News from the Peace For Okinawa Coalition

A new op-ed written by Robert Kajiwara has been published in The Diplomat: "Why Okinawans Are Outraged by the Aegis Ashore Cancellation."

Naha, Okinawa, Ryukyu - Ryukyuans and friends are outraged over recent comments by Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.

Suga recently stated his belief that "the people of Okinawa are coming to an understanding" regarding the construction of the new military base at Henoko, Okinawa. This is despite Okinawan's decades-long resistance to the base. 
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In February 2019 the people of Okinawa Prefecture voted overwhelmingly against the base, with over 70% of the population voting 'no' and another 9% voting undecided. A petition calling for a stop to the construction started by Peace For Okinawa Coalition President Rob Kajiwara has garnered over 212,000 signatures on it. 

Ryukyu independence activist and YouTuber Yuzo Takayama likened Suga's comments to "a stalker who is constantly rejected, but still tries to reinterpret the rejections in a manner favorable to himself." 

STATEMENT REGARDING U.S. PERPETUATED INJUSTICES;
RACISM, OPPRESSION, MILITARISM, and IMPERIALISM

June 3, 2020 For immediate release
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The Peace For Okinawa Coalition stands with the American people in their struggle against United States racism, injustice, militarism, and imperialism.

We acknowledge the long history of United States oppression and racism against Native Americans, African Americans, and others.

We acknowledge that U.S. perpetuated injustices; racism, oppression, militarism, environmental degradation, and imperialism, remain deeply embedded to this day.

We grieve over the senseless murder of George Floyd, as well as the numerous others who have been wrongfully murdered by the United States.

We acknowledge that the public demonstrations that began on May 25, 2020 after the murder of Mr. Floyd are a result of generations of ongoing systemic injustice and oppression within the United States.

We acknowledge that throughout these demonstrations United States police and military forces have violently attacked peaceful, law-abiding civilians, including some who were not part of any protest or demonstration. We acknowledge that these attacks have also been targeted against children, elderly, and members of the press. We acknowledge that these attacks have left some civilians seriously and/or permanently injured, including the murder of David McAtee. We acknowledge that United States police and military forces have instigated violence against civilians, and condemn their abuse of power.

We acknowledge that throughout these protests U.S. police and military forces have committed numerous serious human rights violations against civilians, and we call for the United Nations and other international organizations to hold the United States accountable.

In addition to territorial occupation of other nations, we acknowledge the United States has a long history of oppression, militarism, and imperialism against Ryukyu, a de jure independent country under illegal occupation by both the U.S. and Japan. We remain resolute in our opposition to all U.S. and Japanese soldiers and police stationed in Ryukyu against the will of the Ryukyuan people.

The Peace For Okinawa Coalition now has its own official Twitter account! @PeaceForOki 

​Please follow us for news and information about Ryukyu! ​https://twitter.com/PeaceForOki

A new English-language article was released today by the Asahi Shimbun about Japan's failed attempt to protect Okinawans from U.S. military crimes. 

"Instead of doing the right thing and restore Ryukyu's independence, Japan created a 'safety patrol team' in Okinawa in an attempt to protect Okinawans from U.S. military crimes," tweeted Peace For Okinawa Coalition president Robert Kajiwara. "The attempt has failed, and military crimes are still high."

Click below for the original article by the Asahi Shimbun. 

The Peace For Okinawa Coalition has officially endorsed Brian Evans for U.S. Congress 2020, Hawaii District 2. "Evans is the only candidate so far to support Hawaiian and Ryukyuan rights," said Robert Kajiwara, president of the Peace For Okinawa Coalition. 

Evans previously tweeted his support for Kajiwara's petition to save Okinawa from the construction of another military base, stating "I support this. The people of Okinawa deserve their freedom, culture, and respect." 
The petition has been promoted by a number of celebrities, including Dr. Brian May of the rock band Queen, and has over 212,000 signatures on it. Nevertheless, the U.S. and Japan continue to push ahead with the construction in spite of strong opposition from Okinawans. 

Evans has also called for the protection of Hawaii's Mauna Kea from the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope construction project, as well as the closure of Pohakuloa Training Area and remunerations for Hawaiians. For more on Brian Evans, please check him out on his website BrianEvansForHawaii.com and Twitter account. 

President of the Peace For Okinawa Coalition, Robert Kajiwara, has been named "2020 Humanitarian of the Year" by Warlock Asylum International News! Click the link below to see the article:

Historian and President of the Peace For Okinawa Coalition, Robert Kajiwara, Ph.D. A.B.D., recently gave an interview about Ryukyu history and China-Ryukyu relations on the Silk and Steel Podcast. Listen to the podcast for free at the link below!