Latest news with #HiromasaIha
eNCA
a day ago
- Politics
- eNCA
Okinawa a reluctant host for US troops 80 years after WWII
Okinawa resident Hiromasa Iha can still recall the screams of his classmates and teachers after a US military jet crashed into his elementary school, killing 18 people more than six decades ago. As people globally commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 72-year-old retired businessman is among many residents who oppose the American troops stationed on their island ever since. He joins dozens of islanders in near-daily protests against the US forces. The United States has around 54,000 military personnel stationed in Japan, mostly on Okinawa, and a string of incidents over the years, including sexual assault cases, have angered residents. "For us, these crimes and accidents are not someone else's business, and we feel a pressing unease that we can't predict when these things may happen again," he told AFP, recalling the 1959 school incident. "We want the bases to go." The island region, a subtropical paradise with a huge tourism industry, hosts 70 percent of all American bases in Japan and serves as a key US outpost to monitor China, the Taiwan Strait and the Korean peninsula. AFP | Philip FONG The bloody Battle of Okinawa near the end of the war led to the US occupation of the island until 1972, during which troops seized private land in Okinawa to expand their presence in what is locally known as a "bayonet and bulldozer" campaign. During the Cold War, US troops in Okinawa were seen by Washington as a deterrent against the spread of communism. Now, both Tokyo and Washington stress the strategic importance of Okinawa in the face of China's territorial ambitions. But residents have for years voiced their fury over a spate of crimes and accidents involving American soldiers and base personnel. In 2024 alone, Okinawa police detained 80 people connected to the base -- such as US soldiers or military contractors -- including seven for severely violent crimes. Okinawa erupted in anger after a 1995 gang rape of a 12-year-old girl by three US Marines. In August 2004, a Marine helicopter crashed at a university in Okinawa, causing no injuries but amplifying fears of accidents. In April 2016, a former Marine, who was working as a military contractor in Okinawa, raped and killed a 20-year-old woman. And as recently as last month, a senior Marine officer visited the Okinawa government to apologise after a Marine was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman. - 'Truly scary' - Opinion polls in Okinawa have historically shown that the majority of residents believe the rest of Japan must carry its fair share of the load when it comes to hosting the US military. Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki routinely points out the island's "excessive burden", impacting the daily lives of residents. But repeated calls on authorities to prevent crimes by US soldiers have fallen largely on deaf ears, said Junko Iraha, the chairwoman of a coalition of women's groups in Okinawa. AFP | Philip FONG "It's not that we don't like American people. We are saying, please do something about the bases," she said. When Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972, residents expected that US bases would be spread across Japan -- a vision that never came true, she added. Recent polls suggest growing resignation among the Okinawan public. In a 2023 survey, nearly 40 percent of Okinawan survey participants said the anti-US base movement was powerless to change Tokyo's policy. But many Okinawan residents say they live in fear of crimes by American soldiers, with victims still trying to process their grief. Takemasa Kinjo, 68, was a high school student when his mother was killed by a Marine in 1974 with a brick at their home where she operated a small bar. "It is truly scary if you think crimes can happen in your neighbourhood," Kinjo said. He also joined a recent protest at a Marine base that is being expanded into a secluded bay where dugongs and other protected species live. AFP | Philip FONG He believes Okinawa -- where base-related income accounts for just over five percent of its economy -- can thrive thanks to tourism alone, with an increasing number of holidaymakers drawn to the area's turquoise bays and coral reefs. "There should be no base on Okinawa," he said. "We don't need new military facilities." Iha, whose elementary school was destroyed by a US jet, feels the need to explain to future generations what happened -- and warn them it could happen again. At the time of the crash, which also left more than 200 people injured, "everyone thought another war was starting", he recalled. Now, "every day, military jets fly over our houses, and we see helicopters making emergency landings," said Iha. "This is not something that only belongs in the past. This can happen again anytime."
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Japan's Okinawa, a reluctant host for US troops 80 years after WWII
HENOKO: Okinawa resident Hiromasa Iha can still recall the screams of his classmates and teachers after a US military jet crashed into his elementary school, killing 18 people more than six decades ago. As people globally commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 72-year-old retired businessman is among many residents who oppose the American troops stationed on their island ever since. He joins dozens of islanders in near-daily protests against the US forces. The United States has around 54,000 military personnel stationed in Japan, mostly on Okinawa, and a string of incidents over the years, including sexual assault cases, have angered residents. "For us, these crimes and accidents are not someone else's business, and we feel a pressing unease that we can't predict when these things may happen again," he told AFP, recalling the 1959 school incident. "We want the bases to go." The island region, a subtropical paradise with a huge tourism industry, hosts 70 percent of all American bases in Japan and serves as a key US outpost to monitor China, the Taiwan Strait and the Korean peninsula. The bloody Battle of Okinawa near the end of the war led to the US occupation of the island until 1972, during which troops seized private land in Okinawa to expand their presence in what is locally known as a "bayonet and bulldozer" campaign. During the Cold War, US troops in Okinawa were seen by Washington as a deterrent against the spread of communism. Now, both Tokyo and Washington stress the strategic importance of Okinawa in the face of China's territorial ambitions. But residents have for years voiced their fury over a spate of crimes and accidents involving American soldiers and base personnel.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Okinawa a reluctant host for US troops 80 years after WWII
Okinawa resident Hiromasa Iha can still recall the screams of his classmates and teachers after a US military jet crashed into his elementary school, killing 18 people more than six decades ago. As people globally commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 72-year-old retired businessman is among many residents who oppose the American troops stationed on their island ever since. He joins dozens of islanders in near-daily protests against the US forces. The United States has around 54,000 military personnel stationed in Japan, mostly on Okinawa, and a string of incidents over the years, including sexual assault cases, have angered residents. "For us, these crimes and accidents are not someone else's business, and we feel a pressing unease that we can't predict when these things may happen again," he told AFP, recalling the 1959 school incident. "We want the bases to go." The island region, a subtropical paradise with a huge tourism industry, hosts 70 percent of all American bases in Japan and serves as a key US outpost to monitor China, the Taiwan Strait and the Korean peninsula. The bloody Battle of Okinawa near the end of the war led to the US occupation of the island until 1972, during which troops seized private land in Okinawa to expand their presence in what is locally known as a "bayonet and bulldozer" campaign. During the Cold War, US troops in Okinawa were seen by Washington as a deterrent against the spread of communism. Now, both Tokyo and Washington stress the strategic importance of Okinawa in the face of China's territorial ambitions. But residents have for years voiced their fury over a spate of crimes and accidents involving American soldiers and base personnel. In 2024 alone, Okinawa police detained 80 people connected to the base -- such as US soldiers or military contractors -- including seven for severely violent crimes. Okinawa erupted in anger after a 1995 gang rape of a 12-year-old girl by three US Marines. In August 2004, a Marine helicopter crashed at a university in Okinawa, causing no injuries but amplifying fears of accidents. In April 2016, a former Marine, who was working as a military contractor in Okinawa, raped and killed a 20-year-old woman. And as recently as last month, a senior Marine officer visited the Okinawa government to apologise after a Marine was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman. - 'Truly scary' - Opinion polls in Okinawa have historically shown that the majority of residents believe the rest of Japan must carry its fair share of the load when it comes to hosting the US military. Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki routinely points out the island's "excessive burden", impacting the daily lives of residents. But repeated calls on authorities to prevent crimes by US soldiers have fallen largely on deaf ears, said Junko Iraha, the chairwomanof a coalition of women's groups in Okinawa. "It's not that we don't like American people. We are saying, please do something about the bases," she said. When Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972, residents expected that US bases would be spread across Japan -- a vision that never came true, she added. Recent polls suggest growing resignation among the Okinawan public. In a 2023 survey, nearly 40 percent of Okinawan survey participants said the anti-US base movement was powerless to change Tokyo's policy. But many Okinawan residents say they live in fear of crimes by American soldiers, with victims still trying to process their grief. Takemasa Kinjo, 68, was a high school student when his mother was killed by a Marine in 1974 with a brick at their home where she operated a small bar. "It is truly scary if you think crimes can happen in your neighbourhood," Kinjo said. He also joined a recent protest at a Marine base that is being expanded into a secluded bay where dugongs and other protected species live. He believes Okinawa -- where base-related income accounts for just over five percent of its economy -- can thrive thanks to tourism alone, with an increasing number of holidaymakers drawn to the area's turquoise bays and coral reefs. "There should be no base on Okinawa," he said. "We don't need new military facilities." Iha, whose elementary school was destroyed by a US jet, feels the need to explain to future generations what happened -- and warn them it could happen again. At the time of the crash, which also left more than 200 people injured, "everyone thought another war was starting", he recalled. Now, "every day, military jets fly over our houses, and we see helicopters making emergency landings," said Iha. "This is not something that only belongs in the past. This can happen again anytime." hih/aph/rsc/tc/djw
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Okinawa a reluctant host for US troops 80 years after WWII
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Mr Takemasa Kinjo looking on at the construction site of the new Henoko military base for US forces near his residence in Nago city, Okinawa Prefecture. Henoko, Japan - Okinawa resident Hiromasa Iha can still recall the screams of his classmates and teachers after a US military jet crashed into his elementary school, killing 18 people more than six decades ago. As people globally commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 72-year-old retired businessman is among many residents who oppose the American troops stationed on their island ever since. He joins dozens of islanders in near-daily protests against the US forces. The United States has around 54,000 military personnel stationed in Japan, mostly on Okinawa, and a string of incidents over the years, including sexual assault cases, have angered residents. 'For us, these crimes and accidents are not someone else's business, and we feel a pressing unease that we can't predict when these things may happen again,' he told AFP, recalling the 1959 school incident. 'We want the bases to go.' The island region, a subtropical paradise with a huge tourism industry, hosts 70 per cent of all American bases in Japan and serves as a key US outpost to monitor China, the Taiwan Strait and the Korean peninsula. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia India, Singapore ministers discuss deeper tie-ups in digitalisation, skills, industrial parks Business More seniors remain employed after retirement and re-employment ages raised in 2022: MOM study Singapore To Vers or not to Vers: How will this scheme affect HDB prices? Asia Malaysian MP Rafizi says his son was jabbed with syringe in planned attack, threatened with Aids Singapore askST: Will assets seized in $3b money laundering case be sold at public auctions? Singapore Woman, 68, charged over assaulting maid with scissors and nail clipper Business StarHub first-half profit falls 41.7% to $47.9m; telco eyes 'more aggressive stance' amid competition Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength The bloody Battle of Okinawa near the end of the war led to the US occupation of the island until 1972, during which troops seized private land in Okinawa to expand their presence in what is locally known as a 'bayonet and bulldozer' campaign. During the Cold War, US troops in Okinawa were seen by Washington as a deterrent against the spread of communism. Now, both Tokyo and Washington stress the strategic importance of Okinawa in the face of China's territorial ambitions. But residents have for years voiced their fury over a spate of crimes and accidents involving American soldiers and base personnel. In 2024 alone, Okinawa police detained 80 people connected to the base – such as US soldiers or military contractors – including seven for severely violent crimes. Okinawa erupted in anger after a 1995 gang rape of a 12-year-old girl by three US Marines. In August 2004, a Marine helicopter crashed at a university in Okinawa, causing no injuries but amplifying fears of accidents. In April 2016, a former Marine, who was working as a military contractor in Okinawa, raped and killed a 20-year-old woman. And as recently as July, a senior Marine officer visited the Okinawa government to apologise after a Marine was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman. 'Truly scary' Opinion polls in Okinawa have historically shown that the majority of residents believe the rest of Japan must carry its fair share of the load when it comes to hosting the US military. Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki routinely points out the island's 'excessive burden', impacting the daily lives of residents. But repeated calls on authorities to prevent crimes by US soldiers have fallen largely on deaf ears, said Ms Junko Iraha, the chairwoman of a coalition of women's groups in Okinawa. 'It's not that we don't like American people. We are saying, please do something about the bases,' she said. When Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972, residents expected that US bases would be spread across Japan – a vision that never came true, she added. Recent polls suggest growing resignation among the Okinawan public. In a 2023 survey, nearly 40 per cent of Okinawan survey participants said the anti-US base movement was powerless to change Tokyo's policy. But many Okinawan residents say they live in fear of crimes by American soldiers, with victims still trying to process their grief. Mr Takemasa Kinjo, 68, was a high school student when his mother was killed by a Marine in 1974 with a brick at their home where she operated a small bar. 'It is truly scary if you think crimes can happen in your neighbourhood,' he said. Mr Takemasa Kinjo was a high school student when his mother was killed by a US Marine in 1974. PHOTO: AFP He also joined a recent protest at a Marine base that is being expanded into a secluded bay where dugongs and other protected species live. He believes Okinawa – where base-related income accounts for just over 5 per cent of its economy – can thrive thanks to tourism alone, with an increasing number of holidaymakers drawn to the area's turquoise bays and coral reefs. 'There should be no base on Okinawa,' he said. 'We don't need new military facilities.' Mr Takemasa Kinjo holding a placard reading 'Opposition to War' outside his residence in Nago city, Okinawa Prefecture. PHOTO: AFP Mr Iha, whose elementary school was destroyed by a US jet, feels the need to explain to future generations what happened – and warn them it could happen again. At the time of the crash, which also left more than 200 people injured, 'everyone thought another war was starting', he recalled. Now, 'every day, military jets fly over our houses, and we see helicopters making emergency landings', he said. 'This is not something that only belongs in the past. This can happen again anytime.' AFP
Arab News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Okinawa a reluctant host for US troops 80 years after WWII
HENOKO: Okinawa resident Hiromasa Iha can still recall the screams of his classmates and teachers after a US military jet crashed into his elementary school, killing 18 people more than six decades ago. As people globally commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 72-year-old retired businessman is among many residents who oppose the American troops stationed on their island ever since. He joins dozens of islanders in near-daily protests against the US forces. The United States has around 54,000 military personnel stationed in Japan, mostly on Okinawa, and a string of incidents over the years, including sexual assault cases, have angered residents. 'For us, these crimes and accidents are not someone else's business, and we feel a pressing unease that we can't predict when these things may happen again,' he told AFP, recalling the 1959 school incident. 'We want the bases to go.' The island region, a subtropical paradise with a huge tourism industry, hosts 70 percent of all American bases in Japan and serves as a key US outpost to monitor China, the Taiwan Strait and the Korean peninsula. The bloody Battle of Okinawa near the end of the war led to the US occupation of the island until 1972, during which troops seized private land in Okinawa to expand their presence in what is locally known as a 'bayonet and bulldozer' campaign. During the Cold War, US troops in Okinawa were seen by Washington as a deterrent against the spread of communism. Now, both Tokyo and Washington stress the strategic importance of Okinawa in the face of China's territorial ambitions. But residents have for years voiced their fury over a spate of crimes and accidents involving American soldiers and base personnel. In 2024 alone, Okinawa police detained 80 people connected to the base — such as US soldiers or military contractors — including seven for severely violent crimes. Okinawa erupted in anger after a 1995 gang rape of a 12-year-old girl by three US Marines. In August 2004, a Marine helicopter crashed at a university in Okinawa, causing no injuries but amplifying fears of accidents. In April 2016, a former Marine, who was working as a military contractor in Okinawa, raped and killed a 20-year-old woman. And as recently as last month, a senior Marine officer visited the Okinawa government to apologize after a Marine was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman. Opinion polls in Okinawa have historically shown that the majority of residents believe the rest of Japan must carry its fair share of the load when it comes to hosting the US military. Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki routinely points out the island's 'excessive burden,' impacting the daily lives of residents. But repeated calls on authorities to prevent crimes by US soldiers have fallen largely on deaf ears, said Junko Iraha, the chairwoman of a coalition of women's groups in Okinawa. 'It's not that we don't like American people. We are saying, please do something about the bases,' she said. When Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972, residents expected that US bases would be spread across Japan — a vision that never came true, she added. Recent polls suggest growing resignation among the Okinawan public. In a 2023 survey, nearly 40 percent of Okinawan survey participants said the anti-US base movement was powerless to change Tokyo's policy. But many Okinawan residents say they live in fear of crimes by American soldiers, with victims still trying to process their grief. Takemasa Kinjo, 68, was a high school student when his mother was killed by a Marine in 1974 with a brick at their home where she operated a small bar. 'It is truly scary if you think crimes can happen in your neighborhood,' Kinjo said. He also joined a recent protest at a Marine base that is being expanded into a secluded bay where dugongs and other protected species live. He believes Okinawa — where base-related income accounts for just over five percent of its economy — can thrive thanks to tourism alone, with an increasing number of holidaymakers drawn to the area's turquoise bays and coral reefs. 'There should be no base on Okinawa,' he said. 'We don't need new military facilities.' Iha, whose elementary school was destroyed by a US jet, feels the need to explain to future generations what happened — and warn them it could happen again. At the time of the crash, which also left more than 200 people injured, 'everyone thought another war was starting,' he recalled. Now, 'every day, military jets fly over our houses, and we see helicopters making emergency landings,' said Iha. 'This is not something that only belongs in the past. This can happen again anytime.'
