The Japanese government recently unveiled guidelines detailing plans for the construction of underground shelters on various outlying islands in Okinawa Prefecture, particularly in response to the escalating tensions involving Taiwan. This program comes as part of a strategic shift in defense posture, with the Self-Defense Forces relocating anti-aircraft missile batteries and surface-to-ship missile launchers to the Nansei chain of islands, extending from the main southern island of Kyushu towards Taiwan.
However, concerns have been raised by leaders of municipalities in some of the more remote islands, such as Yonaguni, who fear that the increased military presence could potentially make their residents more vulnerable to attacks if China were to act upon its threats towards Taiwan. Yonaguni Mayor Kenichi Itokazu called for greater government support to address the apprehensions of residents about the Self-Defense Forces establishing bases in the Sakishima islands, highlighting the proximity of Yonaguni town to Taiwan, which is only 110 kilometers away.
The guidelines released on March 29 outline the development of shelters in five municipalities - Ishigaki, Miyakojima, Yonaguni, Taketomi, and Tarama. These shelters are envisioned to be constructed in public facilities on islands where evacuation via planes and boats remains the primary means of escape in the event of a military crisis. Once completed, the shelters are intended to accommodate residents who may be unable to evacuate on time, providing essential provisions such as food and water to sustain occupants for at least two weeks.