Okinawa's legacy of Japan's shadow emissaryーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Okinawa Reversion: The 1972 transfer of control of Okinawa from the United States to Japan.
• Secret Agreement (1969): A clandestine understanding during the reversion negotiations allowing for the re-introduction of nuclear weapons to Okinawa in an emergency.
• Nuclear-Free Okinawa Movement: The Okinawan public’s demand for the complete removal of nuclear weapons and equal treatment with mainland Japan.
• US Military Bases in Okinawa: The continued presence of US military installations, a source of ongoing concern for Okinawans.
• Wakaumi K: A key negotiator in the Okinawa reversion talks and author of the newly revealed will detailing his remorse.

The Weight of a Secret: Wakaumi K’s Testimony on Nuclear Weapons in Okinawa

The recently publicized will of Wakaumi K, a central figure in the 1972 reversion of Okinawa to Japan, reveals a profound sense of responsibility and anguish regarding a secret agreement made during the negotiations. This agreement, undisclosed to the Okinawan public, permitted the potential re-introduction of nuclear weapons to Japanese soil in the event of an emergency – a direct contradiction to the publicly stated commitment of a “completely free of nuclear weapons” Okinawa. Wakaumi’s will, donated to the Okinawa Prefectural Archives in November, explicitly states his intention to take his own life due to the weight of his involvement, highlighting the moral burden he carried.

Historical Context: The Cold War and Nuclear Deployment

During the Cold War, the United States deployed nuclear missiles to four bases in Okinawa. These missiles were strategically positioned to target China and parts of the Soviet Union. The location of these deployments remains physically evident today, serving as a tangible reminder of the Cold War’s reach and the island’s role within it. While the presence of nuclear weapons in Okinawa post-World War II was known, the specific sites and the details of the secret agreement remained classified until now. As stated by a commentator, “This is the only place that can convey the situation during the cold war after the battle of Okinawa. It’s known that there were nuclear weapons in Okinawa after the war. But this is the only place where you can see with your own eyes where they actually were.”

The Contradiction: Public Promises vs. Secret Agreements

In 1969, Prime Minister Sato Asaku and President Richard Nixon announced Okinawa’s return to Japan with the assurance that it would be “completely free of nuclear weapons.” However, Wakaumi’s involvement in the secret agreement directly undermined this public pledge. This agreement responded to a US demand, effectively allowing for the potential re-introduction of nuclear weapons despite the strong Okinawan public sentiment encapsulated in the slogan “nuclear free equal treatment with the mainland.” This discrepancy created a significant disconnect between the Japanese government’s public statements and its private commitments.

Wakaumi’s Post-Reversion Actions and Regret

Former journalist Gushken Katsuya, a close acquaintance of Wakaumi, recounts his deep commitment to uncovering the truth about the Battle of Okinawa and its aftermath. Despite suffering from terminal cancer, Wakaumi dedicated himself to recovering the remains of those who died in the war, experiencing immense physical pain during the process. He reportedly expressed frustration with mainland Japanese politicians and bureaucrats, believing they needed to witness the physical consequences of the war firsthand to understand the suffering of Okinawa. Gushken describes Wakaumi’s emotional response to uncovering remains: “Every time he found something, he cried. He said, ‘You must have been in pain. You must have hurt.’”

Contemporary Relevance and Security Concerns

The revelation of Wakaumi’s will comes at a time when the possibility of allowing nuclear weapons back into Japan is being openly discussed, fueled by a perceived increase in regional security threats. This echoes Wakaumi’s earlier concerns and highlights the enduring tension between Japan’s commitment to non-proliferation and its alliance with the United States. A commentator notes, “I think the situation for the whole world is even worse now than it was when Wakaizumi was alive.” Wakaumi’s continued distress over the presence of US bases in Okinawa further underscores the complex relationship between the island and the mainland.

Wakaumi’s Unanswered Question

The final sentiment expressed is a desire to know what Wakaumi would think of Japan today, given his profound concerns about the potential re-introduction of nuclear weapons and the continued US military presence. The speaker expresses a longing to hear his perspective directly, acknowledging the worsening global situation.