But Okinawa is to Japan what Hawaii is to the U.S., i.e., officially and technically a part of it, but sorta not really. If you visit Hawaii, you're not really visiting the U.S. in a practical way. Same with Japan and Okinawa. Enjoyed our time there, though.
Agreed, Grandpa. I lived there in the early 80s, when my dad was stationed there, and still know folks who shuffle through on assignments. It's a pretty island, and interesting if you leave the bases. A lot of Americans don't though--it's really a pity. If you're respectful of the culture, the people can be very nice…but they don't really like Americans in general. The protests around the bases can get pretty raucous. The Okinawans are sort of looked down upon by 'real' Japanese: they're smaller & darker skinned than Japanese, and the language is a little different (sort of like the difference between Spain Spanish and the Spanish spoken in the Americas). If you go there, seriously, make sure you visit some of the real Japanese/Okinawan historical places; they're fascinating.