The governor of Okinawa has renewed calls for the removal of a US air base from the island amid ongoing protests from local residents.
Takeshi Onaga says the Japanese government should seek to remove the facility, saying Okinawa has been burdened by a heavy US troop presence since the end of World War II.
"Now, there are many countries which are trying to invest in Okinawa but all the good land is taken up by the US bases. So, until the US bases are returned, the possibility of future development in Okinawa is unfathomable."
The island was cut off from Japan with the San Francisco Peace Treaty during after World War II.
It is home to around half of the 50,000 American troops in Japan. Residents have frequently complained about crime, noise and other issues related to the US bases.
Onaga is planning to visit the US next week to convey the message of Okinawa's residents.
