I say we remove our military presence entirely from Japan - Japan has the GDP and population to fend for itself if it wants to. Same goes for South Korea - if these people don't want us in their country, then let's pack up and leave. Oh, almost forgot, screw the Europeans too - I am tired of being berated and ridiculed by these people while at the same time we provide cover for them. Guess you can tell I'm on a roll, but I am sincere in what I say. Perhaps with the exception of Korea, these countries spend a far less percentage of their GDP for their security than the U.S. does. It's past time for them to start paying their fair share for their own defense. Enough!
It’s not clear of what the Japanese “suggestion” consists. I think the Kadena air base is also in Okinawa. If this were considered in a state-side setting, there would be people pushing it in hopes of developing the vacated land, and others looking for relief from noise. I’d need some background to reach the conclusion you offer. You may be right, but I don’t see a basis for it, in the article at least.