Why do the Japanese want the American military bases closed in Japan?

[Robert W]

I am researching this very issue.
The desire among some Japanese citizens for the closure of American military bases in Japan stems from several factors:

1. Sovereignty Concerns: Many Japanese feel that the presence of U.S. military bases undermines Japan's sovereignty. They argue that having foreign troops on their soil limits Japan's autonomy in making independent decisions regarding national security and foreign policy.
2. Historical Context: The legacy of World War II and the subsequent U.S. occupation of Japan has left a complex relationship between the two nations. Some Japanese view the continued presence of U.S. bases as a reminder of that historical trauma.
3. Local Issues: In areas where military bases are located, residents often express concerns about noise, pollution, and crime associated with the bases. There have been incidents involving U.S. personnel that have strained relations with local communities, prompting calls for closure or relocation.
4. Changing Security Landscape: Some Japanese citizens and politicians argue that Japan should enhance its self-defense capabilities rather than rely on the U.S. military. They advocate for a reassessment of Japan's security strategy in light of changing geopolitical dynamics in the region.
5. Anti-Militarism Sentiment: There is a strong anti-militarism sentiment in Japan, influenced by the post-war constitution, which renounces war. This perspective fosters opposition to foreign military presence, including that of the U.S.
6. Political Factors: Local politicians may leverage the issue of U.S. bases to gain support from constituents who are concerned about military presence, especially in regions heavily affected by the bases.

Overall, while there is a significant segment of the population that supports the U.S. military presence for security reasons, the opposition reflects a mix of local grievances, national pride, and evolving views on Japan's role in regional security.

Why do the Japanese want the American military bases closed in Japan?

Answer (1 of 5): While like anything, there are multiple reasons why some Japanese people want the bases (or at least some of the bases) closed or relocated. There is not a single answer that applies to all the bases or all Japanese people and not all Japanese even want the bases closed. Let me o...

www.quora.com

 

[Rambunctious]

We wouldn't like a foreign nations military base on our soil... as far as us protecting them... I think people now realize that the USA does not necessarily have to be in country to protect Japan...
I've visited Japan and Okinawa and they seemingly sincerely love Americans... so I don't think its that they don't like us...

 

[Thunk]

I'm sure national pride has alot to do with it. But they attacked us at pearl harbor which lead to war in the pacific. And ended with 2 nukes being dropped in anger.

I'm not sure how things have changed since then...that's one area I haven't been keeping up with. But they enjoy the security of our military and I don't believe they pay much (if anything) for it. So there are benefits as well.

 

[Thunk]

We wouldn't like a foreign nations military base on our soil...

Yup...I can't imagine a single American who would be happy with that!

 

[GLASNOST]

I am researching this very issue.
The desire among some Japanese citizens for the closure of American military bases in Japan stems from several factors:

1. Sovereignty Concerns: Many Japanese feel that the presence of U.S. military bases undermines Japan's sovereignty. They argue that having foreign troops on their soil limits Japan's autonomy in making independent decisions regarding national security and foreign policy.
2. Historical Context: The legacy of World War II and the subsequent U.S. occupation of Japan has left a complex relationship between the two nations. Some Japanese view the continued presence of U.S. bases as a reminder of that historical trauma.
3. Local Issues: In areas where military bases are located, residents often express concerns about noise, pollution, and crime associated with the bases. There have been incidents involving U.S. personnel that have strained relations with local communities, prompting calls for closure or relocation.
4. Changing Security Landscape: Some Japanese citizens and politicians argue that Japan should enhance its self-defense capabilities rather than rely on the U.S. military. They advocate for a reassessment of Japan's security strategy in light of changing geopolitical dynamics in the region.
5. Anti-Militarism Sentiment: There is a strong anti-militarism sentiment in Japan, influenced by the post-war constitution, which renounces war. This perspective fosters opposition to foreign military presence, including that of the U.S.
6. Political Factors: Local politicians may leverage the issue of U.S. bases to gain support from constituents who are concerned about military presence, especially in regions heavily affected by the bases.

Overall, while there is a significant segment of the population that supports the U.S. military presence for security reasons, the opposition reflects a mix of local grievances, national pride, and evolving views on Japan's role in regional security.

Why do the Japanese want the American military bases closed in Japan?

Answer (1 of 5): While like anything, there are multiple reasons why some Japanese people want the bases (or at least some of the bases) closed or relocated. There is not a single answer that applies to all the bases or all Japanese people and not all Japanese even want the bases closed. Let me o...

www.quora.com

I agree with Japan's concern in your OP but it seems to me that points #4 and #5 contradict one another. I have been to Japan four times (twice on "R & R" and twice again as a civilian) and from my personal observations I think the cultural differences (and America shoving its own down Japan's throat) should be the main factor in ending US military occupation of Japan ... but it doesn't seem to be represented on your list.

 

[Mister Iggy]

Remove all military bases in foreign countries.

Give Gitmo back to Cuba too.

 

[Robert W]

I agree with Japan's concern in your OP but it seems to me that points #4 and #5 contradict one another. I have been to Japan four times (twice on "R & R" and twice again as a civilian) and from my personal observations I think the cultural differences (and America shoving its own down Japan's throat) should be the main factor in ending US military occupation of Japan ... but it doesn't seem to be represented on your list.

I did not create the list either. I found it on the internet.
I later ran into a famous family who played a key role in the US military role in Japan by the name of Douglas MacArthur II. He was the son of the famous General MacArthur's brother who attained the navy rank of Captain and died in 1923. He (the son) played a key role in deals made with Japan. The son signed documents created over this very issue in 1960.

https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/n-america/us/q&a/ref/2.html

 

[Robert W]

Remove all military bases in foreign countries.

Give Gitmo back to Cuba too.

Perhaps Cuba is now thrilled to be paid for the use of Gitmo.

I am still researching how Japan can get rid of US Bases but the agreement It looks to me like really seems dominated by US desires.
Look it over.

https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/n-america/us/q&a/ref/2.html

 

[ThirdTerm]

It's only happening in Okinawa, where tens of thousands of islanders died during the war. People living in mainland Japan are generally happy with the current arrangement with Washington but Okinawa has an anti-American governor who keeps demanding the relocation of U.S. bases from Okinawa to elsewhere.

U.S. Marines in Okinawa Pref. Begin to Relocate to Guam; Part of Agreement on Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan

<p>The relocation of some U.S. Marine Corps units from Okinawa Prefecture to Guam started, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Saturday.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

 

[Robert W]

I'm sure national pride has alot to do with it. But they attacked us at pearl harbor which lead to war in the pacific. And ended with 2 nukes being dropped in anger.

I'm not sure how things have changed since then...that's one area I haven't been keeping up with. But they enjoy the security of our military and I don't believe they pay much (if anything) for it. So there are benefits as well.

They have the 1960 MOFA agreement they stand by.
Check it out. https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/n-america/us/q&a/ref/2.html

 

[BackAgain]

Why do the Japanese want the American military bases closed in Japan?​

Maybe they have a national phobia over DRONES.

 

[Robert W]

It's only happening in Okinawa, where tens of thousands of islanders died during the war. People living in mainland Japan are generally happy with the current arrangement with Washington but Okinawa has an anti-American governor who keeps demanding the relocation of U.S. bases from Okinawa to elsewhere.

U.S. Marines in Okinawa Pref. Begin to Relocate to Guam; Part of Agreement on Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan

<p>The relocation of some U.S. Marine Corps units from Okinawa Prefecture to Guam started, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Saturday.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

2000 marines will still be kept based in Okinawa.

 

[Robert W]

Why do the Japanese want the American military bases closed in Japan?​

Maybe they have a national phobia over DRONES.

I know the media is really alarmed over Drones. But very large drones are a danger. Small drones not very dangerous.

 

[BackAgain]

I know the media is really alarmed over Drones. But very large drones are a danger. Small drones not very dangerous.

Maybe not. Maybe all they do is recon. Still dangerous.

 

[Robert W]

Maybe not. Maybe all they do is recon. Still dangerous.

I approach this from the Pilot's angle since I am a pilot. Tiny drones can be engineered to explode on impact or radio direction. The really large drones we already have in our own military. Those are very very dangerous.

 

[Robert W]

We wouldn't like a foreign nations military base on our soil... as far as us protecting them... I think people now realize that the USA does not necessarily have to be in country to protect Japan...
I've visited Japan and Okinawa and they seemingly sincerely love Americans... so I don't think its that they don't like us...

That is important.

But as to foreign warriors based in the US, I found this:

AI Overview
Learn more

No, the United States does not host any independent foreign military bases, meaning no foreign country has a fully operational military base on US soil; however, some US military bases do host detachments of foreign military personnel, primarily for training purposes, like pilot training programs.

Key points:

• No standalone foreign bases: There are no fully operational foreign military bases in the US.
  
  
• Training detachments: Some US bases accommodate small groups of foreign military personnel for training, often focused on pilot training.
  
  
• Examples: The Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas is an example of foreign military personnel training on a US base.

 

[GLASNOST]

I did not create the list either. I found it on the internet.

Yes, I know.

I later ran into a famous family who played a key role in the US military role in Japan by the name of Douglas MacArthur II. He was the son of the famous General MacArthur's brother who attained the navy rank of Captain and died in 1923. He (the son) played a key role in deals made with Japan. The son signed documents created over this very issue in 1960.

My only (only!) gripe about Japan's submission is that it was called "an unconditional surrender". It was NOT unconditional. Japan refused giving up the Emperor’s throne so the US had to revise the surrender terms and were forced to concede by accepting a "conditional" surrender.

 

[Concerned American]

I am researching this very issue.
The desire among some Japanese citizens for the closure of American military bases in Japan stems from several factors:

1. Sovereignty Concerns: Many Japanese feel that the presence of U.S. military bases undermines Japan's sovereignty. They argue that having foreign troops on their soil limits Japan's autonomy in making independent decisions regarding national security and foreign policy.
2. Historical Context: The legacy of World War II and the subsequent U.S. occupation of Japan has left a complex relationship between the two nations. Some Japanese view the continued presence of U.S. bases as a reminder of that historical trauma.
3. Local Issues: In areas where military bases are located, residents often express concerns about noise, pollution, and crime associated with the bases. There have been incidents involving U.S. personnel that have strained relations with local communities, prompting calls for closure or relocation.
4. Changing Security Landscape: Some Japanese citizens and politicians argue that Japan should enhance its self-defense capabilities rather than rely on the U.S. military. They advocate for a reassessment of Japan's security strategy in light of changing geopolitical dynamics in the region.
5. Anti-Militarism Sentiment: There is a strong anti-militarism sentiment in Japan, influenced by the post-war constitution, which renounces war. This perspective fosters opposition to foreign military presence, including that of the U.S.
6. Political Factors: Local politicians may leverage the issue of U.S. bases to gain support from constituents who are concerned about military presence, especially in regions heavily affected by the bases.

Overall, while there is a significant segment of the population that supports the U.S. military presence for security reasons, the opposition reflects a mix of local grievances, national pride, and evolving views on Japan's role in regional security.

Why do the Japanese want the American military bases closed in Japan?

Answer (1 of 5): While like anything, there are multiple reasons why some Japanese people want the bases (or at least some of the bases) closed or relocated. There is not a single answer that applies to all the bases or all Japanese people and not all Japanese even want the bases closed. Let me o...

www.quora.com

IIRC, Japan is not allowed a military according the status of forces agreement signed after WWII. Their only defense is the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) They would have to address that challenge to their security.

 

[Robert W]

Yes, I know.

My only (only!) gripe about Japan's submission is that it was called "an unconditional surrender". It was NOT unconditional. Japan refused giving up the Emperor’s throne so the US had to revise the surrender terms and were forced to concede by accepting a "conditional" surrender.

You and I might be old enough to recall the end of WW2. At least I know for sure I am that old. I never heard of that argument you make. I believe for instance that was what MacArthur wanted as a way to keep Japan from doing what Germany did by making a deal and then massing a huge military to start a later war with the US. Seems Mac believed the Emperor wanted no more wars.

 

[Robert W]

IIRC, Japan is not allowed a military according the status of forces agreement signed after WWII. Their only defense is the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) They would have to address that challenge to their security.

Seems as if our ancestors forgot what Germany did with those conditions imposed on Germany. Japan happens as you mention to have military forces.
I have only thought this out but for the moment, Japan seems to me not to be like they were when Japan invaded China. That the were so demolished by WW2. that peace to them is a sweet deal. America on the other hand is apparently very willing to wage wars.

For instance me. My bitch with Biden over his war in Ukraine is he is a lousy commander. He could have helped Ukraine a hell of a lot and got this over very fast. And he fucked the pooch.