Okinawa administrative shift regarding Henoko base

Following the inauguration of Governor Genta Koja, Okinawa Prefecture underwent an administrative reorganization that included the abolition of the ‘Henoko New Base Construction Problem Countermeasures Division’. This division, which had been a symbol of opposition to the Henoko relocation since 2015, saw its responsibilities transferred to a new ‘Early Return Countermeasures Office’. Under the new administration, the prefecture ceased publishing website content expressing opposition to the Henoko relocation, though historical and legal documents remain available.

Governor Koja has since characterized the relocation of Futenma Air Station to Henoko as a “realistic solution” to mitigate the dangers posed by the current Futenma site. While supporting the relocation to resolve Futenma-related risks, the Governor stated his intention to urge the central government to reduce the overall military burden on the prefecture.

In a recent meeting with local leaders from the Kubeyabe Three Districts—Henoko, Toyohara, and Kushi—Governor Koja reaffirmed his acceptance of the relocation while expressing regret regarding the increased base burden on local residents. He pledged to listen to and reflect local opinions in his administration. In response, district leaders and Nago Mayor Taketomi Toguchi urged the Governor to take responsibility for the region’s future. They requested improvements to the living environment, specifically citing the need to address construction-related traffic congestion, regional revitalization, population decline, and medical and welfare services.