On August 19, 1965 Prime Minister Sato visited Okinawa, the first Japanese premier to visit the island after the war. "Until the reversion of Okinawa, the post-war era of our country will not end," declared Sato. However, 20,000 protesters encircled the Prime Minister's lodgings, requiring Sato and his staff to transfer to a U.S. military reception hall and spend a night on base.