Soka University Okinawa Learning Cluster 2014
ABOUT OUR LEARNING CLUSTER
Soka University of America was founded upon three Mottos and three Principles, as well as a guiding mission statement and core values. This Learning Cluster (LC), by exploring the concept of peace in Okinawa, integrates all of these ideals and practices into the learning process and outcomes for students. Specifically, two of the mottos stand out: Be world citizens in solidarity for peace; and, be the pioneers of a global civilization. We will challenge and explore why there is still a US military presence in Okinawa and how it has affected Okinawa politically, economically, and culturally.
“No prefecture contributed so little to the preparation for war…not one suffered as much in wide-spread misery, in loss of human lives and property, and in ultimate subservience to military occupation” George H. Kerr
Our School (Soka University of America)
The mission of Soka University of America is to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life. Daisaku Ikeda, Founder, SUA
Okinawa's History and Background
/MISSION STATEMENT
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SUA is founded on the belief that student-centered education is the best way to promote peace and human rights by fostering a global humanistic perspective on the world in which we live. The university prepares students for graduate studies and the world of work in an increasingly diverse and global society.
/FOUNDING BELIEFS
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/LEARNING CLUSTER
Learning Clusters are among the most unique and popular academic programs at Soka University. A Learning Cluster is a research seminar where students work in teams with faculty facilitators to investigate a specific question. It is designed to bridge theory and practice, and elicit an educated outcome or response. As a student, you will propose, research, and model constructive approaches to the issues. The course is designed to help you learn to apply a range of investigative and analytical tools in the discovery and presentation of trends and ideas, including policy recommendations that bear upon the quality of the human condition.
Japan is a major hub of U.S. Armed Forces in the Pacific. Over 75% of the land area of U.S. bases in Japan is in Okinawa, and over 60% of the U.S. forces deployed to Japan are stationed there. The estimated number of American military based in Okinawa at the moment is around 50,000-55,000. One of the main military bases is Kadena Air Base, the largest U.S. airbase outside of the U.S. Our learning cluster will challenge and explore the significance of US military presence in Okinawa.
Historically, the people of Okinawa have been rather reluctant hosts to the bases, but they have had little say in the matter. The bases on Okinawa originate from World War II and the battle of Okinawa, waged from March to June 1945, was the bloodiest of the Pacific War. During the battle more Okinawan civilians were killed than civilian deaths in either the Hiroshima or Nagasaki atomic bomb attacks. There is an estimate of around 150,000 civilian deaths, some one-quarter of Okinawa’s population at the time. The damage done to the natural environment was also staggering.
Although the Battle of Okinawa was renowned for leaving the island in ruins and disaster after the war ended, it received little coverage and support which was mostly focused on Hiroshima. At the war’s end, it was decided that Okinawa would be indefinitely administered by the U.S. Okinawa became a new strategic locale for U.S. troops against Communist China. We would like to focus on post-war Okinawa as our research topic. After the war they remained under U.S. occupation until 1972, and even now there remain several large American military bases on Okinawa Island. There have been a number of protests against the presence of the US military, usually after a high profile crime committed by a service member.
Okinawa still has an estimated 18% of its land occupied by military bases and is an island that has seen decades of resistance to this, with residents criticizing the presence of US soldiers, industrial pollution, sexual assaults, and the overall danger of neighboring a military installation.
Local opposition to the bases has ebbed and flowed. Opposition has tended to be evoked by key events such as the rape of a 12 year-old girl by three servicemen in 1995. This galvanized the anti-U.S. base movement and led to protest assemblies of up to 85,000. Since the reversion of Okinawa to Japan in 1972, approximately 4,700 crimes have been committed by U.S. military personnel.
This is especially relevant at the moment in 2013 as there was once again a protest spurred after a US military helicopter from Kadena Air Base crashed into Ginoza early this August. Over 200 locals came out to protest. Additionally, at the moment the government is considering the application of moving the Futenma base to Henoko district of Nago which is also receiving much protest from residents. Although military occupation is said to have ended in 1972, there are daily training exercises by US military helicopters in villages and we will gain a deeper understanding of whether this is necessary in today’s day and age by talking to an array of government officials, universities, nonprofits and locals.