Marines get lesson in Japanese history
Goal is to reduce disciplinary issues through enhanced cultural understanding
By Cindy Fisher, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Thursday, October 2, 2008


CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Marine Corps and Japanese foreign affairs officials on Okinawa teamed up Monday to present a seminar they hope will curb bad behavior by servicemembers off base.

The cultural awareness seminar focused on Okinawan history following World War II and the diversity of the island’s culture.

The seminar was mandatory for Camp Foster’s E-3s and below but was open to all, said Col. Dan Melton, assistant chief of staff for Marine Corps Bases Japan community policy, planning and liaison.

"We focused on the young people because, to be frank, past incidents have been with this age group," he said. "It has a lot to do with youth and we want to prepare them for life on Okinawa."

Historian Kaz Nakamaoto said the U.S. occupation of Okinawa from 1945 until control was returned to Japan in 1972 continues to fuel some local opposition to U.S. military bases here.

About 128,000 Japanese soldiers and civilians — one-fourth of Okinawa’s population at the time — were killed in the Battle of Okinawa, Nakamaoto said.

Afterward, U.S. acquisition policies in the 1950s to obtain property to build bases deprived locals of land held by their families for generations and with very little compensation, he said.

That was compounded by the "arrogant attitude by U.S. authorities" who cut funding and water supplies when an anti-U.S. mayor was elected, Nakamaoto told the audience of about 200 Marines gathered at Camp Foster’s theater.

Then during the Vietnam War, an increased military presence on Okinawa brought an increase in off-base crimes committed by U.S. troops, he said.

When control was returned to Japan in 1972, locals felt betrayed at the continued U.S. presence because they wanted the island to be military-free, he said.

"I don’t think most Americans are aware of the situation of the occupation … how we acquired the bases," Melton said. He added he hopes increased understanding of the Okinawan history will help servicemembers interact more easily with locals.

Monday’s seminar was the third of 10 to be held on Okinawa Marine bases.

"The goal of the seminar is to prevent incidents involving SOFA members by offering opportunities to deepen their understanding of Okinawa," said Kazuhiro Kuno, Ministry of Foreign Affairs deputy chief liaison on Okinawa. "When two culturally different groups of people live together in one place, you can always expect interesting" developments.

And not always bad.

Taco rice is a perfect example of how enriching the U.S.-Japan alliance can be, Kuno said. The dish, a combination of an American favorite and an Okinawan staple, was created at a small restaurant outside Camp Hansen in the mid 1980s.

It’s now an Okinawan favorite and can be found in Tokyo restaurants, he said.

Stars and Stripes reporter Chiyomi Sumida contributed to this story.

Ellie