April 28, 2022
The House of Councilors Special Committee on Okinawa and Northern Problems on April 27 approved a resolution regarding the 1972 Okinawa’s reversion to Japan with majority votes. The Japanese Communist Party voted against the resolution on the grounds that it fails to demand a revision of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and reduction in U.S. bases in Okinawa.
In discussions prior to the vote at a committee meeting, JCP lawmaker Kami Tomoko said, “A Diet resolution marking the 50th anniversary of Okinawa’s reversion should at least incorporate ‘a revision of the SOFA’. It’s a must!” The SOFA revision was incorporated in an opposition-proposed resolution, but it was removed due to objections from the ruling forces.
Kami pointed out that the final text of the resolution uses a phrase “pay close attention to the actual status of the SOFA”, and said that the resolution with this view will be worthless in regard to ending Okinawans’ suffering caused by U.S. bases.
Kami pointed out that the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly in October 2019 unanimously adopted a statement calling for a drastic revision of the SOFA, adding that all Okinawans are hoping to achieve this. She stressed that the Diet should take a stance that will meet Okinawans’ demands.
In discussions prior to the vote at a committee meeting, JCP lawmaker Kami Tomoko said, “A Diet resolution marking the 50th anniversary of Okinawa’s reversion should at least incorporate ‘a revision of the SOFA’. It’s a must!” The SOFA revision was incorporated in an opposition-proposed resolution, but it was removed due to objections from the ruling forces.
Kami pointed out that the final text of the resolution uses a phrase “pay close attention to the actual status of the SOFA”, and said that the resolution with this view will be worthless in regard to ending Okinawans’ suffering caused by U.S. bases.
Kami pointed out that the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly in October 2019 unanimously adopted a statement calling for a drastic revision of the SOFA, adding that all Okinawans are hoping to achieve this. She stressed that the Diet should take a stance that will meet Okinawans’ demands.
