Statement on the 40th Anniversary of the Reversion of Okinawa

May 15, 2012 - The reversion of Okinawa was one of the most significant achievements in the history of U.S.-Japan relations. Due to its geographic location, Okinawa plays a crucial role in the defense of Japan and the preservation of peace and security in the region. U.S. forces on Okinawa are ready to respond to regional contingencies, including humanitarian crises and international disasters. That said, we recognize the impact that our bases have had on local communities and we're committed to addressing them, as we said in our recent statement at the time of the 2+2 meetings.

And as we mark this important 40th anniversary milestone, we recommit ourselves to strengthening the connection between Japan and the United States in Okinawa through people-to-people ties.