• Abstract

As symbolized by the issue of relocation of US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, it seems issues that surround U.S. military bases in Okinawa are serious enough that they could undermine the ways of the Japan-US alliance, as well as its operation. The background of this problem is the intricate historical relationship between Okinawa and Japan. Underlying this is the problem of historical recognition derived from this relationship. There are other issues which are underlying U.S. military base issues －“The Okinawa Problem”.　What is it? Dr. Takara explains some main points of the controversy.

At the 86th GRIPS Forum on November 18, 2013, Dr. Kurayoshi Takara, vice governor of Okinawa Prefecture gave a lecture titled “The Points of Controversy over ’The Okinawa Problem‘ within Japan”. As ?vice governor, he has responsibilities related to the US military base issue, agriculture, fishing, education, tourism, culture, and environment problems. He researched the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom before he became vice governor. Based on his study and experience, he explained the history of Okinawa and prospects for Okinawa in Asia.