Abstract
The general principle of the prior Comprehensive National Development Plan was “well- balanced national development.” However, the aim of the Grand Design of National Spatial Development toward 2050 announced in July 2014 was different. It advocated that fiscal resources should be given to local governments contributing to the nation. The subsequent effects on local governments are discussed in this paper through the case study of Okinawa.
Okinawa is a local government that had been contributing to the national defense. Approximately 70% of the U.S. military bases in Japan are located in Okinawa. As compensation for the burden that Okinawa has been bearing, the government of Japan implemented various promotional programs. However, since the relocation of the Futenma Replacement Facility (FRF) to the Henoko district in Nago City became a serious issue for the central Japanese government and Okinawa Prefecture, promotional programs have been tied to acceptance of the FRF. The meaning of such programs changed from compensation for the burden of bearing U.S. bases to financial incentives for contributions. Promotion projects for Okinawa Prefecture and Nago City, which are opposed the relocation to Henoko, have decreased, whereas those for Henoko district, which is accepting relocation are increasing. As a result, opposition by inhabitants of Henoko to facility replacement has decreased, and they are forced to accept FRF, which would lead to the destruction of their life spheres. Hence, regional sociology has an obligation to analyze the process by which local communities lose their right of self-determination.
