Campaigning begins for Okinawa governor race, a key test for Japan PM
NAHA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Campaigning began Thursday for an Okinawa gubernatorial election in which incumbent Denny Tamaki, an opponent of the relocation
Campaigning kicked off on Thursday for the Okinawa gubernatorial election, a pivotal contest for Japan's ruling coalition. Incumbent Denny Tamaki, who opposes the relocation of a U.S. military base in the southern prefecture, will face off against challenger Genta Koja, a 42-year-old former deputy Naha mayor who supports the base relocation.
Koja, backed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party, aims to unseat Tamaki in the September 13 election. The election holds significant importance for the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party as they prepare for unified local elections next spring. Former lawmaker Mikio Shimoji initially seemed to be in the running, but opted out at the last minute, allegedly to consolidate conservative votes for Koja.
Tamaki, who didn't seek party endorsement, is receiving support from left-leaning opposition forces. The gubernatorial race is the first since the LDP's split from its junior coalition partner, Komeito, last year. Koja, representing a coalition of parties including the LDP, JIP, Democratic Party for the People, and Sanseito, will debate economic and other local issues during the campaign.
The prefecture, home to the majority of U.S. military facilities in Japan, is grappling with concerns over repeated crimes by U.S. service members and noise and pollution issues.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
