Kakeru Miyagi praying for the soul of his former classmate, Rina Shimabukuro Source
Americans Show Solidarity With Okinawa
We are grieving with Okinawa. Source
The recent brutal murder of Rina Shimabukuro in April 2016 sparked widespread outrage and sadness in Okinawa, Japan, and the US. In memory of Rina Shimabukuro people all over have gathered for prayer and to express solidarity for peace. Americans have been outraged as well by the loss of a beautiful life.
Americans apologize Source
Americans showing solidarity Source
This recent killing seems to be part of a larger pattern stemming from the heavy military presence on Okinawa island. The recent article by UPI noted:
Despite constituting 0.6 percent of Japanese territory, Okinawa has 74 percent of U.S. military facilities in Japan. U.S. forces first occupied the island in 1945 and it remained a U.S. base until 1972 when it was returned to Japan. [Emphases added]
WUB Hawaii together with the East-West Center is planning a symposium (Uchinanchu Talk Story VI) on the US military bases in Okinawa in July 2016. For more details please check the page “UTS VI“ which will post the latest information available.
