TOKYO: Thousands of protesters circled a United States military airbase in Okinawa on Sunday, to urge its forces to leave ahead of the 35th anniversary of the southern island chain's return to Japan.

The tiny province, which was ruled by the US from 1945 until 1972, hosts half of more than 40,000 American troops stationed in Japan under a security alliance.

Thousands held hands together at Okinawa's Kadena Air Base, which has a 17 kilometre-long perimeter, and hoisted banners that proclaimed:” Give us back quiet nights! US bases, withdraw from Okinawa!”

The demonstration was organised by local labour unions and peace activists, also to mark the 35th anniversary, on Tuesday, of Okinawa's return to Japan.—AFP