Okada visits; presses for Kadena-Futenma solution

Japan Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada spent two days visiting Okinawa, studying plans for building a new Marine airfield to replace the controversial Futenma Marine Corps Air Station in downtown Ginowan City.

http://www.japanupdate.com/?id=9931

One has to remember that Mr. Okada was once the former head of the DPJ until his party lost in a landside to former Prime Minister Koizumi’s Liberal Demagogue-Rat Party (LDP) a few years back. Back then, some attributed the landslide loss to Mr. Okada’s tunnel vision, a trait that he seems to still posses to this day.

Mr. Okada’s plan is a band-aid solution that the locals rightly see as giving them short shrift on the deal, something they’re used to getting from the former ruling party, the (LDP). As such, it’s likely that such a move could result in big wins for opposition parties in the next go round of elections. Unfortunately for all concerned, that could end up being the communists.

The general Okinawan position on the issue is sort of an, “oh well, it’s been real, it’s even been fun at times, and except for a handful of nimrods, we really don’t hate you but, it’s come time for all you American’s to pack up their toys and go home.” When it comes to the situation on Okinawa, one can liken the Americans to the bad party guest who’s normally fun to be around when they’re sober but, unfortunately gets too drunk and then refuses to leave even after everyone else has left and gone home. That’s sort of what Okinawan’s are like when they party which may in a small way explain why they’ve tolerated the American military presence here for as long as they have.

The hard line Okinawan position, represented by a growing minority of Okinawans, a majority if you are foolish enough to believe what you see and hear from the mainstream media, is for ALL of the AMERICANS here TO pack up their toys and LEAVE no later than YESTERDAY! This is just as, if not more, unrealistic as Mr. Okada’s plan. Similarly, the American plan of keeping so many bases in Okinawa in perpetuity is likewise unrealistic, maybe even immoral!

With all of the sides dug in deep and digging themselves in deeper, a much needed compromise is becoming more in doubt. For that to happen, all of the sides will have to give up something if we are to reach an agreement that is equitable. The U.S. must consider a more serious drawdown of forces, as well as a more significant consolidation of the bases in Okinawa. But this is a long term project that will take decades to accomplish. That is where the Okinawan’s must be willing to compromise.

Lastly, If America does agree, Japan as a sovereign nation must step up its own self defense. They already have a capable Navy and more must be done by Tokyo to wean them off of reliance on the U.S. for this all important national responsibility. That does not mean that the alliance will go away, nor does it mean that all of the bases on Okinawa will go away. Quite simply it means that Tokyo will have to do a better job of taking care of its own and stop playing both sides (Americans vs. Okinawans) against each other while they try to remain unscathed and above the fray. That position didn’t help the LDP in the last election and it won’t help the DPJ keep the helm either.

As far as filling in the bay to build the runways at Camp Schwab, in my opinion, that’s not such a good idea. In the interim, the handful of fixed wing assets still left at Futenma (A few C130 refueling tankers) could be moved to Kadena but, a sizeable heliport on the peninsula at Camp Schwab large enough to facilitate all of the rotary assets would allow for the Marines to continue their mission.

What is needed here is a long term plan for Japan to step up to its responsibilities to its people and as that happens, a withdrawal of most American forces to its own territories in Hawaii, Guam and the Mariana’s leaving only a small footprint in Japan. To make that happen, the political rhetoric has to tone down and the warring factions need to listen to, instead of shouting past each other.