But Okinawans feel that their small island bears an unfair burden of the U.S. military presence in Japan. Some also feel that the presence of the bases could make their island a target in any regional military confrontation. [In Japan’s Okinawa island, U.S. military bases take center stage in election]The key issue is Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, which sits in the middle of residential areas in the city of Ginowan. U.S. military bases take up nearly one-fifth of the land on Okinawa but also contribute to the local economy. Sakima, Tamaki’s opponent, argued that the Futenma relocation should go ahead to ease the burden on Ginowan and free up land for development.

Source: Washington Post September 30, 2018 14:37 UTC