Okinawa's US Shadow
Okinawans demand closure of American military bases and return of their lands
170,000 US military personnel are deployed overseas. Of them, about 35% are stationed in Japan, more than in any other country. Okinawa holds the majority of US bases in Japan, which take up 14% of its total land area. Thousands of Okinawans have been deprived of their lands. Moreover, the dangerous chemicals used by the military are polluting the island, and the constant noise from planes and helicopters exceeds the maximum allowable level of 90 decibels. All of these factors contribute to serious health problems, yet the local population's calls for base closures remain unheeded.