NAHA, Okinawa Pref. (Kyodo) The mayor of Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, conveyed to supporters Thursday his intention to run for governor, sources said.
"I have obtained a general acceptance from those concerned," Yoichi Iha told his senior supporters, according to one of the sources. "I will make up my mind in the direction of making the bid."
Ginowan is host to the Futenma military base that has been a source of friction between Japan and the United States.
Iha said the election will have an impact on Okinawa's future.
The local chapters of the Social Democratic Party and Japanese Communist Party, as well as the Okinawa Social Mass Party, have asked Iha to run in the Nov. 28 election, in which he is likely to face the current governor, Hirokazu Nakaima.
Iha was expected to convey his intention to the three parties Friday afternoon. The sources said he plans to announce his bid at a news conference, possibly by the end of the month, after consulting with the parties and preparing his platform and campaign logistics.