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[POLITICS] · Japan · 7 sources

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Okinawa gubernatorial election begins with six candidates

The Okinawa gubernatorial election officially commenced with the announcement of six candidates on August 27. The race is expected to be a primary contest between incumbent Denny Tamaki, seeking a third term, and newcomer Genta Koja, a former Naha Vice Mayor endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party and several other conservative and centrist parties.

Key campaign issues include economic revitalization, poverty reduction, and the controversial relocation of the U.S. military Futenma airbase to Henoko. Koja has proposed a plan to double the per capita prefectural income to over 5 million yen within a decade. In contrast, Tamaki is emphasizing his eight-year record of governance and his commitment to a society that “leaves no one behind.”

The political landscape shifted significantly following the withdrawal of Mikio Shimoji, who decided not to run after reaching a policy agreement with the Liberal Democratic Party. This withdrawal has consolidated the conservative vote behind Koja, setting the stage for a direct confrontation between the conservative bloc and the progressive forces supporting Tamaki.

Entities

Denny Tamaki · Genta Koja · Liberal Democratic Party · Mikio Shimoji · Okinawa Prefecture

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