Protests Grow Over Expansion of U.S. Military Base in Japan

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The controversy over the expansion of a U.S. Marine base in Okinawa has pitted locals, concerned about noise, the environment and crime, against U.S. officials who say the expansion is necessary for strategic defense.  

There are over 20 U.S. military facilities in Japan — more than in any other foreign country — with a mission to maintain peace in the Pacific.  But recent incidents, including the arrest of an American military contractor for the murder of a 20-year-old Japanese woman, has increased anti-American sentiment towards U.S. military presence.

The plan to move the Futenma Air Station to a less populated coastal area of Japan has been met with growing protests. Today the Okinawa prefectural government is expected to file a new lawsuit to block the on-going construction.

For details on the controversy, The Takeaway turns to Sonia Narang, who reported in Japan with support from the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ). This piece is part of the American Homefront Project, a public media collaboration that reports on American military life and veterans.  Funding comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.  

This segment is hosted by Todd Zwillich.