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Yonaguni Residents Fear Loss of Peace Amid Military Tensions

12/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Himeyo Ukemasu, a 70-year-old volunteer from Yonaguni, Japan's westernmost island, notes that increasing military presence has turned Yonaguni from a peaceful oasis into a strategic outpost near Taiwan.
The island's 1,600 residents express concerns over safety and a desire to return to ordinary life amid rising tensions with China.
Ukemasu states, "I don’t want the people to be sacrificed."

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Story summary

Himeyo Ukemasu, a 70-year-old volunteer from Yonaguni, Japan's westernmost island, notes that increasing military presence has turned Yonaguni from a peaceful oasis into a strategic outpost near Taiwan.
The island's 1,600 residents express concerns over safety and a desire to return to ordinary life amid rising tensions with China.
Ukemasu states, "I don’t want the people to be sacrificed."