Photo/Illutration Participants raise their fists and call out “Ganbaro” (Let’s do our best) at the end of the rally held in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, on May 14. (Minako Yoshimoto)

GINOWAN, Okinawa Prefecture--A sense of urgency over peace in troubled times filled the packed crowd at an annual rally here to mark the prefecture’s return to Japanese sovereignty in 1972 after 27 years of U.S. rule. 

Around 1,400 people were in attendance on May 14, the day before the 51st anniversary of the reversion, according to the organizer.

Kyoko Higa, 72, a co-head of the executive committee that organized the rally, said, “I would like each and every one of you to bring the seeds of peace back home and scatter them throughout the country.”

Those assembled adopted a declaration calling for the long-sought-after goal of the removal of all U.S. military bases from the prefecture, along with maintaining peace for Okinawans.

The declaration strongly condemned the government’s decisions to possess the capability to strike at an enemy base preparing to launch an attack on Japan and significantly increase defense spending.

Participants stressed that they “will strive for a base-free Okinawa, a peaceful Japan and a world without war.”

The event has been held annually since 1978, with the exception of 2020 and 2021, when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setsuko Ohama, 76, who resides in Okinawa city and participated in this year’s rally, said, “The situation regarding the military bases is worsening.”

She said she can’t hear the TV or carry on a conversation due to the deafening noise of fighter jets from early morning until late at night.

Ohama said that “78 years since the end of World War II, Okinawa is being referred to as on ‘the eve of war’” as tensions are rising between Taiwan and China.

“I’m worried that the prefecture may once again be treated as a ‘disposable pawn,’” she said. “I would like young people and those from outside the prefecture to listen to our voices.”

Mika Sakaguchi, 62, from Tokyo’s Nerima Ward, has been participating in the rally for a decade.

“I’m glad to see an increasing number of young participants from outside the prefecture,” she said. “It gives the impression that awareness of the crisis is heightening.”

She also participated in a peace march on May 13 and walked the streets while chanting together with other participants.

“The period around May 15 provides a valuable opportunity to learn about the current situation that Okinawa finds itself in,” Sakaguchi said. “I would like to continue listening to their voices and considering the issue.”

(This article was written by Satsuki Tanahashi and Hiraku Higa.)

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