Okinawa Policy Council meeting held for first time in 13 years
The meeting was arranged in response to a request Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja made after winning the prefecture's gubernatorial election in September.
For the first time in 13 years, the Okinawa Policy Council convened on Friday to address key issues with the central government. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, cabinet ministers, and Okinawa Governor Genta Koja attended the meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo. Takaichi emphasized her commitment to reducing the burden of hosting U.S. military bases, stating that every effort would be made to achieve a visible reduction.
She stressed the importance of comprehensive and strategic economic development for Okinawa as a national priority. The meeting came in response to Koja's request after his election as prefectural governor in September. A major point of discussion was the allocation of state funding for economic development measures. The Cabinet Office's budget request for fiscal 2027 allocated ¥289.7 billion for such initiatives, which is below the ¥300 billion requested by Okinawa for the past six consecutive years.
Koja called for a significant review of the Japan-U.S. status of forces agreement and a clear timeline for the return of the Futenma air station in Ginowan, Okinawa.
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