The importance of Okinawa is about deterrence. Demonstrate you're a serious military with lots of partners and an enemy is less likely to try his luck...
Masako Ganaha has earned the nickname "Joan of Arc" for her unwavering defense of Okinawa's interests, even confronting seasoned politicians for her cause.
Sole use of Okinawa bases by the US military shows lack of integration with the SDF. That must change to defend against the threat of Chinese...