I left in 2001 and it has changed considerably even since then. I had to do a double take on the photo-what in the heck is that LHD doing in Juliet Basin? Then I did a little research and found out it has been dredged to make new berths.
I remember the monthly “snake” demonstrations in the streets?!
For those that don’t know, young Japanese leftists would form up in half mile long columns about 10 abreast and lock arms with each other. Then they would move down the 4-5 lane street that led to the base snaking back and forth across the street, incredibly, the Japanese riot police always outnumbered them and when thy got down in front of the main gate our Marines would just ignore them and they would fight with the riot police.
Their politics nationally must have been pretty weak though because the base is still there and bigger than ever.