Okinawa, a sub-tropical island 1,000 miles south of Tokyo, has been deeply affected by that history. The Battle of Okinawa, in particular, is remembered as the scene of the bloodiest battle of the Pacific War. It raged from April 1 to the end of June 1945, resulting in the deaths of nearly 12,000 American soldiers and more than 188,000 Japanese soldiers and civilians. Yet as the island approaches the 80th anniversary of the battle’s end on June 23, 2025, it faces new challenges. These challenges arise from its military history and increasingly apparent environmental impacts.
Even with the reversion of Okinawa to Japanese control, the US military footprint is staggering. The island serves as a critical logistical support hub for US power projection operations further southwest. This issue can’t be overlooked now as tensions continue to escalate with China, Taiwan, and North Korea. The proposed construction of a new military base at Henoko has met unprecedented, fierce opposition from residents. They say it endangers the delicate local marine ecosystem and does nothing to lessen the disproportionate military presence still plaguing the island.
Since the end of that war, Okinawa’s economic development has lagged behind that of mainland Japan. Today, thousands of square kilometers of land still lie under the control of US military forces. This article, which explores the historic roots of Okinawa’s travails and what it means for its citizens today, attempts to unpack that legacy.
A Historical Context
The Battle of Okinawa was the most intense and tragic battle of World War II, both physically and emotionally, and scars from the battle remain today—75 years later. The conflict resulted in a terrible toll of civilian lives and infrastructure. Thousands of civilian casualties still remain under the debris of post-war apartment buildings and infrastructure. The Cornerstone of Peace monument featured prominently on the grounds of the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman. It honors those lives lost during this unfortunate time.
The clarity with which many survivors remember the events of the battle speaks to the inhumanity of the attack. Senaha, an ex-resident, remembered the terrible air attacks that forced his family to hide in the mountains. His recollections of those desperate days are still fresh.
“I could hear the sound of artillery shells,” – Senaha
As he described his journey we could all feel the impact that fear had on his family.
“When they landed, they exploded and shrapnel would fly everywhere, slicing the branches off trees. I didn’t want to move,” – Senaha
Hisashi Teruya, another survivor, was only four years old during the Battle of Okinawa. His memories are fragmented yet poignant.
“I was just a little boy, so I can’t remember my mother’s face … only from photos,” – Hisashi Teruya
Today the shadows of these terrible traumas still lurk over Okinawa’s new identity. For survivors like Senaha and Teruya, these memories transcend their own lived experiences. Their stories represent a broader struggle for dignity and remembrance.
Ongoing Military Presence
Yet, in recent decades, Okinawa has continued to be of strategic importance to the United States military. Then, during both the Korean and Vietnam War, the island emerged as a strategic support base. The battle officially ended, and Okinawa returned to Japanese control, only in 1972. Yet US military operations have gone on without end, with local residents increasingly frustrated by this perennial presence.
The construction of the new Henoko base is especially controversial. In Okinawa, the long-litigated plan to move Marine Corps Air Station Futenma off the crowded island is finally happening. It has drawn strong opposition from the islanders themselves. Many argue that its construction will further damage Okinawa’s delicate marine ecosystems without offering any real reduction in military presence.
His sentiments represent a growing bipartisan desire to find balance between the needs of our military and the health of our planet.
“When I see the state of the bones, like those that were turned to charcoal by flamethrowers, I feel very sad,” – Takamatsu Gushiken
Military legacy still deeply pervades Okinawa, transforming its social and economic landscape. While Japan has developed rapidly since World War II, Okinawa has lagged behind in many areas such as education and infrastructure. The socio-economic hardships impacting residents today are largely a result of a historic military presence that has outstripped potential local growth.
Social and Economic Implications
It leaves many Okinawans feeling trapped between their status as Japanese citizens and their distinct history as an Okinawan people. This alarming dynamic makes it extremely difficult for anyone on the island to push back against unnecessary military presence and development.
Senaha reflects on his classmates who did not survive the war:
His words reverberate strongly among the crowd of a people dealing with past trauma and present-day fears.
“My classmates died in droves. I’m sorry that they died and that I’m still alive. What did they think they were dying for? They died for their families,” – Senaha
Beyond these economic disadvantages, Okinawa’s residents have long been victims of limitations on free expression due to military interests. Senaha recalls a time when dissent was met with severe consequences:
This complicated history explains why so many current residents believe they need to speak out today to stop more military expansion.
“Back then, if people spoke out against the war they were immediately arrested by the military police. There was no such thing as freedom of speech,” – Senaha
This history underlines why many residents now feel compelled to raise their voices against ongoing military developments.