Japan Expands Military Presence on Yonaguni Amid Taiwan Tensions

Yonaguni, a small island in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture, is undergoing significant militarization as Japan bolsters its defense in response to rising tensions with China over Taiwan, located just 68 miles away. The Japanese government plans to deploy a new missile unit and expand military infrastructure, including a port and airport, which has sparked mixed reactions among the island's fewer than 1,500 residents. While some locals, like innkeeper Fumie Kano, express sadness over the island's transformation from a tranquil destination to a militarized zone, supporters argue that the military presence is essential for security and economic stability. The presence of radar sites and Camp Yonaguni, which hosts joint military exercises with the U.S., underscores the island's strategic importance in a potential Taiwan conflict. Concerns about environmental impact and the island's dependency on the military economy persist amid this transformation. As Japan shifts its military posture, residents grapple with the implications of living in a region marked by geopolitical tension.