NEW OKINAWA STUDY PROGRAM: SIGNIFICANT STEP IN US-OKINAWA RELATIONS

Date: 08-30-2001

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NEW OKINAWA STUDY PROGRAM: SIGNIFICANT STEP IN U.S.-OKINAWA RELATIONS

HONOLULU (Aug. 30) -- U.S. and Japanese officials said yesterday that a new East-West Center education and research program for Okinawans marks a significant step in improving the U.S.-Okinawa relationship.

Speaking at a luncheon ceremony inaugurating the Obuchi Okinawa Education and Research program, Sen. Daniel Inouye said 50 years of U.S. troops in Okinawa was a long time for a foreign military presence. But he emphasized that the presence was "absolutely necessary" to maintain stability in Asia. If the troops were pulled out, many think "Japanese would feel compelled to arm themselves," leading to a "massive arms race possibly ending in conflict," he said.

"We can understand the concern and at times the anger" felt by Okinawans about the heavy military presence. "We are concerned about making the presence as friendly as possible." He called the Obuchi program "a small program but significant...to further better understanding."

The program, which was announced last year in Okinawa by President Clinton while attending the G-8 Summit, is a joint U.S.-Japan effort to promote Okinawan development. It was first proposed by the East-West Center three years ago.

Consul General for Japan Minoru Shibuya said "we have very serious problems in Okinawa and real issues to tackle. From this point of view, the program is very significant."

Two Obuchi Fellows from Okinawa are currently conducting research at the Center. Two Okinawa students have received the Obuchi Scholarship for study at the Center and the University of Hawaii. Former Hawaii Gov. George Ariyoshi, chair of the East-West Center Board of Governors, said many Okinawans are interested in funding more scholarships.

Student Isao Nakasone, who is here studying the teaching of English as a Second Language, said Okinawans understand the strategic importance of the U.S. troops in their province. But "to local residents, everyday crime on the street is the most important issue." He was referring to crime committed by U.S. troops, one of the most contentious issues in the relationship.

Rika Teruya, who is studying the preservation of traditional cultures in a globalized world, said most Americans she met "don't understand how our lifestyle is modified by the U.S. military, how big the military facilities are. We have an opportunity to tell people about our culture and how we feel. My hope is that we can eliminate most of the crime and create a better relationship." She said the Obuchi program was an opportunity to focus on the cultures of the United States and Japan.

The Obuchi program is revitalizing the strong relationship between Okinawa and the East-West Center. During the post-Word War II reconstruction period of Okinawa until its reversion from U.S. control back to Japan (1960 to 1972), the Center played a major role in educating Okinawans. The Center has some 400 alumni in Okinawa, many who are now leaders.

Shibuya said Hawaii was an especially good location for the new program, since about 50,000 Okinawans, the largest Okinawan population in the United States, live here.

For more information about the program, contact Robert Nakasone at NakasonR@EastWestCenter.org or call (809) 944-7474.

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