TOKYO, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The defense buildup on Okinawa highlighted in Japan's new security and defense strategies has caused anxiety among local people, Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki said Friday.
Tamaki made the remarks in a peace declaration issued at a memorial service for the victims of the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, saying that military buildup would remind the residents of the bloody ground battle 78 years ago.
He urged the Japanese government to ease regional tensions through dialogue and reduce the size of U.S. military bases in Okinawa.
Okinawa's role as a military fortress has been enhanced by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's administration, while locals repeatedly warn the government that war must never happen again, as reported by Japanese media.
On March 26, 1945, the U.S. Army attacked Okinawa. During the three-month battle, 25 percent of the prefecture's population was killed. A ceremony has been held every year to mourn the victims.
