Should U.S troops withdraw from Japan?

Introduction Where is Okinawa, Japan?

Introduction Okinawa has been home to a very large U.S. Army base as a result of the U.S. occupation of Japan after World War II This base has acted as a very important strategic location for U.S. forces in Asia and the Pacific

Introduction The area of 14 U.S. bases on Okinawa is 233 square kilometers (90 sq mi), occupying 18% of the main island. Okinawa accounts for less than one percent of Japan's land, but hosts about two-thirds of the 40,000 American forces in the country

Introduction From 1952 to 2004, there have been 200,000 accidents and crimes committed by the U.S. soldiers, which have killed 1,076 Japanese civilians.

Biggest Problems In 1995, two US soldiers raped a 15-year old girl in Okinawa. A helicopter crashed into an elementary school in 2004. One woman was shot and killed by a 21 year old soldier.

Key Terms Treaty = a formal agreement between two or more countries in reference to peace, alliance, commerce, or other international relations. Base = a fortified or protected area or place from which the operations of an army or an air force proceed.

Video Okinawa Video

Q1. Do you have any US soldiers or Army bases in your country Q1. Do you have any US soldiers or Army bases in your country? If so, how do people feel about that? Have there been any problems? Q2. How long should treaties signed after a war continue? Do you think countries should follow treaties signed as a result of World War II?

Q3. Do you think your country needs the US army? Why or why not? Q4. When US soldiers commit crimes, the Japanese government cannot judge them because of a treaty with the U.S. What do you think about this situation? Should this treaty be changed?

Q5. Do you think the US army should withdraw from Japan? Why or why not?