agreement was struck between the United States and Japan to reduce the number of U.S. military personnel on the island, moving 9,000 personnel to other locations and moving bases out of heavily populated Greater Naha, but 10,000 Marines will remain on the island, along with other U.S. military units. Attempts to completely close bases on the southern third of the island, where 90% of the population lives (all but about 120,000 people) have been impeded by both the American desire that alternative locations be found where bases subject to closure could move to (e.g. Henoko Peninsula, mid-island), as well as by local Okinawan opposition to any suggested locations on the island (who demand no U.S. troops at all anywhere on the island). Tokyo says the U.S. bases are important for national security. Locals complain that despite being home to less than 1% of Japan's population and area, Okinawa hosts the majority of the U.S. military presence in Japan. In late December 2013, Governor Hirokazu Nakaima gave permission for land reclamation to begin for a new U.S. military base at Henoko, reneging on previous promises and furthering the effort to consolidate the American troop presence on the island, though away from urban Naha. In December 2016 the U.S. returned of the Northern Training Area on Okinawa to Japan. This reduced the footprint of the U.S. forces by 20% on the island. It was the biggest land return since 1972. Architecture Okinawa has various historical buildings and monuments, such as feudal castles, ruins, UNESCO, and other historical significant sites. Shuri Castle is the most famous castle on Okinawa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nakagusuku Castle is a gusuku in the village of Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan. The Cornerstone of Peace monument in Itoman commemorates the Battle of Okinawa and the end of World War II. Nearby is the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. is an original 18th-century farmhouse in Kitanakagusuki. The former Katsuren Castle Nakijin Castle Attractions Natural Cape Manzamo Cape Hedo Sefa-utaki Mid-Sea Road Okinawa Senseki Quasi-National Park is a natural beach shaped like a crescent moon with tropical trees Other Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Mid-Sea Road main street of Naha The American Village in Chatan, Okinawa. Okinawa World Culture Festivals There are multiple festivals on Okinawa throughout the year. Shurijo Castle Park New Year's Celebration