Headquarters of the United States Marine Corps in Japan and the United States Forces Okinawa, Camp Foster is a huge military complex on Okinawa Island. It covers a large area including the cities of Ginowan, Chatan, and Kitanaka Gusuku. Camp Foster was originally called Camp Zukeran, but it was renamed after the Medal of Honor recipient William A. Foster.
It has all the facilities that one would expect for military personnel and their families living abroad. As well as a weapons storage area and maintenance sections, there are residential areas, three schools, a golf course, food court, movie theater, bowling alley, and other amenities. Of interest to tourists is the excellent Tsunami Scuba that rent scuba gear as well as providing dive courses and certification as well as MCCS Tours+ which provide reasonable rates on English speaking tours of Okinawa.
Camp Foster in Okinawa (photo: #PACOM / flickr)
The presence of so many American military personnel has had a profound impact on the Okinawan culture. There are more Western foods, clothes, and other items available in the nearby towns than in most other areas of Japan. Unfortunately there are negative impacts that frequently make it into the local media, such as noise pollution and disturbances in night clubs.
There are often suggestions to remove or relocate the camp, as has been tentatively approved for USMC location, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, but so far Camp Foster remains a large presence in Okinawa.
