Genta Furusa is elected for the first time in the Okinawa prefecture gubernatorial election; those who approve of relocating Henoko defeat the progressive faction.

Votes were counted on the 13th for the Okinawa prefecture gubernatorial election due to the expiration of the term, and Genta Furusa (42), former vice mayor of Naha City, who was endorsed by conservative forces such as the Liberal Democratic Party, announced that the vote for the all-Okinawa prefecture gubernatorial election, which is dominated by progressives, was counted on the 13th. Former Naha City Deputy Mayor Genta Furusa (42), who was supported by conservative forces such as the Liberal Democratic Party, was elected for the first time by a wide margin, defeating Governor Denny Tamashiro (66) and others who were aiming for a third term with the support of "All Okinawa," which is mainly a progressive group. Mr. Koja is in a position to approve the relocation of the U.S. military's Futenma Air Base (Ginowan City) to Henoko, Nago City. The prefectural government, which had opposed the relocation, will change direction for the first time in 12 years.

He is the first governor to be born after Okinawa returned to the mainland in 1972. He is the youngest publicly elected governor of the prefecture. Koja told reporters in Naha on the night of the 13th, ``The question was whether to continue the prefectural government or reform it.'' ``I want to move Okinawa forward while paying respect to Mr. Denny's prefectural government,'' he said.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (President of the Liberal Democratic Party) has positioned the gubernatorial election as ``predicting the foundations of the government,'' and it is likely to be a tailwind for the management of national politics. Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki told reporters, ``We were able to further stabilize the foundations of government.'' The government is poised to move ahead with the relocation based on the "will of the people."

After the agreement between the Japanese and U.S. governments to return Futenma in April 1996, the gubernatorial election was centered on the relocation issue. However, construction work off the coast of Henoko progressed, and the prefecture lost all legal battles with the national government. Prefectural residents' interest also seems to have waned compared to before. All Okinawa, which has suffered defeats in recent mayoral elections, has lost the governorship post it held for 12 years, and is clearly in decline.

On the night of the 13th, Mr. Tamaki told supporters in Naha City, ``Henoko cannot be built. I am not wrong to advocate on behalf of the prefecture's citizens (against relocation).''

During the election campaign, Koxie emphasized his connections with the government and ruling party. Economic promotion measures were put forward. Mr. Tamaki suppressed his opposition to the relocation and emphasized his achievements over the past eight years during his second term, including the strong tourism industry, but he was unsuccessful.

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

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

◇ Biography of Mr. Genta Koja