New Okinawa governor rejects unconditional defense buildup

Naha, Okinawa Pref., Oct. 1 (Jiji Press)--Genta Koja, the newly appointed Okinawa Governor, urged the Japanese government to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding its defense expansion in the country's southwestern region. In his inaugural press conference at his office in Naha, Okinawa's capital, Koja stated that he would not unconditionally accept the defense buildup, particularly within his own southern prefecture.

He implored the central government to elucidate to local residents the importance of the defense expansion, garner their understanding, strike a balance with the aim to alleviate the burden of hosting military bases, and prevent disruption to the civilian use of airports and ports. Koja reiterated his agreement on the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma air station within the prefecture to remove the base's dangers as soon as possible.

He had secured victory in the election on September 13, becoming the first Okinawa governor in 12 years who did not oppose the relocation of the Futenma base from Ginowan to the Henoko district in Nago.