Okinawa political shift clears way for Japan defense buildup near Taiwan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Monday that the triumph of ruling party-backed candidate Genta Koja in the recent Okinawa gubernatorial election demonstrated the voters' focus on economic matters. Takaichi pledged to collaborate with Koja to spur the economy in the southern prefecture, which has one of Japan's lowest per capita incomes. In the gubernatorial poll held on Sunday, Koja emerged victorious over incumbent Denny Tamaki, who opposes the relocation of a U.S. base within Okinawa.

Koja's win, which supports the relocation of the base, may benefit Takaichi's administration as it proceeds with the contentious project. Takaichi assured she would exert all efforts to enhance Okinawa's economy with the new governor. While discussing economic concerns, Takaichi mentioned she would listen to the views of the new governor on other matters.

The defeat of Tamaki marked the first time in 12 years that Okinawa had a leader who backed the transfer of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to the coastal Henoko area. Koja expressed his hope to meet with Takaichi soon to request clarification on when the Futenma base site will be returned after relocation, which is anticipated to occur as early as 2036. He also requested measures to promote the prefecture's development.

This time, the base relocation issue took a backseat to the economy compared to previous elections. Construction of the replacement facility continues, as legal battles with the central government concluded last year left Okinawa with limited effective measures to obstruct the transfer. The Futenma relocation is based on a 1996 agreement between Japan and the U.S. to eliminate dangers posed by the busy base to the surrounding area.

Okinawa has been under U.S. control since World War II's end and currently hosts the majority of U.S. military installations. The island's history, coupled with safety, noise, and environmental concerns, has led to widespread opposition to the base transfer within the prefecture, despite Okinawa's growing strategic importance amid heightened tensions with China.