Anti-US governor of Japan’s Okinawa vows to ‘resolve the US military base problem’ amid Taiwan tension after re-election

Denny Tamaki’s re-election threatens to deepen tensions between Okinawa and Tokyo over a plan to relocate US troops stationed on the island

Okinawans call the plan a new construction rather than a relocation and want the Futenma base closed and removed from the island

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Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki performs a traditional folk dance with his supporters on Sunday after winning a second four-year-term. Photo: Kyodo

Published: 10:00am, 12 Sep 2022Updated: 11:47am, 12 Sep 2022

Okinawa’s incumbent governor, who opposes an ongoing US Marine base relocation forced by Japan’s central government and calls for a further reduction of American troops on the southern island, has secured his re-election despite concerns of escalating tensions between mainland China and nearby Taiwan.

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki and his supporters declared his victory on Sunday and celebrated with chants of “banzai” soon after the exit poll results showed he beat two contenders – Atsushi Sakima, backed by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s governing bloc and supports its base relocation plan, and another opposition-backed candidate Mikio Shimoji.

Tamaki, who is backed by opposition parties, won 339,767 votes, or about 51 per cent of the effective votes, over Sakima’s 274,844 votes and Shimoji’s 53,677, according to the final results released on Monday by the Okinawa prefecture. Polls were held on Sunday before his first four-year term is to end later this month.

MV-22 Osprey aircraft are seen stationed at the US Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station in Ginowan on Okinawa. Photo: Reuters

Tamaki’s victory could deepen tensions between Okinawa and the central government.

The plan to move US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from a crowded neighbourhood to a less populated area on the island has already been delayed for years. Okinawans call it a new construction rather than a relocation and want the Futenma base closed and removed from the island.

“My commitment to resolve the US military base problem for the future of Okinawa has never been shaken,” Tamaki said. He said he will continue his endeavour to convey Okinawan’s will to the central government.

During the campaign, Tamaki also vowed to do more to improve Okinawa’s economy. Tourism on the semi-tropical island known for its corals, marine life and unique culture was badly hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic.