Editorials Jan 17, 2016

Futenma, elections and autonomy

The upcoming elections in Okinawa, starting with the Ginowan mayoral race, will weigh heavily on the Futenma relocation issue.

National / Politics Nov 16, 2014

Okinawa elects anti-U.S. base governor, in rebuke to Abe

by Eric Johnston

In an election closely followed by Tokyo and Washington, former Naha Mayor Takeshi Onaga wins Okinawa Prefecture’s gubernatorial contest.

National / Politics Nov 16, 2014

Voting begins to pick new Okinawa governor; moving U.S. base is top issue

Voting started Sunday in Okinawa to pick a governor in an election that could determine the fate of the contentious relocation of a key U.S. military base. The gubernatorial election is the first opportunity for the people of Okinawa, home to the bulk of U.S. ...

National / Politics Nov 15, 2014

As Okinawa votes, Futenma base looms

by Eric Johnston

In an election widely viewed as the final referendum on relocating the U.S. Futenma base within their prefecture, Okinawans prepare to choose a new governor.

National / Politics Oct 30, 2014

Okinawa gubernatorial election kicks off with four candidates

by Eric Johnston

The Okinawa gubernatorial race kicks off with four candidates in an election that could sink Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's political fortunes and strain military ties with the United States.

National Sep 10, 2014

Naha mayor to run for Okinawa governor on anti-base relocation platform

Naha Mayor Takeshi Onaga said Wednesday he will run in the Okinawa gubernatorial election in November, on a platform of opposition to the planned relocation of a U.S. military base within the prefecture. "To meet the expectations of people is what a politician should aim ...

National / Politics Aug 26, 2014

Start of landfill for Futenma relocation site may not start as scheduled

The government is considering a plan to wait until 2015 or later to start filling in the offshore area at Henoko, Okinawa Prefecture, to build a replacement base for the U.S. Futenma facility, government sources said Tuesday. The government had initially considered starting the landfill ...

National / Politics Aug 5, 2014

LDP planning to back incumbent in Okinawa gubernatorial election

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to back Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima when he seeks re-election in November, a senior party official said Tuesday. Nakaima, 74, expressed his intention last month to seek a third term. So far, Naha Mayor Takeshi Onaga, 63, and Mikio Shimoji, ...

National / Politics Jul 19, 2014

Nakaima wants third term at Okinawa's helm

Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima plans to seek a third four-year term in the Nov. 16 gubernatorial election, with the main focus expected to be on efforts to move a contentious U.S. air base in the prefecture. "If I'm allowed to do it once more, I'd ...

National Jul 7, 2014

LDP's Okinawa chapter to back governor if he seeks third term

The Liberal Democratic Party's Okinawa chapter affirmed its intention Monday to field incumbent Hirokazu Nakaima in November's gubernatorial election in defiance of the party leadership, the chapter leader said. Nakaima, who decided last December to allow landfill work necessary for relocating U.S. Marine Corps Air ...

National / Politics Jun 28, 2014

Nakaima might seek third term at helm of Okinawa

Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima said Saturday he is considering running for a third term and will make a final decision soon. Nakaima, 74, told local chiefs and assembly members who support another run in the Nov. 16 election that he was pleased to have their ...