Okinawa marks 50 years of end to US rule amid protests
ABC News
Okinawa is marking the 50th anniversary of its return to Japan after 27 years of American rule on May 15, 1972, amid protests against a continued heavy U.S. military presence and lack of support from the mainland
TOKYO -- Okinawa on Sunday is marking the 50th anniversary of its return to Japan after 27 years of American rule on May 15, 1972, amid protests against a continued heavy U.S. military presence and lack of support from the mainland.
Ceremonies will be held simultaneously but at two locations — one in the island prefecture's capital of Naha and the other in Tokyo. The separate ceremonies symbolize the deep divide in views on Okinawa's history and ongoing suffering.
Only Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his minister in charge of the islands are in Okinawa, where hundreds of protesters staged a rally Saturday demanding a speedier reduction of U.S. military forces amid growing fear that Okinawa may become a frontline of conflict amid rising China tensions.
More protests were planned Sunday on Okinawa's outer islands.
