Okinawa's 50th anniversary of "returning" to Japan, is it still difficult for the economy to stand on its own?
From "chess pieces" to "abandoned pieces", when can Okinawa get rid of nightmares?
In this issue of " Conversation with the Storm ", we went to Tokyo Xiaguan and visited Japan Minister of Revival and Minister of Okinawa Affairs Nishi Mingheng Saburo. Nishimi Hoshisaburo is a native of Okinawa Prefecture people. When talking about Okinawa, his memory is related to war and revitalization.
Nishi Mingheng Saburo: In the future, we will focus on developing Okinawa's tourism industry and improving the quality of the industry
On May 22, 2022, US President Biden arrived in Japan, opening the second stop of its first "Asia trip" since taking office. During a three-day visit, Biden held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio , announcing the launch of the "Indo-Pacific Economic Framework ", and attended the "Quadian Mechanism" summit of the United States, Japan, India and Australia.
On May 15, 2022, at the commemoration ceremony of the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's return to Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivered a speech, and US President Biden said in his congratulatory letter that "Japan-US relations have changed from enemies on the battlefield in the past to the closest allies." At the same time, the Japanese government formulated a new basic policy on the Okinawa revitalization policy. In the next ten years, Okinawa will achieve a "sustainable and strong economy", focus on developing industries with strong competitive competition such as tourism and international logistics, and solve problems such as low income for county residents and poor children.
Li Miao : May 15 this year is the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's return to Japan. The Japanese government had formulated a basic policy for the revitalization of Okinawa. I think the details of this policy will be further formulated by everyone in Okinawa Prefecture in the future. In order to achieve sustainable development of the Okinawa economy, what do you think should be the focus of this basic policy?
Nishi Mingheng Saburo: We look back on the revitalization of Okinawa over the past 50 years, and the law still has imperfections. For example, efforts should be written into the law to cultivate talents and solve the problem of children's poverty. Fifty years have passed, and we need to examine the data and find the shortcomings. Based on the basic policies formulated by the government, the Okinawa Prefecture Council will formulate specific plans.
Li Miao: These fifty years have been a very long period. What do you think has the greatest revitalization in Okinawa in these fifty years?
Nishi Mingheng Saburo: Speaking of future issues, although the tourism industry is the largest industry in Okinawa, fifty years have passed, and the per capita income of residents is only about 70% of the national level. So we plan to increase the per capita income of residents and improve economic resilience in the next ten years. Before , the peak number of tourists in Okinawa reached 10 million per year, but now the COVID-19 pandemic has caused only about 3 million people. In the early stage, the government strengthened thorough epidemic prevention and the economy encountered many difficulties. Although the government has introduced various aid measures such as employment adjustment subsidies and temporary delivery funds to ensure the minimum operation of enterprises, it still has a great impact on the economy. Based on the significance of Okinawa's revitalization, we hope to increase the average customer price of the pillar industries and improve service quality.
Li Miao: Speaking of foreign tourists in Okinawa, for example, in 2018, before the new crown epidemic, there were about 690,000 tourists from mainland China, more tourists from Taiwan, and many tourists from Hong Kong. So, what is the status of Chinese and Greater China tourists in Okinawa’s tourism industry?
Xi Mingheng Saburo: During the peak season of cruise tourism, many tourists will take cruises to Okinawa for fun. Although cruise tours are a good choice, once Okinawa improves the quality of tourism in the future, in addition to boat tours, individual tourists can also stay leisurely on the island, relax in a comfortable room, and consume cultural and entertainment. For example, Okinawa is also holding a professional baseball training camp recently, and nine professional teams from Japan have been invited.During this period, baseball enthusiasts, including those among Taiwanese tourists, can attract them to stay in Okinawa for a few days to increase per capita consumption. We need a similar strategic perspective.
Nishimine Shinsanro: Peace in Okinawa must be maintained within the framework of the Japan-US Security Treaty
Historically, Okinawa was an independent Ryukyu Kingdom . Japan annexed Ryukyu after Meiji Restoration and set up Okinawa Prefecture. World War II After Japan surrendered, the United States ruled Okinawa for 27 years. In 1971, the United States and Japan signed the Okinawa Return Agreement. In May of the following year, the United States handed over Okinawa's executive power to Japan.
From Showa to Heisei to Heisei to Rei and , the city appearance of Okinawa has undergone earth-shaking changes, and only the US military bases are difficult to shake. Since the US military stationed in Japan has extraterritorial legal authority in Japan, it is not subject to Japanese jurisdiction . From 1972 to 2019, the US military stationed in Japan and its military families committed about 6,000 crimes in Okinawa, including robbery, rape, murder and other vicious crimes. In addition, the US military traffic accident caused more than 4,000 casualties and injuries. US military aircraft crashed and emergency landings in Okinawa many times. In the sixth wave of the new crown epidemic in Japan that began at the end of 2021, a large number of US troops stationed in Japan were not restricted by epidemic prevention measures when entering Japan, causing loopholes in Japan's epidemic prevention, and Okinawa Prefecture became the biggest victim.
Li Miao: Regarding the current situation in Okinawa, a survey shows that about 80% of Japanese citizens believe that the current situation in Okinawa is a bit embarrassing. The reason is that Okinawa has concentrated about 70% of US military bases. In contrast, they feel that it is unfair whether it is the relatively high poverty rate or the relatively low average personal income. Many Okinawa residents have the same view. What do you think of this survey result?
Nishimin Shinsanro: I have been in the Congress for fifteen years. What residents of Okinawa Prefecture most desire is a peaceful life without war, because they have experienced very fierce ground wars. But peace cannot be achieved by talking. Japan needs to achieve a balance of power with China, North Korea and Russia under the Japan-US security treaty system and maintain a state of peace.
From the end of the war in 1945 to the return of Okinawa to the local area, many serious incidents and accidents occurred during this period. I empathize with the people of Okinawa Prefecture. However, in order to maintain a safe and peaceful state, we must firmly follow this security system and maintain a balance of containment and strength. As a member of Congress, I think so strongly.
Li Miao: As you said, over the past fifty years, heartbreaking events caused by the US military have occurred frequently. Regarding these incidents, many people believe that the status of Japan and the United States is unequal in the " Japan-US Status Agreement " and the terms should be modified. As a local in Okinawa, I guess you should have some contradictions in your heart. What do you think of the Japan-US Status Agreement?
Xi Mingheng Saburo: Regarding Article 17, Article 5, Article C of the Japan-US Status Agreement, such as murder cases and rape cases, the unreasonable parts have been improved when actually dealing with it. But from the perspective of Okinawa Prefecture people, I still hope that the US military suspect will be arrested by the Okinawa Prefecture police. Although in the actual law enforcement process, if there are any vicious crimes, such as sexual assault or murder and arson, in that case, the county police can arrest the US criminal. I understand the desire of county citizens to further improve the provisions. The government's current position is that similar cases can be handled flexibly. Amending the treaty is not within my responsibilities. Although I personally understand the feelings of the Okinawa people, I will still focus my energy on revitalizing the Okinawa economy.
Nishimi Hoshisaburo: Futenma Base should be relocated as soon as possible . Use this place as Okinawa Revitalization
Futenma Base is located in the center of Yino Bay, Okinawa Main Island, surrounded by public facilities such as residences, schools and hospitals. It is called "the most dangerous military base in the world. For a long time, local residents have been plagued by problems such as noise, accidents and crimes. 1995, three US military gang raped a 12-year-old girl in the local area became the "fuse". The people of Okinawa launched a massive protest and demanded the amendment of the "Japan-US Status Agreement" signed in 1960. Eleven years later, in 2006, Japan and the United States decided to move the Futenma base to the Henoko area of Nago City for "relocation within the prefecture." Regarding the construction of the Heonoki New Base, the Okinawa local government and the Japanese central government have conducted many rounds of negotiations, but the differences have not been eliminated.
Li Miao: As you said, I think few Okinawa residents would want the US military base to be completely withdrawn from Okinawa ; but many people think that the number of US military bases is too large. What do you think?
Xi Mingheng Saburo: Since an agreement has been reached between countries, we will follow this agreement. From my perspective, since the government has decided to move out the 480-hectare air force base in downtown Futenma, return the land to Okinawa to revitalize the economy, reduce the base area to one-third, and disperse the Army and Marine Corps to Guam and Hawaii Island, the decided things should be implemented, and this is my position.
The function of the governor of Okinawa Prefecture has limitations on the overall security issues of the country. So I think that although the size of Futenma Airport has been reduced, we still have to abide by the Japanese and American security system, which is essential to maintain the peaceful status quo that residents of Okinawa Prefecture long for.
It’s just that as the Minister of Okinawa’s Revitalization, security issues are beyond my function. They should be measured by the Ministry of Defense. How to plan the 480 hectares of land returned from Futenma Airport? How to develop or build a railway? These are the issues that I should pay attention to as the Minister of Revitalization of Okinawa.
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