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      Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki pictured with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

      Okinawa Governor Meets AOC and Others in DC Over Burden of US Military Bases

      Governor Denny Tamaki traveled to DC to lobby US officials to oppose construction of a new US base in Okinawa and urged diplomacy with China.

      Gerard Dalbon
      Mar 15, 2023

      Denny Tamaki, the recently re-elected Governor of Okinawa, traveled to DC for a weeklong trip to lobby lawmakers and officials to reduce the disproportionate burden of US military bases in Okinawa, which hosts over 70% of US military presence in Japan. The Governor met with leading US officials including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other lawmakers and aides, as well as government officials, diplomats, and academics, to discuss the critical issues pertaining to the US bases and stress the need for diplomacy to ease tensions with China.

      Tamaki told reporters he met with AOC for over 30 minutes to brief the Congresswoman on the local opposition against the construction of a new US base at Henoko. He explained the US and Japanese governments are ignoring the will of Okinawans through this construction, as well as noting that toxic PFAS chemical contamination of soil and water from the bases are worsening and require immediate studies by the US government. During the meeting, AOC indicated concern over these issues and expressed willingness to work together on a solution, including through potential legislation. She told the Okinawa Times that her office will review the contents of the meeting and consider what action is necessary.

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      Okinawa base protest

      'Alarming' Levels of 'Forever Chemicals' Found in Water Near US Bases in Okinawa

      "The U.S. military is supposedly there to protect people. It does the opposite."

      Brett Wilkins
      Dec 28, 2021

      As the U.S. military continues construction of a controversial new base at Henoko Bay, Okinawa, the recent discovery of extreme levels of highly toxic "forever chemicals" in local waterways and groundwater has renewed long-standing opposition to the American occupation of large portions of the Japanese archipelago.

      "Imagine the uproar if China were responsible for this PFOS contamination. But since the U.S. is to blame, it will be swept under the rug."

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      'Extremely Regrettable': Okinawa Governor Rips US for Letting Covid-19 Infections Surge on American Military Bases

      'Extremely Regrettable': Okinawa Governor Rips US for Letting Covid-19 Infections Surge on American Military Bases

      "Infections are rapidly spreading among U.S. personnel when we Okinawans are doing our utmost to contain the infections."

      Jake Johnson
      Jul 13, 2020

      Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki slammed the U.S. military over the weekend for not taking sufficient action to prevent the spread of Covid-19 after dozens of Marines stationed on the Japanese island tested positive, threatening to spark a large outbreak in a community where the virus has otherwise been well-contained.

      Tamaki said during a press conference Saturday that "Okinawans are shocked" by the surge in cases among American Marines on the island. The Associated Pressreported that the U.S. military only disclosed the number of cases among U.S. Marines after Okinawan officials repeatedly demanded transparency.

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