Okinawa: Should the US leave the island?

Long standing tensions have been re-ignited on the Japanese island of Okinawa after the arrest of a US serviceman suspected of raping a woman.

Okinawa is still the key to American military power in the region - US marines could be deployed to Korea or Taiwan within a few hours from their Okinawan bases.

But the American presence continues to be a source of great resentment for the locals.

Many Okinawans object to the fact that while the island makes up only 1% of Japan's land, it is expected to play host to the majority of the 47,000 American troops stationed in the country.

Should the US pull out of Okinawa? Or would this destabilise the strategic balance on the island?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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Your reaction

I'm not sure about the US leaving, but the way US military personnel are 'let off' time after time must be reviewed. This has been a rare case that US military personnel have been arrested. In most cases they just get sent home, get posted elsewhere and pretend nothing has happened. If US cannot respect the local laws, then we Japanese don't need the so-called protection from these people.
Naoya, Japan

Behaviour of an individual is not a logical reason for removing such a power

Leah Harlow, UK

The American presence in the area is needed for stability in the region. Any offences committed by troops should be dealt with by a combined panel of judges from both countries and reaching an agreement. Any punishments given, should be applied in and by the USA. Behaviour of an individual is not a logical reason for removing such a power - it is these excuses that radicals jump on and, for me, make them look pathetic in their argument.
Leah Harlow, UK

I really pity the Okinawans. If anyone could recall or had read Okinawa earlier history, you will realise that, compared with the mainland Japanese, Okinawa (who has her own unique history and culture) was once an independent kingdom. Before the American troops landed in Okinawa in WWII, the Japanese destroyed much of the evidence of her past. It is not fair for Okinawa, which represents some part of the country's surface, to play host to the majority of the Americans troops that stationed in Japan. This shows that the Japanese hardly treat the Okinawans as equal.
Chong Chun Cheong, Los Angeles, USA

Sayonara, US military bases - you're the weakest link. Recently I had a good talk with some of my Asian friends from Hong Kong and Korea. They all agreed the point that the US should LEAVE from Japan and Asia. Let Asians have chance to discuss issues within Asia on our own. We don't need the US, you are the troublemaker in our region.
SH, Japan, currently in Australia

US forces should stay in Korea and Okinawa until the two Koreas reunite peacefully

Michael, Korea/USA

US forces should stay in Korea and Okinawa until the two Koreas reunite peacefully. Only after then can we talk about pulling US troops out of Asia.
Michael, Korea/U.S.A.

The American soldiers lack respect for Japanese women, they lack respect for Japanese laws and they lack respect for the expectation of civilised conduct. American soldiers treat Okinawa like a toilet and a brothel in the most literal of senses. The Second Great War is history. The continued punishment of Japan and Germany for crimes committed by governments that no longer exist is unreasonable. The 55-year occupation of Japan and Germany must come to an end. We are powerful democratic states, not dictatorships ruled by tyrannical terrorists.
Rie, Japan, attending university in Canada

I find it disturbing that many American soldiers are running wild in other countries. I have talked to soldiers who say they were often getting drunk, fighting, womanising, harassing women etc. and that porn was everywhere on the bases. American soldiers are representatives of our country and they should behave with decency and respect to present a positive image of the United States wherever they go in the world. Maybe if the military starts to teach our soldiers to behave with decency, respect and self-discipline on foreign assignments, they might find themselves much more welcome.
Jeff Garner, USA

The bases in Okinawa, and the rest of the Asian peninsula, are key to the defence of the United States and its allies. A major pullout in this area will destabilise the region, and put many people at risk.
Khamal Moncrief, United States

The US presence in Japan is an outdated situation and needs reviewing

TH, Japan

The US presence in Japan is an outdated situation and needs reviewing. Japan is a strong nation even though the economy is a little weak - it should show its own strength. Someone below suggests that this is all because of 'someone who possibly raped a girl'... Have you ever been to Okinawa? Try looking back at all the situations instead of quoting just one. I am not an Okinawa resident and at the end of the day it is these people who should have the say as it is their lives - not anyone here who seems to condemn or support the US presence. Let them have a referendum, it is clear to see what will happen. The US has its own island in the area - Guam - which is only a few hours away. It should totally relocate its Pacific forces there, as it is US territory and would not put any strain on other cultures and let's face it, the US (government) expect other nations to comply.
TH, Japan

The US needs to stay there, but the soldier that committed this crime should be court-martialled.
Breeze, USA

The USA should consider if Taiwan, Korea and China would be comfortable with a reduction in the US presence - it acts as a buffer between them and Japan and may provide reassurance against any resurgence in Japanese militarism. It's not all about protecting Japan!
Donal, USA, ex-Japan

I fail to see the link between US presence in Okinawa and the rape case

Joshua Funo, Canada

I fail to see the link between US presence in Okinawa and the rape case. Would it not be reasonable to assume that, had the same men been stationed at home, they may have committed rape against an American citizen? Although I don't support US military presence in Japan, I believe we should view this case as just one of thousands that is committed daily all over the world.
Joshua Funo, Canada

Sure, if you want a war in East Asia that is. The departure of the United States from Japan would promote instability, not promote peace. The Japanese would have to drastically increase their military spending and military operations in East Asia to fill the void, including amending their constitution to allow offensive capability. Beijing would respond to this by further increasing its already bold Cold War stance arms build up and by becoming even more belligerent in the Sea of Japan and in the South China Sea. There is no such thing as security through intentional weakness and through leaving a vacuum, although the Europeans continue to advocate this theory that intentional weakness promotes peace.
Stephen, US

Okinawa is a beautiful island and the people deserve better

Su, Japan (UK)

Yes the US should leave - Okinawa is a beautiful island and the people deserve better. Okinawans are tired of excuses as to why the US should be based there. It's time to move on and out.
Su, Japan (UK)

Saying that US military protection of Japan should end simply because of problems with US soldiers mingling with society is like prescribing morphine for mild acne. Sure revisit the agreement, but suggesting that Japan should not be protected against China because one girl was possibly raped by an American serviceman is a bit extreme.
Dileepa Fonseka, New Zealand

I feel we need to keep a military presence in other countries, especially in Asia for quick response of troops if and when the time comes. This type of behaviour that's becoming more obvious in today's military I feel is caused from our "kinder, more gentle" military approach. I've witnessed on too many occasions, first hand, the change and decay of our military readiness as well as the quality of personnel because of this wonderful new concept. How many more times do rapes have to occur, how many more incidents have to happen upsetting other nations before we begin looking at the mess we ourselves have created and clean up our own backyard?

Until we allow our superiors to act and lead to the best of their abilities without worries of harassment, discrimination or other charges being brought against them, we can expect to see an increase in rapes and other problems with our closely watched fighting force.
Michael, USA

Many American taxpayers are weary of supporting our unwanted, self-appointed, world police force

Richard Banner, USA

As a US taxpayer, I too believe that the US presence in Japan should be ended. It's obvious the population does not desire our presence, and many American taxpayers are weary of supporting our unwanted, self-appointed, world police force. And after reading many of the comments here, I believe it would be beneficial for many nations in the area to fully support their own defence as they determine what is needed. I also never realised until reading these comments that the US and its citizens are the worst thing that ever happened to planet Earth. As only 1 of 280 million, I offer sincere apologies for our many transgressions.
Richard Banner, USA

Once upon a time Japan had self-confidence, in a way too much. I regret it caused grief and pain upon the neighbouring countries and their own citizens. All that changed sixty years ago when she lost the war. Put it bluntly, Japan is now nothing but a cowardly, spineless nation who can't even defend itself. Maybe it is time for the US to move out from the country and let Japan defend itself so that she can finally come out from the "Oh no I can't do it that, it may offend somebody" mentality. Remember the Meiji slogan, "Fokoku Kyouhei"- Build Japan economically rich and militarily powerful. It is time for Japan to come out from the nutshell, regain the lost trust from the neighbouring countries and take an active role in the peacekeeping in this ever de-stabilising region.
K Endo, UK

I agree with most of what has been said. While the American government wants all these bases, American people do not. While all this money leaves our country to help others, we would be better off keeping the money here to help our own impoverished people in the inner cities, Appalachia, on the reservations and other areas. Let the rest of the world deal with their own problems and their people.
Anna McKenzie, USA

It's about time Americans realised they cannot live in a bubble by themselves

Kate Chan, Singapore

I don't understand Americans who say that every country should look after itself. What would happen to America if Japan was over-run by foreign invaders? What would have happened if Europe had fallen to the Nazis? It's about time Americans realised they cannot live in a bubble by themselves. They need the world too, as much as they hate to admit it.
Kate Chan, Singapore

This has always been a hotly debated issue, but there is always more attention focussed on it after a tragic incident like the rape of young schoolgirls. The issue needs to be discussed at length, and with consideration for all concerned (including the Asian region as a whole). As for the rape issue, sadly thousands are raped in Tokyo each year, but there is very LITTLE focus on this problem. But it isn't so easy to point fingers at any particular group in Tokyo, so it doesn't make the headlines (but it doesn't make it less of a problem, does it?)
Christopher Laird, Japan

Along with most Americans we would love to leave Europe and Asia and keep our boys home but unfortunately the world will not allow us to do so. Non-Americans get so high-and-mighty saying we should pack up and leave - except history and foreign governments will not let us. Peace is provided through these deployments.
Jack, USA

I believe the US military should be brought home from many foreign bases, especially if the host country wants us out. Then that country can defend itself.
Ray Pummill, United States

Japan is entirely capable of becoming a leader in Asia militarily and politically

Tony Pascuzzo, Canadian in Japan

The details of whether or not the US forces in Japan are stabilising the region are debatable. If they were withdrawn, however, Japan would have no trouble whatsoever in replacing the at times unruly US military with a highly educated and disciplined Japanese one. It is true that the abhorrence of war and all that it brings runs deeply here, but if the nation was actually threatened, it would be an entirely different story. Japan is entirely capable of becoming a leader in Asia militarily and politically, and it is increasingly essential that it do so.
Tony Pascuzzo, Canadian in Japan

On the subject of the behaviour of the US abroad, I'm sure Okinawa is not an isolated case, and there is a danger that one is left generalising against the entire US navy. Of course it's the case that the majority of these forces are well-disciplined professionals, but those that cross the line should be investigated by the local authorities with the full co-operation of the US. Only then will the hate and resentment placed on them be removed. They are the most powerful nation in the world and like it or not they must be deployed to help keep the peace. Look at the way Japan, China and N. Korea have behaved towards each other in the past and recently.

Britain held this role when we were THE super power, and it caused resentment toward us. The difference is that we held our servicemen accountable for their actions, hence our excellent reputation worldwide. I admit, that American 'diplomacy' does leave a lot to be desired.
S.Todd, UK

Surely the Okinawans have been subjected to enough already.The US does need to realise that the island is not some kind of American playground for boys with big toys. It is time now for Tokyo to tell Washington that Japan can indeed look after itself.
Mike, Japan

Okinawa has several bases and camps - Navy, Airforce, Marine Corps. (I was born in Okinawa and lived there for 15 years). Over the years, US has returned some lands to the locals. While the Japanese government desires US presence in the Pacific, the locals resent the fact that the burden falls upon them. I believe that to compensate the Japanese government has funded and given much money to the Okinawans. While I think US forces will dwindle in number, the 'tensions' in the Pacific will not allow them to fully evacuate. Just an example, the recent arms deal with Taiwan exemplifies US's stance and influence there. Don't expect US forces to ever leave soon - Okinawa is just too important strategically.
Dezhong Sun, Korea

There should be no US military presence anywhere outside US territory

Michael Entill, UK

Contrary to the opinions of some of the American contributors to this debate, the US has NEVER intervened to protect another nation except where it's own interests were threatened. There should be no US military presence anywhere outside US territory - not in Japan, not in Europe, not anywhere. They impose their military strategies on us and their notoriously ill-disciplined soldiers repeatedly cause problems, whether raping local women or crashing their aircraft into Italian cable-cars. Get them out!
Michael Entill, UK

We should be out of there as soon as possible!
Trevor Elliot, USA

No, the US forces should remain, until such time as Japanese children's history textbooks tell the truth about the 1930-40's. My reason for this attitude is because I used to sit next to a friend in primary school who used to fall asleep during lessons. The reason for this was because his father had been a Japanese POW and even after 15 years he still woke up in the night screaming with nightmares. It leaves an impression on a young schoolboy and nothing I have since learnt leads me to believe that the Japanese have changed.
Richard, UK

Like any just society, individuals who break the law should be punished appropriately

Mike, Canada

This is a very interesting question. As a Canadian I always have a special interest in American 'imperialism'. After the absolute horrors the Japanese inflicted on many Pacific nations during the 30's and 40's, not to mention the slaughter and rape of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children in Nanking, China, it is a credit to the Americans that they did not lay waste to every inch of Japanese territory at the end of the war. I think the world should remember that it is only because of the American presence in Okinawa and their influence in Japan that the Japanese were able to rebuild after the war and become one of the top economies and modern nations in the world. Like any just society, individuals who break the law should be punished appropriately. The individual needs to be tried and punished if found guilty. It is slightly reactionary and naive to blame the entire US presence in Okinawa.
Mike, Canada

As an X-USAF 5-year vet, I believe the US military should pull out of all countries. The United States should stop being the world's police department. All countries should fend for themselves.
Doug Rodrigues, USA

The people who live on this group of islands have suffered greatly under the US army. Since 1951, there has been over 4,900 cases of grave crimes (such as rapes and murders) committed by US servicemen against the Japanese population. No wonder, people from Okinawa want those troops to be removed.
Arkady, Japan

I am totally disgusted with the comments made by Matt Walsh. How he can say that Okinawa belongs to the States? The US always tries to justify the atrocities they commit: Vietnam, Hiroshima & Nagasaki for example. But there is no excuse. One day America is heading for a big fall. I look forward to it.
Konrad, UK

Perhaps the Japanese would prefer China to 'occupy' Okinawa instead.

Andrew, UK

The US presence should be reduced, but more importantly, the Status of Forces Agreement should be reviewed. Only when the servicemen are subjected to local laws will their behaviour improve.
Rhys Chen, Singapore

Earlier it was British who reached Asian shores displaying friendly intentions and finally occupied those lands. Today it is American's turn. Is it really to protect Japan or to protect US interests?
Saj, Asian

There is no need for any Army at all. It is time for us to disband the world's armies and that includes NATO. Each country can protect itself with its police forces. We could merge police and army and develop more pacifist organisations. Okinawa is not a US state. The US Army have no rights to stay there.
Snowy Gilchrist, Ireland

The 30,000 or so US forces on the island account for less than 10% of the crime. In other words, in the month of June there could be 10 rapes by Okinawans, but it is the one rape by a US member that makes every headline, while the others are suppressed to the back pages.
Scott, American living in Okinawa

No the US should not leave. Staying has nothing to do with WW2. It has everything to do with the support of democracy in what in a potentially highly unstable region. Perhaps the Japanese would prefer China to 'occupy' Okinawa instead.
Andrew, UK

The US Armed Forces should not leave Okinawa, but lawless service members should. Given unstable factors like tensions in Taiwan and Korea, the US presence in Okinawa remains vital for peace and stability in Asia. But American personnel in Okinawa have to be aware that US troops are deployed there as peacekeepers, not as troublemakers.
Masamichi Yabuki, Japan

The Japanese owe us Okinawa. We earned it through blood and iron via World War II. Our young men died, marched to their grave, or were tortured by the barbaric Japanese military. Our blood was shed on that island. We earned it. If the Japanese won an Aleutian Island during the War, they would refuse to leave as well.
Matt Walsh, USA

If there is any trouble in that part of the world again I am sure the massive military might of the Australians and New Zealanders could handle the problem without us. I would really like to see us pull out. I would not want my sons to take part in any conflict in that part of the world.
BT, USA

Okinawa would feel an extreme economic burden if the U.S forces were withdrawn

Jason Stevens, USA

The large presence of the US is burdensome on the people of of Okinawa. But Okinawa would feel an extreme economic burden if the U.S forces were withdrawn after 60 years Many Asian countries enjoy the protection the U.S. military offers to their commercial fleets and the benefit of the dollars they spend.
Jason Stevens, U.S.A.

All too often, members of the armed forces may forget they represent their country and cause insult and injury through stupid actions. Okinawa has been contentious for some time now, and this has been exacerbated by poor judgment in the treatment of the local population by some military members. If Okinawa wants us out, then we should leave.
Di Stewart, USA

Whether or not there is a strategic significance to Okinawa, there should be no long term presence of USA forces in any foreign land. We have been there long enough. It is time for Japan and her neighbours to take care of themselves.
Phil Elder, USA

Ironically if not foolishly, the Americans love to think that they're being welcomed or at least wanted no matter where they go in the world, invited or self-invited. However, I must tell you right here and now that AMERICANS ARE NOT WELCOME IN JAPAN! Plus, you've already borrowed too much from us and we have no more to lend you and make you the "richest" country in the world.
Yusuke Hashimoto, Japan

US troop deployments around the world, including Europe, are the last bastion of the Cold War

Mikko Toivonen, Finland

It is naive to think that US will leave Okinawa so easily. I can guarantee you, one fine day, when it becomes impossible to ignore the public opinion in Okinawa, they will just declare Okinawa as a part of the US and ask the Japanese Government to take all Okinawans to Honshu Islands. It is my prediction and I am pretty sure it will come true soon.
Samyak, Nepal (currently in Japan)

Remember that the US presence in Japan is to offer protection. The Japanese military is considered a "self-defence force" by its own people, which is to say it is simply an extension of their police force with military hardware. If the US leaves Japan, then the Japanese will have to considerably strengthen their own military which currently is almost insignificant compared to their American protectors.
Although the presence of the US military in Japan causes tension, it also offers protection to their island that their own military cannot due to their constitution. I agree that the Japanese should have the option of asking the US to leave, but I also believe they should not do so unless they are very sure they can cope with the consequences.
Daniel Polwarth, UK

As an American tax payer and former Marine Corps officer my attitude is bring everyone home and let the world fend for themselves. Enough American capital and blood have been shed for the world. Many who chant "Yankee Go Home!" now will be first to squeal for protection when the tables turn. So be it. It's not my problem. Pax Romana.
Robert Brazier, United States

The US is spoiling for a war with China; removing US troops from Okinawa, far from destabilizing the strategic balance, is likely to preserve it: the further US forces are from China, the better.
Peter, Canada

It is naive to think that US will leave Okinawa so easily

Samyak, Nepal (currently in Japan)

US troop deployments around the world, including Europe, are the last bastion of the Cold War. If President Bush thinks ABM treaty is a remnant of cold war and the Star Wars the new times so then the US troops should indeed pull out from all over and concentrate at their favourite missile threat of rogue countries that indeed are there.
Mikko Toivonen, Finland

When so many young men are stationed at so many diverse places undertaking so many missions, it takes only a very few to badly behave to paint all of the people with a bad reputation. The US is involved in many places and so we see occasional instances of this arise. The alliance and strategic importance of the US/Japan co-operation in Okinawa is too great to allow us to abandon this. We should focus our attention on the specific problems and solve these and other friction points as we are able.
George Milton, USA and Italy

It is up to the two governments to decide whether to there is a pull out or not. Wherever you get a concentration of servicemen you will get the odd case of criminality created by a very small number of those servicemen, however the vast majority are decent law abiding individuals. What does need to be amended is the US position that they will not automatically hand over their servicemen who are suspects of a criminal act for investigation by the local police force. This will remove the impression that US servicemen are above the law of the land which hosts them.
Phil Davies, UK

I served two tours on Okinawa with the Marine Corps. We were sent to Korea in 1978 when the North Korean tunnels under the DMZ were discovered. Reinforcement from America is way too slow. We need to stay in the interests of stability, but we need to return to a much more rigorous discipline of our people there. The Okinawans are good people, and they deserve respect.
Theodore Toothman, USA

The US is spoiling for a war with China

Peter, Canada

The US presence in Okinawa is strategically necessary for the stability of the region. The world's second largest economy depends on a US presence for its own defence. It is indeed sad that our troops cannot behave themselves, but we shouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Restrict their movements to on-base only, or limit the off-base time allowed, but the world cannot afford the problems which would be caused by a total withdrawal. I say, if they cannot behave like adults, don't treat them like adults.
Tim Wielgos, Chicago, USA

Ask the Japanese. Let them hold a referendum on the matter and then respect their decision.
Joel Lutanga, Malawi

Answer the question simply: It's "no" right now. I think, in fact, Japanese and Asian peace is protected by US military presence, Japan's self-defence army does not have enough power for deal armed tension or conflict. The incident is sad, but we need US presence to keep Japanese and Asian peace right now.
Yoshitada Matsumoto, Japan

Frankly, as one who has lived in Korea for over nine years, I simply don't see any reason why we should be in Asia at all. We have trained and equipped the armies of South Korea and Japan for over 50 years, so if they aren't ready to fight by now, they never should be. Also, I simply don't get any warm feeling from the local populace like I did when I lived in Germany for 18 years. Our first line of defence ought to be the Marianas.
Michael K. Ferris, South Korea

No we shouldn't leave Japan

Dana,USA

Now that the US troops prove themselves to be unable to control their own young military men, they should leave Okinawa as soon as possible. It is true that Japan has taken advantage of the protection of the US, but it is also true that the US has made Okinawa suffer for many years. The fact is that too many crimes happen in Okinawa, even though there was no real war there. The fact is that women were raped by US military men. The fact is that even an elementary school girl was taken away by car and raped by three US military men in 1995. They are not "minor incidents". If the US troops stay in Okinawa in future, they must prove at least that they really have the ability and a principle to control themselves.
Misuzu Matsuoka, Japan

The US must leave Okinawa because Japan needs to establish a leadership position in Asia next to China. To maintain peace and harmony among Asian Nations, Japan cannot connive with a foreign nation in its shores and assume the post of a leader. It is a sore point for America to keep a military base in an area whose population choose to solve conflicts of their own.
Paolo, Philippines

I think the Americans should pull out of the Japanese islands.
James McCambridge, United Kingdom

Yes. The US troops should leave at once. After that they can leave the UK as well.
Tim Crowther, UK

Okinawa? Yes the US should leave the Island even today. The local people there do not want them because of their bad behaviour. Their presence might have been justified in the past but NOT any more. Let them leave or they should be treated according to Japanese law, no negotiations! So deal with the rape suspect firmly!
Chibamba Douty, Zambian student in Brunei, Darussalam

Japan has never been made to confront its history maybe it's about time it did!

Darren, Ireland

The alleged crime of one man is not just cause for the US to abandon Okinawa. However, it seems manifestly clear that the root of the current problem, and several others in the near past, is that the US does not like to have its military personnel face the consequences of any wrongdoing. A case in point being the incompetent commander of the sub which recently killed Japanese civilians. The vast majority of US servicemen are being given a bad name, because their political masters cannot stand for anything American to EVER be seen as being in the wrong. Let alone punished by foreigners. So, on the rare occasion when fault is reluctantly admitted, the individual who was guilty evades justice. As with so many issues, it is time for the US to walk the way it talks!
Adam, England

Having just returned from a conference in Copenhagen, it's evident the Germans want the Americans out. In the UK we have a base in the Yorkshire Countryside & I would like all of my native Yorkshire back, including so-called US soil. From reading US comments it seems clear that nobody, including the US wants American troops overseas, so lets say thanks for joining WW2 as soon as you could & hope that George Doobyah Bush doesn't start WW3 all by himself. In case this sounds anti-American - I have lots of close friends in the US & they generally agree with my comments.
Geoffrey Home, UK

If Japan would agree to augment Korean forces in the event of a conflict, then yes the base could be closed. The Japanese still have the ability to mount offensive action if required, like Germany, trust should now be given to the Japanese people to do what is right for their region. America is an ally not a threat, but the large-scale presence of forces of another country on your soil will always cause conflict. It was the same in Germany and to some point the United Kingdom - much resent still exists here over US defence policy, although most of it is ill-informed.
Graham, UK

I do remember some Saturday nights in German cities, in the 1980s, where locals weren't happy with their American and British military neighbours, either. But basically, we felt comfortable with their presence here. Okinawa may be a different story, as it is about really different cultures, but if the Japanese have the kind of feelings about China, that we had about the Soviet Union, I guess their interest in US military presence will prevail.
Franz Bleeker, Germany

Oh that all and everything that is American would just leave the planet!
Tim Stokes, England

The alleged crime of one man is not just cause for the US to abandon Okinawa

Adam, England

Why are the Americans in Okinawa in the first place? Well easy in 1941 the Japanese murdered, raped and pillaged their way across South East Asia. The Japanese lost the war and America does need bases to reinforce its forces in Korea the Gulf and, if needed, Taiwan. It also helps keep in check the Chinese who want to dominate the area. So my answer is tough, the Japanese need to be reminded of their history not like Pearl Harbour's sanitised version, but showing their people what the Japanese Armed forces did like the murder of nurses, the rape camps, the torture of POW'S. Japan has never been made to confront its history maybe it's about time it did!!!!
Darren, Ireland

It is simply part of American Neo-Colonialism. Where there are military bases there's influence.
Maca, Lkc

No we shouldn't leave Japan. Japan's Navy used live ammunition for the first time since WW2 last year against a North Korean Sub. North Korea continues to shoot missiles over the nation of Japan. The area is not stable enough for us the only remaining super power to leave the Japanese people to defend themselves.
Dana, USA

The US should leave Okinawa as soon as possible. We sometimes have visits from US aircraft carriers here in Fremantle. On each occasion there is at least one rape reported, and often beatings as well. If this is the case here, then in Okinawa it must be dreadful. The Americans as a nation are crass and ignorant of other cultures, and it is this which leads to most of the problems. It is interesting to note then when British, French, Japanese or any other navy visits us, there is never any similar incident.
John Cox, Perth, Australia

Given the United States' ghastly record with occupational forces (see records about the aftermath of the Spanish-American War) our pullout of the force should have been immediate after it had outlived its strategic virtue. With the US relying mainly on its ballistic missile arsenal(sp?)to maintain peace, and the region in a position where no war will probably break out, its only value is as a focal point of force in the region. American grandstanding should not override the rights of the native people we are "protecting" from threats that haven't truly existed for decades.
Wayne Rosebrock, USA

Their presence might have been justified in the past but NOT any more

Chibamba Douty, Zambian in Brunei

Of course the US should pull out of Okinawa! It is a national shame for the Japanese that there should be foreign forces occupying their land. Why weren't foreign forces sent to occupy Germany after WWII?
Nicholas Lud, Australia

The issue of the locals wanting the troops there is a divided one indeed. While the hate of imperialist reign exists, so does a desire to maintain the current employment derived from such forced occupation. I believe the local people would lose an immense amount of jobs, not to mention free protection.
William Powers, USA

There is no strategic balance on Okinawa - I think your question is "Would the US pulling out of Okinawa destabilise the strategic balance in the region" The answer of course is "no". But pulling out of Japan would. The real issue is, having accepted as most in Japan do that Okinawa does bear too much of the burden of housing the US forces here, where do they relocate in Japan. Kyushu most probably - with its large land area, huge population, healthy economy centred on Fukuoka, excellent infrastructure and closeness to most of Asia. The real problem here is that the Japanese establishment lacks the political will to alienate another area - so why not continue to discriminate against Okinawa as "mainland" Japan has done since even before WWII.
Kerry, Japan

The US already has 37,000 troops on the Korean peninsula, which could triple in size in 48-72 hours easily. Japan has a stable defence force that could be quickly augmented should it be required. As the Cold War falls further into history, Okinawa's strategic importance also begins to wane. This island will always be important, but maintaining it at the expense of alienating our Japanese hosts makes no sense at all. We've already worn out our welcome. Let's not make it worse.
Matt, USA

It is high time Okinawa was demilitarised

Yamashita, Philippines

We had two American bases here and both were closed. It is high time Okinawa was demilitarised. It has outlived its usefulness. North Korea is not a great threat to the region. The Cold War is over so they should be deployed elsewhere.
Yamashita, Philippines

From a strategic standpoint, no. From a moral standpoint, perhaps. If we can't train our troops to be respectful of the locals, they shouldn't be there. We need to find another solution. We are not being hard enough on our own troops in training, or in making clear that this kind of thing cannot happen.
Ned Garrett, USA

Strategically, the US cannot 'pull out' of Okinawa, as it is a vital staging post to reinforce South Korea and Taiwan should these contentious areas escalate into anything beyond their current war of words with North Korea and China.
Stephen, UK

We are not and never were seen as welcome allies on that island

Robert del Valle, USA

We are not and never were seen as welcome allies on that island. Every active and retired military professional I've ever spoken to has declared Okinawa to be as "strategic" as Tulsa. It's time to leave.
Robert del Valle, USA

No, the US should never leave Okinawa for those minor incidents. Japanese government should know that for US forces to stay in the region has mutual benefits for both countries. Since WWII, Japan has enjoyed free protection of US against the threat of Soviet Union, China and North Korea. Today, Japan is one of the richest countries due to its partnership with the US to provide the stability in the region.
Thomas Duong, USA

American troops should remain in Okinawa but there should be a curfew and places that are off limits.
Joseph Arquieta, Jr, USA

The local population does not want them there

John Atkins, England

The USA should pull out. They are an occupying force, and consider themselves above local laws. More than that, the local population does not want them there. Hey, you guys in the Pentagon, WW2 is over!
John Atkins, England