Yes StG, the loss of enough jobs, & business failures to make Okinawa a depressed area for the next 20 years.

When the US closed those bases in the Philippines, it ended up costing over 350,000 jobs, just in the local areas.

These things require serious thought, before the flag waving brigade get their way.

The Roman Empire at its height in 117 AD needed thirty-seven major bases to police its realm from Britannia to Egypt, from Hispania to Armenia.

At the peak of their empire in 1898, Britain had 36 naval bases and army garrisons.

America had about 38 large and medium-sized facilities in 2005 but also a total of 737 military bases in other countries.

There are 14 bases on Okinawa that take up that 18% of the land mass of the island. How much do they need?

After those local rape incidents of 1995 and 2008 there has been considerable tension between the military and locals. I don't think they would be sorry to see the bases go, despite any economic consequences.

I found this old song on the web by the
Andrew sisters. I wonder how the natives
in Okinawa would respond to it today?

"If you ever go down Trinidad
They make you feel so very glad
Calypso sing and make up rhyme
Guarantee you one real good fine time

Drinking rum and Coca - Cola
Go down Point Koomahnah
Both mother and daughter
Working for the Yankee dollar

Since the Yankee come to Trinidad
They got the young girls all going mad
Young girls say they treat them nice
Make Trinidad like Paradise

From Chicachicaree to Mona's Isle
Native girls all dance and smile
Help soldier celebrate his leave
Make every day like New Year's Eve

Drinking rum and Coca Cola ..."

“Down the bay where the nights are gay
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top
I took a trip on a sailing ship
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop

But I'm sad to say, I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down, my head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town

Sounds of laughter everywhere
And the dancing girls swaying to and fro
I must declare that my heart is there
Though I've been from Maine to Mexico

But I'm sad to say, I'm on my way
Won't be back for many a day
My heart is down, my head is turning around
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town

Down at the market you can hear
Ladies cry out while on their head they bear
Ackie rice and salt fish is nice
And the rum is good any time of year

But I'm sad to say, I'm on my way..."

Well all songs aside - this topic seems to
have come to a standstill, which is a pity
as it's one that really deserves more attention.
The battle of Okinawa was quite horrendous if
anyone wants to do a bit of research. And the
question of American bases is a very pertinent
one.

Anyway, here's a website that may be of some
interest:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article7059805.ece
US may have to move troops from Okinawa to reduce military ...

The US seems to be able to explain the need for its bases
in Okinawa by explaining that they are -

" Protecting Japan against regional threats such as North
Korea's nuclear weapons and from China's building up its
military year after year ..."

However thousands of people from all over Japan are
protesting against the presence of US bases...

It shall be interesting to see what the final result
will be.