Experiences of Japanese civilians living near a United States military base: Understanding United States-Japanese relations through the voices of citizens

This dissertation research focuses upon the experiences of Japanese citizens living near a U.S. military base in Iwakuni, Japan. The study involved interviewing twenty citizens through the use of a semi-structured, qualitative research interview. The history and present existence of the U.S.-Japanese Security Alliance reveals discrepancies between Japanese citizen's opinions and Japanese government behavior. Today, the Japanese military and its alliance with the U.S. are very strong, while a large portion of the population holds tightly to pacifist ideals.; Tens of thousands of U.S. troops reside in Japan on bases spread throughout the country. Multi-Track Diplomacy highlights the ways in which informal interactions between groups of people or individuals may serve diplomatic functions and help to decrease or prevent conflict between humans if perceived positively. Citizen experiences and opinions are viewed as crucial in determining whether the relationships between groups of people will be peaceful or conflictual. Gathering experiential, qualitative opinions from the Japanese citizens appears very important in light of the changing U.S.-Japanese Security Alliance combined with the theory of Multi-Track Diplomacy and its importance in international relations.; This research delineates the complex nature of U.S.-Japanese relations and the various citizen opinions that have come to light regarding U.S. military presence in Japan. Previous studies of citizen opinions in Japan have been in the form of surveys and public opinion polls but there has been no research of this kind in the form of qualitative research interviewing.; Participants in this study were asked to discuss their experiences and opinions involving the U.S. military base in their town. The major themes spoken of by participants included an interest in cross-cultural interactions, a desire for greater openness and sharing, a shaky acceptance of militarism, changes noted since September 11, 2001, and annoyances resulting from the base. This type of study provides valuable information to both the Japanese and U.S. governments in order to facilitate better relations between citizens and military personnel. Findings provide an opportunity for greater attention to be paid to citizen opinions and to the increase of Track Two Diplomacy in international relations.