Japan, U.S. Debate Futenma, But No Break Expected

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda recently visited the island of Okinawa, where the issue of relocating U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma has created notable controversy. Noda's visit preceded a two-day meeting between Japanese and U.S. officials in Tokyo over the issue. Washington's relocation plan has prompted strong opposition, hindering its implementation. This matter has helped keep U.S.-Japanese relations cool, but deeper geopolitical imperatives and shared interests guarantee that the alliance between Tokyo and Washington will remain strong.