In year-opening statement, Governor Tamaki plans to release a proposal for the 50th anniversary of the reversion “taking into account the opinions of Okinawan residents,” resolves to reduce the burden of U.S. military bases
Denny Tamaki delivering his year-opening remarks – January 4
January 4, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo
Okinawa governor Denny Tamaki delivered year-opening remarks to employees at the Okinawa Prefectural Office on January 4, and said regarding the 50th anniversary of Okinawa being reverted to Japanese control, “We will take into consideration the varied opinions of Okinawa’s residents, and investigate the manner in which we make our suggestions and declarations.” The governor compared the current state of Okinawa to the image depicted in the “Proposal of steps for the reversion of Okinawa” (also known as the “Yara Proposal”) submitted to the Japanese government by Chobyo Yara, the chief executive of the Government of the Ryukyus (at that time) before the reversion, and indicated his plan is to form a proposal or declaration that outlines a new vision for the future of Okinawa.
Tamaki explained that the Yara Proposal, “created a new vision for Okinawa, prioritizing the welfare of Okinawans, established local self-governance, was anti-war, pro-peace, established basic human rights, and constructed a framework for the basic economic development of Okinawa.”
Regarding the unending incidents, accidents, and environmental damage related to the U.S. military bases in the 50 years since the reversion, Tamaki stated, “I will work with all my power to request the Japanese government reduce the number of bases in Okinawa, revise the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), reduce the heavy burden created by the bases, and resolve the numerous issues the bases cause.”
The previous year was beset by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as well as a large influx of pumice stone which clogged the bays and ports of Okinawa, and Tamaki indicated that his resolution would take these into consideration as well. Meanwhile, he touched on Okinawans who participated in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this year, thanking them for “giving us all courage and inspiration.”
Tamaki closed by saying, “Heading into the fourth year of my term, I will work vigorously to administer the government of Okinawa in a way that meets the expectations of all Okinawans with a renewed spirit.”
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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