Okinawa and the Ryukyu Arc Study Group: 10th Lecture in the Series

No more names engraved on ”the Cornerstone of Peace.”

～ “Reality of War” under the Takaichi Administration: the total Mobilization of the Self-Defense Forces and Okinawan residents ～

Purpose:

As Japan and the US accelerate military buildup for a potential Taiwan contingency, the new fiscal-year budget includes 1 trillion yen for missile production, the deployment of drones/unmanned aircraft to the Southwest Islands, and 

the deployment of long-range missiles to Okinawa. How do we resist this increasingly tangible “reality of war”? Part 1 features a lecture, followed by reports from Okinawa Island and Miyako Island in Part 2, where we will discuss citizens' efforts to “stop the war.”

Organizer: “Voices of Okinawa and the Ryukyus”

Co-organizers: “No More Battle of Okinawa-Life is a treasure.” “Okinawa University”

Date & Time: Sunday, March 8, 2026, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM)

Venue: Okinawa University Alumni Hall (555 Kokuba, Naha City)

*No reservation required. Seating for approximately 150 people.

*A materials fee of ¥500 will be charged.

*There will be no simultaneous online streaming via Zoom. A recording will be posted on YouTube at a later date.

Contact ⇒ [email protected]

Program

Ⅰ Lecture

Mr. Gyou Ishii, Editorial Board Member (Kyodo News); Visiting Professor (Ritsumeikan University)

Theme: “Taiwan Contingency” in 2027? Japan's Rushing “Preparations for War”

Overview: Escalating Japan-China tensions following Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks in the Diet, the Self-Defense Forces and Chinese military on the brink of conflict, massive military expansion under Japan’s three Security Documents, the Anti-Espionage Law, Establishment of a National Intelligence Agency, SDF’s request for “nuclear deterrence” to the US military, shift from the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles” to “Two Principles,” US Typhon missile system (medium-range missile launchers) deployed in the Philippines and Iwakuni, Self-Defense Forces passing through the Taiwan Strait, etc.

II. Exchange of Views with Participants: “How do we resist the Preparations for War?”

Moderator: Kunio Arakaki, Secretary General (No More Battle of Okinawa)

Report: Hayako Shimizu, Co-Representative (Miyakojima Residents' Liaison Committee Against Missile Bases)

Report: Yasuhiro Okubo, Secretary General (Okinawa Peace Committee)

Comment: Gyou Ishii (Editorial Writer of Kyodo News; Visiting Professor of Ritsumeikan University)

Main Points:

・Defense Minister Koizumi announces “Japan-US training in Miyako,” deployment of electronic warfare units, and US unmanned missiles in Ishigaki

・Naha Airport at risk: Brigade upgraded to Division, mobile combat vehicles, ammunition depots, runway repair training

・Miyako Ground Self-Defense Force Commander intimidates citizens; intensified pacification efforts, including participation in SDF events and Japan-US military band concerts

・Youth participation in “Okinawan Solidarity,” “Domestic Solidarity,” “International Solidarity,” and “Media Collaboration.”

・Demanding “Prohibition of Deployments from US Bases in Okinawa and Japan” based on the Japan-US prior consultation system

■ Association to Deliver the Voices of Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands

　　Website ⇒ https://ryukyukohp.jimdofree.com/

　　Contact ⇒ [email protected]

■ No More Battle of Okinawa: Life is Precious Association

Website ⇒ https://nomore-okinawasen.org/

　　Contact ⇒ See the above website