Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A senior US diplomat supervising Japan affairs has been replaced for allegedly making disparaging comments about Japanese people living on a southern island where US troops are based.
Kevin Maher caused an uproar by reportedly telling a group of American university students in December that Okinawans were lazy and used their hosting of US bases to extort benefits from Tokyo. The comments have been widely reported in the Japanese media, and Japan's Foreign Minister called them hurtful and deeply regrettable.
Okinawa hosts tens of thousands of US Marines and other troops, more than any other part of Japan. Okinawans often complain that they bear too much of the burden for Japan's security alliance with Washington.
Under their mutual security pact, about 50,000 US troops are stationed in Japan.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments