the POOREST place in japan

This is the poorest place in Japan. Beautiful, isn’t it? It’s called Okinawa, which is the southernmost prefecture of Japan with the highest poverty rate in the nation. Okinowans were forcibly assimilated by Japan. Then the United States dumped military bases on their land. But it’s not surprising that indigenous people face more poverty. Okinawa makes up less than 1% of Japan’s land area. Yet, it hosts more than 70% of US military bases in Japan today. Billions of dollars go into these bases. So, how do Okinowans benefit? They get to deal with noise pollution from military aircraft and helicopter crashes. The mainland Japanese government is also complicit in the continuous neglect of Okinawans. They are well aware of the sexual assault cases and protests against US military presence, but ignore their pleas. The Japanese government says that the military is for national security. Right, then let’s spread the love around and put some bases in Tokyo. Oh, but then the ultra rich will get upset. It’s really unfair how Okinowans carry the most burden with the least amount of say on their own

okinawans deserve better ! #japantravel #japaneseculture #japanlife

25 Comments

  1. i once knew a girl from Okinawa, she was great, but i met her in America and she married someone who wasn't Japanese and despite her helping me with my language stuff, I don't think she wanted to go back.

  2. While you're right the Okinawans definitely are more impoverished and disenfranchised, the last thing about putting US bases in Tokyo: there are actually quite a few large bases in the greater Tokyo area. Yokota, Zama and Yokosuka to name some of them. Proportional to the land area and population, yes the US military presence in Okinawa is much more significant. Very weird place to visit honestly, you feel like you're on a military island. The smaller Okinawan islands are stunning to visit though

  3. Without the US military Okinawan economy wouldn’t survive. The members there are what keep most of the businesses running! The biggest customers, we bring a lot into the economy.

  4. Its kinda ridiculous how youtube doesn’t push your content. I’ve been subscribed for a long time and love your videos yet i miss like 4-5 videos at a time.

  5. “Carry the most burden with the least amount of say on their own land.” So you DO have the American Dream abroad! /s

  6. It was the deal Japan cut after WW2. They weren't allowed to have a standing military and America was "suppose" to supplement that by providing military but in actuality it is a projection of power and Japan had little say as they lost the war.

    They dumped the bases on Okinawa out of convienence and the US military would probably be satisfied there instead of like Hokkaido.

    So yes, the small/minority get screwed as so common in human history.