Protestor Ms Urashima in Okinawa

Ms Etsuko Urashima, writer based in Nago City, Okinawa.

Etsuko Urashima is a 67 years old writer, originally from Sendai City in Kagoshima. She wears a t-shirt printed with writing from Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, previously known as the “Peace Constitution”. She met her husband in Amami Oshima when she was active in counter-cultural environmental movement, which sparked her interest in activism and writing. She’s had five books published since 1995.
When Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972 from the USA, it was believed many of the bases would be removed from the island. The central government provided subsidies to the local government in an effort, Etsuko says, to appease the local population.

When Etsuko came to Okinawa she wanted to live away from the urban areas, and surround herself in nature. Around that time, an incident of rape occurred at Kinjyoj, which sparked a movement in opposition to Futenma Airbase. It was then that Henoko was suggested as a possible location.

The areas claimed by the bases are fertile and have often been left undeveloped. Etsuko says that Okinawa’s development is actually being held back by the bases. Etsuko ultimately wants to see all US military bases removed from Okinawa. She says military bases are antithetical to Okinawa’s desire for peace.