28 April 2022
Resolution to strengthen Okinawa's economy and make Okinawa into a peace-
making hub on the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan
House of Representatives
National Diet of Japan
The House of Representatives resolves as follows:
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan on 15 May this year, the House of Representatives of Japan recalls the history of violent land battles, the ensuing U.S. military rule, and the reversion to Japan brought about by diplomatic efforts. The House expresses its determination to further develop Okinawa as a national strategy to maximize Okinawa's appeal and potential.
Since the Okinawa Reversion Agreement was signed, the House has worked on issues facing Okinawa in accordance with a 1971 resolution of the House on removing nuclear weapons and reducing U.S. forces in Okinawa, as well as a 1997 resolution on the issue of military bases in Okinawa and the development of Okinawa. However, despite the efforts over 50 years with five Okinawa promotion and development plans, there still exist issues originating from Okinawa's special circumstances, including having the lowest prefectural income per capita and child poverty. Considering these circumstances, the Government of Japan has an obligation to mitigate the impact of U.S. forces, including preventing incidents and accidents, and addressing issues. The government, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan, should put forth its full efforts to bring peace of mind and safety to the people of Okinawa, as well as build a robust economy in Okinawa, and to make Okinawa into an innovative hub for world peace and stability.
Making the most of the advantages and uniqueness of Okinawa, which is home to both world cultural and natural heritage sites, the people of Okinawa must be given opportunities to enable them to act as a bridge between Japan and the rest of Asia and the world (Bankoku Shinryo no Mabui－in the spirit of Bankoku Shinryo) in the fields of education, art, academia, medicine, the economy, sports, and international exchange. With appreciation for the countless others who have contributed to Okinawa's development so far, and as a continuation of their legacy, the government, National Diet, and Okinawa prefectural government should come together to promote and develop Okinawa to make it attractive to the world by employing comprehensive, bold and sustainable measures which fully respect the will of the people of Okinawa and receive understanding from the people of Japan as a whole.