Topic: Okinawa Prefecture

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East Asia's top 5 island disputes

Many of the island territories are small, isolated from the countries’ mainlands, and sparsely populated. But strategic interests and abundant natural resources make them valuable.
In Pictures: Military helicopters
In Pictures: F-15 fighter jet
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 12/09
In Pictures: The F-22 raptor aircraft

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As Okinawa marks 40 years of postwar sovereignty, US bases still an irritant

Okinawa marked the 40th anniversary of its reversion to Japanese sovereignty from US postwar control Tuesday amid political deadlock over the relocation of a key US military base.
Dogwood diplomacy: US gift of trees to Japan is cherry on top of Okinawa deal (+video)

A century after Japan presented the US with a gift of 3,000 cherry trees, the US is reciprocating with 3,000 specially bred dogwoods. But the deal to nearly halve the number of Marines on Okinawa may be even sweeter.
How failed North Korea rocket could lead to a fresh nuclear test

The UN Security Council is likely to rap North Korea for its rocket launch, and a defiant North Korea could respond with a nuclear test – following a pattern that has played out before.
North Korea bestows new title on its young leader ahead of rocket launch

In a move designed to shore up his standing, Kim Jong-un received the title of 'first secretary' ahead of the centennial of his grandfather's birth and an anticipated rocket launch.
Japan braces for North Korean missile launch

Japan has threatened to shoot down the rocket if it passes over Japanese airspace. In 1998, North Korea sent a missile over Japan's main island.
Next pirate hot spot: the Gulf of Guinea

The Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of West Africa, is a significant source of US oil. Rising piracy here could mean rising prices at the pump.
Despite Fukushima disaster, anti-nuclear activists fight uphill battle in Japan

Even though most Japanese now oppose nuclear power, activists say building a strong movement has proven difficult.
How Japan, US may break 18-year deadlock over Okinawa base

Japan and the US agreed this week to relocate thousands of Marines from Okinawa. But the issue of what to do with Futenma airbase remains.
An appreciation: longtime Monitor journalist Guy Halverson

Guy O. Halverson was a Monitor correspondent with a varied writing career that spanned more than 35 years. His award-winning journalism led the way against drunk driving and Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Who wants to become a lawyer when you can report on Watergate?
Pearl Harbor Day: A survivor recalls the Day of Infamy (video)

Pearl Harbor Day: Navy vet Lou Gore recalls what he saw Dec. 7, 1941 on the deck of the USS Phoenix. Today is the 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor day attack.
Obama in Australia: US reasserts Pacific role with eye on rising China

President Obama in Australia today pledged to boost the US military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The significant strategic shift is popular with regional governments wary of China's rise.
East Asia's top 5 island disputes

Many of the island territories are small, isolated from the countries’ mainlands, and sparsely populated. But strategic interests and abundant natural resources make them valuable.
Green Economics
Are the Japanese more willing to sacrifice for conservation?

Japan is urging its citizens to conserve electricity. Would the same tactics work in the US?
Editor's Blog
After Afghanistan: Will Americans forget it?

Once upon a time, 'Afghanistanism' meant obscure and mystifying. That hasn't been true since 9/11. As American troops begin to disengage, will Afghanistan revert to an 'ism'?
In Pictures: Military helicopters
In Pictures: F-15 fighter jet
North Korea tests limits of South Korea, Japan cooperation

US envoy Stephen Bosworth arrives in Tokyo Thursday after visiting Seoul and Beijing. Implicit in his talks is a push for Japan and South Korea to cooperate for mutual defense against North Korea.
Japan's new defense policy reflects growing concern about China

Changes to Japan's defense guidelines include shift in focus from northern islands, a cold war concern, to islands in the south, claimed by both Japan and China.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 12/09
Africa Monitor
KFC aims to double revenue in Africa by 2012. The colonel would be proud.

KFC this week became the latest iconic American company to make significant moves into Africa, following expansion by Coca-Cola and Walmart.
Japan's response to North Korea takes on a sharper edge

Prime Minister Naoto Kan is finding his nation dependent on the US in responding to North Korea, even as public opposition to the US base on Okinawa remains high.
Okinawa election eases pressure on US military base location

Okinawans reelected the incumbent governor, who is less opposed to US military bases than his challenger. The US wants to move ahead with a 2006 deal to relocate Futenma air base within Okinawa.
In Pictures: The F-22 raptor aircraft
Back from Asia, Obama weighs strategic partnerships, China's economic muscle

Obama's stops in India and Indonesia balanced security with economic pressures. But back-to-back global summits in Japan and South Korea underscored the administration’s weaker hand with China.
Obama in Japan: what a difference a bad year makes

Since the US president met with his Japanese counterpart last year, Obama has been belittled by voters, and Japan has been humiliated by his neighbors. Today, Japan and America need each other badly, and maybe more than ever.