• On September 8, 1996, the people of Okinawa will vote in a non-binding referendum to phase out the bases by the year 2015.
  • August 28, 1996
    • Japan's Supreme Court rejected an appeal by governor of Okinawa claiming the military presence on the island was unconstitutional. The court ordered to forcibly appropriate land for U.S. military bases.
  • The Governor's Comment on The Supreme Court's Decision
  • Weekly Okinawa Times Article "Okinawa to Vote on Base Presence"
  • Sept 8, 1996 (Source: OKinawa Times)
    • Votes were casted in a non-binding referendum to phase out the bases by the year 2015
    Results:

    Registerd Voters

    909,757

    ---

    Number of Votes

    541,626

    59.53%

    Favor of Removal or Reduction

    482,538

    89.46%

    Against Removal or Reduction

    46,232

    8.32%

    Void

    12,856

    2.22%