Tokyo, Japan – Okinawa Prefectural Governor Denny Tamaki is set to embark on a visit to the United States, where he will urge for the resolution of issues stemming from the presence of U.S. military bases in the region. This visit, which marks his fourth trip to the U.S. since taking office, comes at a critical time as the prefecture continues to grapple with the impacts of the bases on local communities.
Governor Tamaki’s visit is scheduled to begin with a media appearance at Naha Airport, where he is expected to discuss the controversial status of the U.S. military in Japan, particularly the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from the city of Ginowan to the Henoko area in Nago City. He emphasized that addressing the issues stemming from the bases is a responsibility shared by both the Japanese and U.S. governments.
Tamaki’s trip to Washington D.C. is anticipated to take place on September 8, where he is expected to arrive in the afternoon local time. This visit is a significant event, as it reflects the ongoing tensions between the Okinawan people and the Japanese government over the presence of U.S. military installations in the prefecture.
During his visit, Governor Tamaki plans to meet with officials at the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense. One of the key issues on his agenda is to protest the recent曝光 of sexual violence involving U.S. military personnel stationed in Okinawa. He aims to directly address the issue and demand measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.
In addition to his meetings with government officials, Governor Tamaki is considering a trip to New York, where he may meet with the United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs and Under-Secretary-General, Kim Won-soo. He also intends to deliver a speech at Columbia University, where he will call for international attention to the ongoing base issue in Okinawa.
The Okinawa base issue has long been a source of contention between the Japanese government and the Okinawan population. Despite repeated promises from the Japanese government to address the concerns of the Okinawans, the situation has remained largely unchanged. The relocation of the Futenma base has been a particularly contentious issue, with many Okinawans opposing the move due to environmental and safety concerns.
Governor Tamaki’s visit to the United States is an attempt to bring international attention to the plight of the Okinawan people and to push for a resolution to the base issue. By engaging with both Japanese and U.S. officials, as well as international bodies such as the United Nations, he hopes to generate pressure on both governments to find a solution that is acceptable to the people of Okinawa.
The success of Governor Tamaki’s visit will depend on his ability to effectively communicate the concerns of the Okinawan people and to mobilize international support for a resolution to the base issue. His visit is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and it is hoped that it will lead to tangible progress in the ongoing negotiations between Japan and the United States.
As the world watches the developments in Okinawa, it remains to be seen whether Governor Tamaki’s visit will be a turning point in the long-running dispute over the presence of U.S. military bases in the region. However, it is clear that his visit is an important moment in the ongoing struggle for justice and peace in Okinawa.
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