In Okinawa, frustration over U.S. military bases and renewed threats from abroad, mainly China’s growing influence in the region, can lead down a disorienting corridor of smoke and mirrors. For example, a 65-year-old driver blasting pro-China and pro-North Korea slogans is actually pro-U.S. military.

Kiyotaka Itaya, a 65-year-old retiree and member of the Council to Create a New Japan Constitution, wears the Chinese military fatigues and stands beside the car his group uses to stage fake anti-U.S. military and pro-China protests on Okinawa.

“The people who are participating [in anti-U.S. rallies] are saying, ‘Wait, are we supporting North Korea or China by being here?’” said Itaya, who wears a mask and sunglasses during the mock protests to conceal his identity.

contrived fear campaign : pathetic attempt to manipulate locals into accepting foreign military bases