The Takaichi administration plans to promote a ``southwest shift'' to strengthen the defense capabilities of the southwest region, in light of the appointment of Okinawa Prefecture's first conservative governor in 12 years. This response is aimed at China, which is increasing its military activities, but some locals are wary of the increased risk of becoming the target of an attack.
"Strengthening the defense system in the Nansei Islands is essential to protecting the people of Japan and Okinawa." Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the following to reporters at the Prime Minister's Office on the 17th, following the decision to remain in office due to a cabinet reshuffle.
In the gubernatorial election held on the 13th, former Naha City Deputy Mayor Genta Furusa defeated incumbent Denny Tamaki. What is expected to progress in conjunction with this is the designation of ``special use airports and ports'' that can be used by the Self-Defense Forces and the Japan Coast Guard during peacetime.
The government has currently designated 57 locations nationwide. In Okinawa Prefecture, three facilities have been designated for national and city management, but Mr. Tamaki has shown a negative attitude toward facilities such as Ishigaki Airport (Ishigaki City), which is managed by the prefecture.
Koja told reporters on the 16th, ``I would like to proceed with (the designation).'' The government wants to expand the scope of the program, focusing on island areas. However, there are some concerns from the local community, saying, ``We are against military-civilian use. There is a risk of being used as an attack target.'' (Prefectural Assembly Member)
Against the backdrop of China's maritime expansion, the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces are working to strengthen their systems from the southernmost tip of Kyushu to the areas surrounding Okinawa and Yonaguni Island. Since 2016, units have been formed one after another on Yonaguni Island, Miyako Island, Ishigaki Island, and other areas.
As early as next March, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's 15th Brigade, based in Naha City, will be made into a division, increasing its personnel from approximately 2,300 to 3,900. On Yonaguni Island, in addition to deploying an anti-aircraft electronic warfare unit to disrupt the radar and communications of invading enemy aircraft, there are plans to deploy a medium-range surface-to-air guided missile (medium SAM) unit in fiscal 2030.
In order to strengthen Japan's counterattack capability (ability to attack enemy bases), there is also a plan to deploy ground-launched long-range missiles, the Type 25 surface-to-ship guided missile, within Okinawa Prefecture in the future. A senior Ministry of Defense official said, ``Nothing has been decided,'' but pointed out, ``This is something that the Tamaki Prefectural government will never move forward with.''
However, the administration did not get a free hand by recapturing the prefectural government. Approximately 70% of the U.S. military's facilities in Japan are concentrated there, and residents of the prefecture, who have long been burdened with the burden of burdening the bases, have mixed feelings about the situation. Another ministry official said, ``We will continue to politely engage with local governments that are closest to the will of the people.''
