Okinawa Prefectural Assembly Approves Written Opinion on 50th Anniversary of Okinawa’s Reversion
The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly votes unanimously to approve a written opinion and resolution related to the 50th anniversary of Okinawa’s reversion to Japan (morning of May 13, Okinawa Prefectural Assembly)
May 13, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo
On the morning of May 13, the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly held a special session and unanimously approved a proposed written opinion and resolution related to the 50th anniversary of Okinawa’s reversion to Japan. The written opinion coincides with the anniversary and serves as a statement of the assembly’s intent to “address the challenges facing the prefecture in order to create a truly peaceful and prosperous Okinawa.” Assembly President Noboru Akamine and representatives of the ruling and opposition parties will present the document to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his visit to Okinawa on May 14.
The written opinion points out the many challenges that remain, even after reversion, to be overcome in Okinawa. These include the average income being approximately 70% of the national average, child poverty, and moving away from a dependent economy. The document states, “Holding fast to our decision to never again engage in war, we will build a strong economy founded on the principles of economic independence. In this way, we will make Okinawa a prefecture in which residents live truly prosperous lives.” Pointing out that close to half of written opinions and resolutions voted on in the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly are related to U.S. bases, the document declares “We reaffirm that we will work unrelentingly to develop our community and to reduce the burden placed on Okinawa by the U.S. bases, including preventing incidents and accidents caused by the presence of the U.S. military.”
In addition, the document calls for the Japanese government to close and return Air Station Futenma to Okinawa as soon as possible, to significantly consolidate and scale down facilities for U.S. servicemembers, and to fundamentally revise the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement. The document also calls for economic development with an eye to utilizing the restituted land from the U.S. bases, and the creation of new industries that will contribute to the growth of Japan as an oceanic state.
According to the office of the Prefectural Assembly, this is the first time that the assembly has created a statement of intent marking Okinawa’s reversion. This written opinion is addressed to the entire Japanese cabinet, including the prime minister, and to the leaders of the upper and lower houses of the National Diet.
(English translation by T&CT and Ellen Huntley)
Previous Article:Okinawa Coca Cola Bottling to issue special retro-design can to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reversion
Next Article:Okinawa’s military presence still exceeds Japan’s—Interview with Gov. Tamaki on reversion: economy “halfway there”
[Similar Articles]
- Ruling parties in Okinawa assembly pass position document asking for halt to US military’s helipad construction
- Prefectural Assembly adopts protest resolution over rape by U.S. sailors, stating that this is beyond the limit of people’s patience
- Okinawa Prefectural Assembly decides to lodge a protest against the latest crimes committed by U.S. military personnel
- Okinawa Prefectural Assembly unanimously moves to request that the government not submit the Henoko evaluation report
- Governor’s reversion anniversary resolve: “Address poverty and base burden”
Webcam(Kokusai Street)
