1996 Okinawan referendum

A referendum was held in Okinawa Prefecture on 8 September 1996 about the presence of United States Forces Japan in the prefecture.[1] The referendum followed the US military's continued occupation of land in the prefecture even after their lease to it had expired.[2] The referendum asked: "How do you feel about reviewing the Japan-United States Status of Forces Agreement and reducing the American bases in our prefecture?" With a turnout of 59.52%, 89% of voters, representing 53% of the electorate, agreed with reviewing the Japan-United States Status of Forces Agreement and reducing the American bases in the prefecture.[3] Crimes committed by American military occupying the island, including the rape and beating of a 12 year old girl by three soldiers the previous year were seen as contributing to the strong opposition to the base.[4] Following the referendum the Governor of Okinawa Masahide Ota said that the results of the referendum should be clear to "those in the U.S. Congress who still feel like they own Okinawa."[5] Despite the victory of those opposed to the military occupation in the referendum, due to pressure from the Japanese central government, Governor Ota allowed the expansion of the base to continue.[2]

1996 Okinawan referendum
8 September 1996 (1996-09-08)

Reviewing the U.S.–Japan Status of Forces Agreement and reducing the American military bases in Okinawa prefecture.

Results
Choice
 Votes  %
Yes 482,538 91.26%
No 46,232 8.74%
Valid votes 528,770 97.62%
Invalid or blank votes 12,868 2.38%
Total votes 541,638 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 909,832 59.53%

References
  1. Pollack, Andrew (9 September 1996). "Okinawans Send Message to Tokyo and U.S. to Cut Bases". Retrieved 18 December 2022 – via NYTimes.com.
  2. Kristof, Nicholas D. (14 September 1996). "Okinawan Ends Battle Over Leases On U.S. Bases". Retrieved 18 December 2022 – via NYTimes.com.
  3. "The 1996 Okinawa Referendum on U.S. Base Reductions: One Question, Several Answers on JSTOR" (PDF). JSTOR. Retrieved 18 December 2022.
  4. Pollack, Andrew (11 September 1996). "Outside One Okinawa Base, a Less Raucous Atmosphere Now". Retrieved 18 December 2022 – via NYTimes.com.
  5. Cossa, Ralph A.; Tribune, International Herald (10 September 1996). "Opinion | The Loaded Okinawa Question That Didn't Need Answering". Retrieved 18 December 2022 – via NYTimes.com.
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