Voting Underway in Okinawa Gubernatorial Election

Voting began Sunday for the Okinawa gubernatorial election, featuring a primary contest between incumbent Governor Denny Tamaki and Genta Koja. The race centers on the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and the revitalization of the local economy. Tamaki opposes the relocation of the base to the coastal Henoko area of Nago, while Koja, a former deputy Naha mayor, accepts the transfer plan. Koja is backed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ruling coalition, including the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, as well as the Democratic Party for the People, the Komeito party, and the Sanseito party. Tamaki is supported by the All Okinawa group, which includes left leaning forces such as the Japanese Communist Party and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. Koja has campaigned on a pledge to double the prefecture's per capita income by focusing on tourism. The central government and the United States maintain that the relocation is the only solution for deterrence and safety. However, many residents remain opposed, with over 70 percent voting against the Henoko plan in a 2019 referendum. Prime Minister Takaichi views the election as a test of her administration's strength before the unified local elections next spring.