US, Japan Tweak Marine Exit Plan

The US military presence in Japan is a reminder of a complicated history of bitter opponents during World War II who eventually became the strongest of allies. History bears heavily on any US military plans in Japan, including a recent US decision to relocate 9,000 Marines from Okinawa, with some going to Guam in Hawaii, but others scheduled to relocate to a more remote area in north Okinawa. Moving the base and withdrawing troops were part of a package deal, but the relocation side of the deal has drawn fierce resistance. Some Japanese question the need for Japan funding US security and want to develop their own military; Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba claims that the US and Japan “need to properly share…responsibilities” in defense and security. As Japan prepares to shoulder more of its own security burden, the US must confront the unpopularity of its military presence at Okinawa and in other locations. – YaleGlobal