Okinawa to Japan in 1972 – however there was a catch. The Americans still have access to and own the military bases.
The military bases themselves are based on large parts of the island, compared to the small areas owned by Japan.
To understand more about how this came about and what it means, read on to find out more.
Why Is The United States Linked To Okinawa?
In the year of 1945 during World War II, the United States began its invasion of Japan. They did this via using Okinawa as their military base, especially once the war came to an end.
In 1952, the U.S. military officially asked the Japanese government if they could stay in Okinawa.
The papers were signed and the deal was done.
They built a number of large military bases once they had occupied Japan. These military bases would be used in the fights against Vietnam and Korea.
The US military began to wind down its presence in Asia in 1972. This was after the vietnam war had come to an end. During this time the United States gave Okinawa back to its original owner, Japan.
However the United States still has access to their military bases. The bases themselves are so large that they take up a lot of the land.
Are There Tensions Between Both Japan And The United States Over The Land In Okinawa?
Currently, there are many activists who want to get rid of all U.S. military presence within Okinawa – and rightly so.
While the United States military handed over 9,909 acres worth of land back to Japan in 2016 – the largest amount of U.S. occupied land for over 50 years – there was still a catch in place.
The two countries hold a Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. This means that the United States is automatically granted a right to obtain particular defense bases and facilities in Okinawa.
The Japanese government built a number of helipads for U.S. military use due to this handover of land. A lot of the locals who are against U.S. military presence feel very betrayed by their own government.
Why Don’t People Living In Okinawa Like The U.S. Military?
There has been a long history of tension between both the U.S. military and Okinawans. However, some of these reasons have nothing to do with fighting or the wars themselves.
In 1995 three U.S. military service members were sent to prison due to raping a 12 year old Okinawan girl. This caused outrage and demonstrations on a huge scale.
This is often referenced as being just as big as some of the demonstrations that happened after the wars ended.
In response to this, the Japan and U.S. governments created a Special Action Committee based in Okinawa. They also agreed to reduce the amount of American military personnel that are based on the island.
The United States also granted Japan the authority to imprison American citizens who are found guilty of such crimes. This has come into force many times since it was allowed. It includes rapes, arson and murder.
Is The Location Of Okinawa Important?
Yes, the location of Okinawa is very important. It is the biggest within the Ryukyu Islands and is a part of the Okinawa prefecture. The main Okinawan island itself is located between Japan and Taiwan.
There have been growing tensions between the military within Northeastern Asia. This has made Okinawa once again a prime location for the U.S. military.
This is all to do with Japan and the United States being concerned over China and their behavior towards Taiwan.
Recently, both the alliance between Japan and the United States have raised serious questions as to how they would react if something was to occur. This is also in response to the war between Russia and Ukraine – are China going to follow too?
What Is Okinawa Like Now?
Unsurprisingly, the culture in Okinawa is heavily influenced by America. This means that while they are reserved, they speak their mind a lot more than compared to mainland Japan.
A lot of Japanese tourists venture to Okinawa to get an experience of America without having to travel far. They can visit the American Village, or eat hybrid Asian/American food, as well as indulge in salty spam.
Okinawa does have its own language. Having said that, the local dialect is dying out. While the older generations speak Okinawan, the younger generations just speak Japanese.
If you are wanting to find where most of the Americans live and work, then you may want to visit Okinawa City. However, it is known that a lot of foreigners do not stick around for long, so you might find it difficult to make friends.
Final Thoughts
Due to the long history between Okinawa and the United States, it can be confusing to know whether Japan or America own Okinawa.
It is Japan who owns Okinawa. While the U.S. military took over Japan during World War II, they have since given the land back to Japan in the 1970s. However, they still have a strong military connection to Okinawa.
This is because they are allowed access to their bases which are still based there. So, now you know that Japan does in fact own Okinawa, and not the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Japan owns Okinawa. In 1972 the U.S. gave Okinawa back to Japan after winding down its military presence within Asia. However, both governments agreed that the USA would still have access to the military bases.
Yes, there is an American village in Okinawa. Known as the Mihama American Village, it looks like an American shopping mall. It is influenced by American architecture too, as well as the culture.
There are lots of shops and restaurants. You can also find American food, as well as hybrid Japanese/American food too.
The reason there is an American Village in Okinawa is because of the U.S. military presence. During the second World War, the U.S. military used Okinawa as their base when they invaded Japan.
Ever since then the American military has been present within this area. There are many military bases on the island.
Yes, Japan owns Okinawa. The U.S. military gave Okinawa back to Japan in 1972, meaning that today it is under ownership of the Japanese administration.
It is also based within the Okinawa prefecture, which is one of the prefectures of Japan. However, Okinawa is very close to other Asian countries.
This means that Okinawans have influences from Korea, Taiwan, and China – as well as America due to the military.
Even so, Okinawa is definitely a part of Japan.
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
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