Okinawa Governor Tamaki Denny faces impeachment vote as election allies rally

On July 13, the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly passed the first ever resolution to impeach Governor Tamaki Denny, declaring that his handling of the prefecture’s Washington office scandal has caused a loss of public trust. The assembly, with a majority of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito members, said the governor bears “extremely serious political and moral responsibility.” The controversy centers on the creation of a shell corporation in the United States, dual public‑private employment of staff, and the alleged misuse of about ¥1 billion in prefectural funds.

At the same time, as the 2026 Okinawa gubernatorial election approaches, Denny’s camp is working to mend internal divisions. Former lower‑house member Kunio Araki (新垣邦男) has been approached to serve as a coordinating figure for the governor’s supporters, and other local politicians are positioning themselves for the upcoming campaign.