Okinawan feminist activist Suzuyo Takazato, Co-Chair Okinawa Women Act Against Military Violence, discusses the deadly ecological and social consequences of the massive US military presence on Okinawa. Okinawan Women Act formed exactly 22 years ago, in response to the rape of a 12-year-old girl by three US soldiers.
Listen now or Get MP3. 30:53 min
This group has held demonstrations and protests, organized letter writing campaigns, and brought their creativity and passion to protests and campaigns against the US military presence in Okinawa, which dates back to 1945 and the end of World War II.
KEY FACTS ABOUT OKINAWA
- A group of islands midway between Tokyo and Manila. It is the southern-most prefecture in Japan, with a population of 1.3 million people
- Endured three-months of fierce fighting between Japan and the US in 1945. Approximately 200,000 Okinawan people were killed by US and Japanese troops in this Battle of Okinawa
- Administered and occupied by the US from 1945 to 1972. The US military requisitioned land for bases
- Comprises 0.6% of the land area of Japan but houses 75% of the US military facilities in Japan. There are 37 US bases and installations in Okinawa, 23,842 troops and 21,512 family members
- Twice the size of Guam but smaller than Oahu (Hawai’i)
Click here to listen to entire show. 59:50 min
No comments:
Post a Comment