US base will not leave Okinawa
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.Japan's Prime Minister said yesterday that it will be impossible to move all parts of a US Marine base out of Okinawa, risking a political backlash by breaking past promises to relocate the facility off the island.
It was the first time since Yukio Hatoyama became Prime Minister in September that he officially acknowledged that at least part of Futenma US Marine Corps air base would remain in Okinawa. It hosts more than half the 47,000 US troops based in Japan.
The admission is likely further to dent Mr Hatoyama's popularity, which has steadily declined since he took office with a pledge to re-examine Japan's relationship with the US. Mr Hatoyama had frozen a 2006 agreement with the US on moving Futenma to the island's north.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments