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

[GLASNOST]

You and I might be old enough to recall the end of WW2. At least I know for sure I am that old.

No, I wasn't born until 1947.

I never heard of that argument you make..

If you search the reports of the time (way back when the BBC actually told the truth) you will eventually find what you need to know. As I recall, the Japanese told the US that they would not surrender under the American dictated "unconditional" terms regarding the Emperor. This the US refused to accept. But when Japan's reply was, "In that case we will fight on" the US revised the terms of surrender. Maybe (just maybe) you'll find it in the original "World At War" series. I have gone through this point so many, many, many times over the years that I am not wiling to do the leg work any more. If you just don't believe me I won't hold a grudge against you.

 

[Robert W]

No, I wasn't born until 1947.

If you search the reports of the time (way back when the BBC actually told the truth) you will eventually find what you need to know. As I recall, the Japanese told the US that they would not surrender under the American dictated "unconditional" terms regarding the Emperor. This the US refused to accept. But when Japan's reply was, "In that case we will fight on" the US revised the terms of surrender. Maybe (just maybe) you'll find it in the original "World At War" series. I have gone through this point so many, many, many times over the years that I am not wiling to do the leg work any more. If you just don't believe me I won't hold a grudge against you.

Actually I love honest posters. And I will not claim you are wrong. Part of my memory is in the movies about MacArthur and also having had some Japanese friends who are now dead. Since I know he died, Vernon Yoshioka was a pal for decades and he informed me of a lot of this Japanese stuff. He ran for political office in San Diego, Ca. I say this to respect his memory as he was one of my best friends.

Vernon Yoshioka of the Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego stands before a plaque placed by San Diego's Asian Pacific Historic District at the Chinese Benevolent Association building.

Vernon and I graduated from the same high school. I was a good friend of his entire family and so was my mother a pal of his mother. Vernon caused me to be a very good Chess player. Vernon was a mentor for me in high school. I spent time at his home in San Diego and he introduced me to a man soon to die. The poor soul was in a local hospital.

 

[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.

Thanks a lot. I want to plant this in your mind. Even though I am friendly, I am also WW2 aged.

We will at some point in time, release our grip on Japan. I wish I knew when but it must happen. Japan can actually defend itself when we take off the pestey way of treating them.

 

[Mac-7]

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 6): 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

In every free society there are going to be conflicting opinions

As you point out most japanese support the alliance with America

 

[Mac-7]

You and I might be old enough to recall the end of WW2

Or at least old enough to have studied history in school rather than merely absorbing pop culture that has no interest in history

 

[Robert W]

In every free society there are going to be conflicting opinions

As you point out most japanese support the alliance with America

We can support that alliance and at the same time do what we did to Germany and process a future where our military does not need to stick it to the Japanese.

 

[Mac-7]

We can support that alliance and at the same time do what we did to Germany and process a future where our military does not need to stick it to the Japanese.

Our military is in japan because of the threat from communist china, russia, and North Korea

Most Japanese are happy to have US bases in their country

 

[justoffal]

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 are capable people. Take off all the restraints and let them build.... They will become a regional powerhouse in no time.

 

[Robert W]

Or at least old enough to have studied history in school rather merely absorbing pop culture that has no interest in history

I just now finished reading more about my very good friend, Vernon Yoshioka. He had not told me he was a president of a Japanese organization in San Diego. Vernon was also quoted in stories about Japanese's problems even with other Japanese. Vernon informed them his father was beaten up in a camp of Japanese held prisoners By Roosevelt. Vernon at the time he was imprisoned was so young his claims were scoffed at which was a shame. Vernon was one of my best friends. He was a huge influence when I was a teen.

Some of his story is here: History of JAHSSD | Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego

 

[Mac-7]

They are capable people. Take off all the restraints and let them build.... They will become a regional powerhouse in no time.

Japan has already started to rearm

 

[justoffal]

Japan has already started to rearm

They have the best ship building yards in the world.

 

[Robert W]

Our military is in japan because of the threat from communist china, russia, and North Korea

Most Japanese are happy to have US bases in their country

We also have troops in South Korea and they are much closer to North Korea. I used to debate on an AOL site about the great commanders. One of the guys there was an Army West Point graduate and a Captain then. We were in contact until AOL shut the site down and he was then a Major. He would debate me over how dangerous China was and his speeches to me were that China was a long ways from being a major problem. But he said that condition would take 20 years to happen. And today it has happened. We used to chat when Clinton was president. I lost all contact with him.
I am not a navy guy at all. But he told me China needed a blue water Navy to be successful at invading other nations. And I think we can assume that China has some abilities to get a blue water navy. I hope this will help understand a blue water navy. He defined it as a navy that can travel many thousands of miles with ships able to create potable water from ocean water. Americans lead the pack having such ships.

 

[Robert W]

They have the best ship building yards in the world. recently built a beautiful aircraft carrier.

WOW. That really is a plus plus for Japan.

 

[gipper]

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.

But not until after Truman committed his war crimes, by dropping two nukes. He could have accepted their surrender before dropping the bombs but he was a racist asshole who wanted to scare Uncle Joe, who due to his spies, knew all about the bomb.

 

[Robert W]

But not until after Truman committed his war crimes, by dropping two nukes. He could have accepted their surrender before dropping the bombs but he was a racist asshole who wanted to scare Uncle Joe, who due to his spies, knew all about the bomb.

What war crimes?

 

[Robert W]

who wanted to scare Uncle Joe, who due to his spies, knew all about the bomb.

Truman is being discussed ^^. Frankly Truman was not thinking then of Russia needing to be scared. Truman wanted that war over and immediately if possible. We Americans forget that well before the nuclear age, America had destroyed Japan with our other bombs such as incendiary bombs. And Japan was in ruins. The Emperor quit to save any city not yet demolished.

 

[gipper]

Thanks a lot. I want to plant this in your mind. Even though I am friendly, I am also WW2 aged.

We will at some point in time, release our grip on Japan. I wish I knew when but it must happen. Japan can actually defend itself when we take off the pestey way of treating them.

The empire is dying so I suspect it won’t be long before foreign military bases are closed.

How great that would be.

 

[Robert W]

The empire is dying so I suspect it won’t be long before foreign military bases are closed.

How great that would be.

The empire or the emperor?

 

[gipper]

Truman is being discussed ^^. Frankly Truman was not thinking then of Russia needing to be scared. Truman wanted that war over and immediately if possible. We Americans forget that well before the nuclear age, America had destroyed Japan with our other bombs such as incendiary bombs. And Japan was in ruins. The Emperor quit to save any city not yet demolished.

Obviously there was no need to drop the nukes. Japan was beaten and unable to defend itself. Truman accepted conditional surrender, but only after he committed the war crimes.

He did it to kill more Japanese who he hated, cause the world to fear us. and to impress Stalin.

 

[gipper]

The empire or the emperor?

US empire.