Tokyo: There will be no Fourth of July fireworks for American troops in Japan this year because of restrictions imposed after a former US Marine was accused of raping and murdering a woman on Okinawa.
US Forces Japan said today that "no US installations in Japan will celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with fireworks displays or concerts" to demonstrate respect for Okinawan residents.
The killing of the woman, whose body was found in May, triggered outrage on the southern Japanese island, where tensions frequently rise over crime linked to US military bases there.
Maj. John Severns, deputy director of public affairs at US Forces Japan, said in an email that barbecues, sporting events and other community activities are still being planned at bases in the country to share the traditions for celebrating American independence with Japanese neighbors.
After the suspect's arrest, the US Marine Corps and Navy imposed restrictions on their personnel, including prohibitions on alcohol consumption and off-base activities, though some limits by the Navy have since been eased.
Critics want the air station completely removed from the island.
More than half of the 200,000 Japanese who died in the battle were Okinawans, compared to some 12,000 Americans killed.
Half of about 50,000 American troops stationed in Japan under a bilateral security agreement are based on Okinawa.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government, which wants Japan to play a bigger military role internationally, backs the Japan-US security alliance.
US Forces Japan said today that "no US installations in Japan will celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with fireworks displays or concerts" to demonstrate respect for Okinawan residents.
The killing of the woman, whose body was found in May, triggered outrage on the southern Japanese island, where tensions frequently rise over crime linked to US military bases there.
Maj. John Severns, deputy director of public affairs at US Forces Japan, said in an email that barbecues, sporting events and other community activities are still being planned at bases in the country to share the traditions for celebrating American independence with Japanese neighbors.
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After the suspect's arrest, the US Marine Corps and Navy imposed restrictions on their personnel, including prohibitions on alcohol consumption and off-base activities, though some limits by the Navy have since been eased.
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Critics want the air station completely removed from the island.
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More than half of the 200,000 Japanese who died in the battle were Okinawans, compared to some 12,000 Americans killed.
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Half of about 50,000 American troops stationed in Japan under a bilateral security agreement are based on Okinawa.
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Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government, which wants Japan to play a bigger military role internationally, backs the Japan-US security alliance.
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