Okinawa race focus shifts to ties with central government
Over 50 years have passed since the U.S. returned Okinawa to the Japanese administration, but complex feelings toward mainland Japan and its government remain deeply rooted.
As the gubernatorial election in Okinawa approaches, the relationship between Japan's central government and the southernmost prefecture has become a focal point. Incumbent Governor Denny Tamaki, 66, has pledged to speak out against the government, while challenger Genta Koja, 42, has vowed to stop portraying the central government as the antagonist. The issue of relocating the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma air station from Ginowan to Henoko has taken a backseat in the current race.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
