"No need for US marines in Okinawa" says Japanese defense expert

"There is no need for the U.S. marines in Okinawa," stated Kuzashige Fumiya, a former official with the Japan Self-Defense Force, in an op-ed in the Akahata on 17 October 2021. "Removing the marines from Okinawa will resolve the problems." 

Fumiya stated that the construction of the U.S. marine base at Henoko, Okinawa in particular was unnecessary. 

Numerous other U.S. and Japanese military officials have in the past stated similar sentiments. However, construction of the marine base at Henoko continues, despite strong resistance from Okinawans.