NAHA, Okinawa Pref. -- Growing up near Kadena Air Base and witnessing the rough antics of American soldiers, Yasuhiko Toyozato could be forgiven if he harbored negative feelings toward U.S. forces here.

But like many unemployed Okinawans, he now sees the bases as a kind of oasis.

In October, a school opened here to help the growing number of Japanese seeking civilian jobs at U.S. military facilities.