Okinawa Governor Election Attracts New Candidates

The Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party have each announced their endorsement of former Naha city deputy mayor Genta Koshah as a candidate in the upcoming Okinawa prefectural governor election, which will be officially called on August 27 with voting scheduled for September 13.

On August 6, 73‑year‑old businessman Masahiro Sueyoshi declared an independent run for the same post, citing concerns over the current administration’s welfare policies and pledging to create more support for the elderly and children. Sueyoshi, a former teacher and operator of a medical and welfare corporation, adds a third major contender to the race alongside other announced candidates such as Denny Tamaki and Shigeyuki Shimodaira.