Opposition lawmaker Denny Tamaki hinted Monday that he might enter the Okinawa gubernatorial race next month at the request of a group opposed to the U.S.-Japan relocation plan for U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
If the four-term Diet member and secretary-general of the Liberal Party decides to run in the Sept. 30 election to replace late Gov. Takeshi Onaga, the race is likely to turn into a duel with former Ginowan Mayor Atsushi Sakima, who is backed by Tokyo.
"I have to make preparations for my (campaign promises), including what will become the pillars of my policies," Tamaki, 58, told reporters in the city of Okinawa. The former radio personality said he will likely reach a decision later in the week after consulting his supporters.