As the United States was dragged into World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, U.S. forces began building military bases throughout the country. Throw in the Korean War and escalating external threats from North Korea and China over recent decades, and the U.S. has played an important role in making sure that trade and other regional activities in Japan remain peaceful and secure. U.S. military bases in Japan are important for both training and tactical purposes, but there is a dark side to having our Armed Forces abroad – a side that continues to cause friction between Japanese citizens and the American military. Suggested read:How the Higgins Boat Helped End WWII

The Complicated History of U.S. Military Bases in Japan

When the United States took control of Japan and other areas in the Pacific region, it began building military bases throughout Japan. The most important base is Torii Station, which is found in Okinawa. After years of occupation, the U.S. returned Okinawa to Japan in 1971 once the terms of the Okinawa Reversion Treaty were finally ironed out. The move was an important diplomatic decision that took two countries that had been direct enemies only a few decades ago and transformed them into allies. There were many stipulations in place, including the allowance of American military bases in exchange for protection from potential enemies of Japan. In theory, this is a win-win. The area allows for superb training grounds to test elite personnel within the American Armed Forces. It is also an important place due to its proximity to North Korea, China, and the eastern portion of Russia. This helps the U.S. keep tabs on potential nuclear threats and stay prepared for both mobilization and missile defense even away from the mainland. But the U.S.-Japan military base agreement comes with its fair share of negatives. American service personnel have been at the center of many different controversies over the years, which leads to continued and renewed friction and protests. Environmental worries continue to plague the base in addition to sex crimes, gender discrimination, and more, which are all concerns of the locals who wish to see U.S. military bases in Japan removed from their country.

2022 Is the 50th Anniversary of Japan Governing Okinawa

The U.S. military bases Japan benefits from continue an occupation that was at least partially moved back into the hands of the native people who call Japan home. A large reason for Japan needing protection from its enemies following WWII boils down to the destruction it faced in the aftermath of the war. Even beyond the nuclear blasts, Japan was suffering from a sizable population loss and large-scale damage to its ability to produce goods. Today, Japan is in a much different position. It is one of the most populated countries in the world, enjoys economic and political ties with many countries from across the globe, and has learned better military tactics since the Second World War. Having the U.S. military there for protection is still a powerful defense, but there are growing calls for Japan to rely on itself to protect itself from foreign threats. The Ukraine invasion is pushing Japan to explore nuclear options amid uncertainties and continued missile testing from North Korea. Locally, some citizens agree, and many want the negative environmental impact on their communities as well as military crimes to simply go away. The military bases Japan has allowed the Americans to maintain may continue to feel pressure, but the latest uprising is brought about in part due to the recently celebrated 50th anniversary of the Japanese regaining control of the island of Okinawa.

Protests of U.S. Military Bases in Okinawa Unlikely To Cause Change

Despite the protests, it is unlikely that the U.S. military bases in Japan are going anywhere. We’ve seen other countries in recent times, such as the Philippines, oppose the installation of American military bases, but Japan and the United States continue to maintain great relations since there are many mutually beneficial outcomes of having the bases there. Tensions are higher than usual, and in a world that is increasingly shrinking, conflict on one part of the Earth will continue to influence those around the world. The best immediate response is for U.S. military personnel to operate with integrity and according to the highest regard of international and local laws. The U.S. military bases in Japan help keep things in check and protect Americans as well as other innocents from potential attacks in the region and nuclear strikes elsewhere. Related read:Japanese-American Soldiers in WW2 Served While Losing Their Rights

Image: japantimes.co.jp