In the city assembly election Sunday in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, candidates opposed to the Abe administration's push to move the functions of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan to Nago's Henoko area retained a majority of seats.
The outcome shows that Nago voters' opposition to the Henoko relocation plan remains strong despite the government's economic steps designed to win their support.
The administration should realize that its push for the relocation plan continues to divide local communities in Okinawa. It should seriously consider a plan that would be acceptable to the majority of Okinawan residents.