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On the surface, relations between Tokyo and Washington since 1945 have been models of diplomacy. But beneath the surface there is growing unease in Japan about the US military presence in Okinawa. The alleged rape of a schoolgirl by a US Marine has further heightened these tensions.
Though it accounts for just one per cent of Japan's total area, Okinawa is home to about 75 per cent of US military facilities in Japan and more than half of its 50,000 troops. Okinawa residents regularly demand that the US military presence be spread more evenly around Japan but for both logistical and political reasons Tokyo and Washington have both been reluctant to establish bases elsewhere. Complaints about noise pollution, crime and the dearth of land for civilian use have been increasing in Okinawa but, not surprisingly, other regions have been reluctant to facilitate US bases. The model of diplomacy is facing a severe test.
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