Etsuko Urashima is a 67 year old writer, originally from Sendai City in Kagoshima. She wears a t-shirt printed with an extract from Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, previously known as the &ldquo;Peace Constitution&rdquo;. She met her ex-husband in Amami Oshima when she was active in the counter-cultural environmental movement, and the experience sparked her interest in activism and writing. She&rsquo;s had five books published since 1995.<br /> <br /> When Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972 from the USA, it was a common belief that many of the bases would be removed from the island. That was never the case, Etsuko claims, the central government provided subsidies to the local government in an effort to appease the local population and still continues this strategy till this day with similar matters.<br /> <br /> 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 of a 12 year old Japanese girl by a US Marine occurred at Kinjyoj, which sparked a movement in opposition to Futenma Airbase. Subsequently Henoko was suggested as a possible relocation. Etsuko postulates, it is difficult to say whether or not there are any ways for Okinawa to be independent economically without the US military bases. The lands occupied by the bases are usually the most fertile and suitable for agriculture. If the lands are returned to the people local industries could develop further. At the moment, she feels, Okinawa&rsquo;s development is actually being held back by the bases. She ultimately wants to see all US military bases removed from Okinawa. Etsuko says military bases are incompatible to Okinawa&rsquo;s desire for peace.
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