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BackOkinawa prefecture gubernatorial election voting begins; incumbent Mr. Tamaki and newcomer Mr. Koja face a one-on-one battle
Okinawa prefecture gubernatorial election voting begins; incumbent Mr. Tamaki and newcomer Mr. Koja face a one-on-one battle
BREAKING
時事通信22 minutes agoPolitics2 min readJapanView original

Okinawa prefecture gubernatorial election voting begins; incumbent Mr. Tamaki and newcomer Mr. Koja face a one-on-one battle

Denny TamakiGenta KojaHenoko

Quick Look

  • Voting for the Okinawa Prefectural gubernatorial election, which marks the end of Governor Denny Tamashiro's term of office, will begin on the morning of the 13th, and will be counted on the same day with a deadline of 8 p.m.
  • It is a de facto one-on-one battle between former Naha City Deputy Mayor Genta Furusa, a newcomer who is supported by conservative forces such as the Liberal Democratic Party, and Tamaki, who has the support of an "all Okinawa" group centered on progressive groups.
  • The main points of contention are the Henoko relocation issue and economic development within the prefecture.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Governor Denny was first elected in the 2018 gubernatorial election, and re-elected in 2022. Opposition to the issue of rural antiquity is the basis for innovation support. This election will be a three-way battle.

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Voting began on the morning of the 13th in the Okinawa prefecture gubernatorial election, which marks the end of Governor Denny Tamaki's (66) term. Votes close at 8 p.m., and votes will be counted the same day. It's a virtual one-on-one battle between Genta Furusa (42), a newcomer and former vice mayor of Naha City, who is supported by conservative forces such as the Liberal Democratic Party, and Tamaki, who is supported by the progressive group "All Okinawa."

Judging on “Henoko” and “Economy” Okinawa gubernatorial election, now a new one-on-one battle, votes counted on the 13th

While the Liberal Democratic Party aims to regain control of the prefecture for the first time in 12 years, Mr. Tamaki is aiming for a third term. The results are likely to have an impact on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's (President of the Liberal Democratic Party) administration.

Mr. Koja was recommended by the Liberal Democratic Party, Japan Restoration Party, People's Democratic Party, Sangyo Party, Japan Conservative Party, and Komeito Prefectural Headquarters. Mr. Tamaki received support from both the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Communist Party.

The main issues in the election campaign were the relocation of the U.S. military's Futenma Air Base (located in Ginowan City, the same prefecture) to Henoko, Nago City, and the promotion of the prefecture's economy.

Four newcomers are also running in the gubernatorial election: company president Shun Kaneshima (48), medical corporation chairman Masahiro Sueyoshi (73), company representative Takashi Higa (49), and political organization representative Asasuke Yara (74).

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

  • If Yuri Castle is re-elected, the opposition to the relocation will continue and there may be further delays.

    Likely · Within weeks

  • If Mr. Koja wins, conservative forces may regain control of the prefectural government and show a cooperative attitude toward relocating to Henoko.

    Possible · Within weeks

Open Questions

  • Specific impact of election results on the future of Henoko relocation work
  • The youth and non-partisan voting trends.
  • Feasibility of economic promotion measures within the prefecture

Related Topics

Denny Tamaki
PeopleGenta KojaSanae TakaichiShun Kaneshima
OrganizationsDemocratic Party.Japan Restoration AssociationNational democracyParticipating political parties.
PlacesOkinawa PrefectureThe city of NagasakiGinowan CityHenoko, Nago City
TopicsGenta KojaHenokoAll of Okinawa.Democratic Party.Elected governor.Okinawa Prefecture
This article was originally published by 時事通信.

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