The Japanese Meteorological Agency says Roke has stalled because three high pressure systems in the east, west and north are blocking its path.
The problem is that Roke is stalled over warm water near Okinawa. The high water temps could help it become a Typhoon. Japanese weather officials say Roke could be stalled near Okinawa for three days.
The new Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa, and the new Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba, both say they will push for the agreed to moving of USMC units from one part of Okinawa to a new location, also on Okinawa.
People living on Okinawa would like to see the USMC gone altogether, but Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba stressed the importance of the U.S. forces in Japan’s defense plans against China.
U.S. forces are part of a multilayered mechanism to avoid misunderstandings in case of ‘accidental occurrences’ between Japan and China.
“There is no change in our policy to carry out the Japan/U.S. accord steadily.”-Yukio Edano, Chief Cabinet Secretary
On May 12, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano, said Japan will stick to the plan. This after U.S. Congressman reneged on a promise to move a USMC base on Okinawa.
For decades the people of Okinawa have wanted the removal of the Futenma Air Station. One of the reasons has been the crimes, including rape, committed by U.S. Marines and sailors. In 2006 the U.S. and Japan signed an agreement to move the air station.
One option was to merge the Marine Corps Air Station with the USAF Kadena base, also on Okinawa. But even that plan is being questioned by U.S. Congressman. The main issue is money, apparently the United States doesn’t have enough money to move an air base.