Japan Wants the Americans Out?

Over five decades ago, two nuclear bombs are dropped in Japan followed by a peace treaty between the Americans and the Japanese. As a result, territory is lost and American military bases settle on Japanese islands. Following the Korean War, American troops in Japan mobilize in case of an invasion. The United States makes great use of Japan's soil during Today's War on Terrorism in Afghanistan. It's easy and cheap to leave soldiers in Japan rather than transporting them back and forth from the US across the ocean, over continents and finally to Afghanistan. Until recently, the Japanese liked the idea of having American protection from North Korea. So what's different now? There's a new Conservative Prime Minister who wants to the crime to stop in Okinawa where US troops are living. The crime, mostly to do with theft, has become a concerning problem among the people. The base is located in a "busy-center" and the military causes much noise pollution from jets and other military machines. 21,000 people protested on Sunday in hope that the 2006 agreement between the US and Japan will have the Americans move the base out of Okinawa. Many Japanese politicians however would prefer that all American troops be removed altogether.