TOKYO — The people of Okinawa are voting Sunday on a plan for a U.S. military base relocation in a referendum that will send a message on how they feel about housing American troops in Japan, who many see as a burden on the group of tiny southwestern islands. Japanese media surveys have shown voters are likely to reject the Henoko plan. Japan relies heavily on the U.S. for its defence, and the government has said it will not abide by the referendum, even if the Henoko plan is rejected. Some in Okinawa are wondering why U.S. military operations can’t be moved to other parts of Japan. Such plans have been repeatedly brought up with little progress, making some in Okinawa feel they are getting second-class treatment.

Source: National Post February 24, 2019 01:07 UTC