The “No More Okinawan War, Life is a Treasure” committee forms to oppose the militarization of Okinawa, pledges Okinawa “will not become a battlefield again”
The “No More Okinawan War, Nuchi du Takara (Life is a Treasure)” committee at their inaugural press conference – (from the left) Akemi Miyagi, Hiroji Yamashiro, Masaie Ishihara, and Douglas Lummis – January 31, Okinawa Prefectural Office
February 1, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Yuki Karimata
The “No More Okinawan War, Nuchi du Takara (Life is a Treasure)” committee, which opposes the U.S.-Japan joint defense plan to militarize the Nansei archipelago so that the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) and U.S. military can attack their enemies in the case of a crisis in Taiwan, was formed on January 31. The organization stated that their fundamental plan of action would be to “Stop the Okinawan islands from becoming a battlefield once again.” The plan moving forward is to gain advocates and endorsements through events such as an organization opening ceremony and by hosting symposiums. They also plan to make appeals to Okinawa’s governor and prefectural assembly chairman.
The committee is represented by Masaie Ishihara (Okinawa International University professor emeritus), Douglas Lummis (international political scholar), Takamatsu Gushiken (war-dead remain retrieval volunteer), Akemi Miyagi (Okinawa women’s history researcher), and Hiroji Yamashiro (Okinawa Peace Action Center advisor).
The committee announced their formation at a press conference at the Okinawa Prefectural Office’s press club on January 31. Yamashiro said, “We want to gain the endorsement of many people. We also want to reach out to conservatives, and economic organizations.”
At the end of last year, the U.S. military confirmed a plan to set up an attack base along the Nansei islands in case of an emergency in Taiwan. They formed the organization with the aim of engaging in bipartisan activities calling for the revocation of this plan, with Yamashiro and researchers in Okinawa as promoters.
In order to cover operating costs, they are soliciting contributions of at least 500 yen. Contributions can be sent by direct deposit to Japan Post Bank, code 17040 no. 01742091. For contributions from financial institutions other than Japan Post Bank, the branch name is 708, the branch number is 708, deposit type is ordinary bank account, and the account number is 0174209.
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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