Okinawa gubernatorial election to feature record seven candidates

The upcoming Okinawa gubernatorial election is expected to feature a record-breaking seven candidates. The race is centered around three primary contenders: incumbent Denny Tamaki, former Naha Deputy Mayor Genta Koja, and former Minister Mikio Shimoji.

Denny Tamaki, supported by the Constitutional Democratic Party, the Communist Party, and the Social Democratic Party, is emphasizing economic growth and opposes the relocation of the U.S. military base to Henoko. Genta Koja, running as a ‘Prefectural Party’ candidate with endorsements from the LDP, Komeito, and others, proposes doubling prefectural income and child-rearing support while accepting the Henoko relocation.

Mikio Shimoji, positioning himself as a ‘third pole’ candidate, seeks to move past the Henoko issue and proposes policies such as free education and the development of Yanbaru International Airport. Other candidates include Ryukyu Independence Party leader Chosuke Yara and several business executives. The official announcement is scheduled for August 27, with voting to take place on September 13.