Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the historical and ongoing military presence of Japan in the Ryukyu Islands, highlighting the concerns of local residents regarding their rights and safety, as well as the legacy of militarism that continues to affect the region [1][7]. Historical Context - The Japanese military's strategy during World War II involved using the Ryukyu Islands as a defensive barrier against American forces, leading to significant suffering among local residents [2][4]. - The establishment of the "Okinawa Defense Army" excluded local soldiers, indicating a lack of concern for the rights of Ryukyu residents [4]. Military Policies and Impact - The "military food priority" policy implemented by the Japanese army during the war resulted in severe food shortages and suffering among the local population, with soldiers forcibly taking food from civilians [5]. - Local residents, including students, were conscripted into military service, often without proper training, and used as expendable resources in the war effort [6]. Legacy and Current Issues - Eighty years after the war, the legacy of military exploitation continues, with the presence of U.S. military bases in the Ryukyu Islands causing ongoing social and environmental issues for the local population [7][8]. - There are ongoing efforts by right-wing factions in Japan to revise historical narratives regarding the military's actions during the war, which has led to protests from local residents seeking to preserve the truth [8].