Okinawa’s Koja calls for central government to explain ‘minimum’ military buildup
Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja emphasized the need to balance building up Japan's defense capabilities in the southernmost prefecture with residents' wishes.
Okinawa's newly elected governor, Genta Koja, has called on the central government to provide a clearer explanation of the "minimum" military defenses required in the prefecture located farthest south in Japan. Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo on Monday, Koja stressed the importance of striking a balance between the "Nansei shift" strategy, which aims to bolster Japan's defenses in the southwestern region to deter potential adversaries, and the desires of the local Okinawan population.
"I plan to firmly request that the government clearly outline the essential self-defense capabilities necessary to ensure peace and justify the specific military functions and facilities," Koja stated.
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