Takaichi-Backed Koja Wins Okinawa Governor Race

A candidate supported by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government has won the Okinawa gubernatorial election, potentially clearing the way for Tokyo to expand its military presence across the strategically important islands near Taiwan and China.

Genta Koja, 42, secured 59% of the vote, defeating 66-year-old incumbent Denny Tamaki, according to results announced early Monday. The outcome ends 12 years in which Okinawa governors frequently clashed with Japan’s central government, particularly over U.S. military bases and defence policy.

Although rising living costs dominated the election campaign, Koja’s victory could have significant implications for Japan’s security strategy. Tamaki had opposed plans to relocate some U.S. Marines from the crowded Futenma air base to a new facility at Henoko on Okinawa’s main island. Critics of the project have demanded that the troops instead be transferred outside the prefecture.

Following the election, Japan’s government said it would continue with the Futenma relocation plan.

Koja’s administration could also be more receptive to allowing military use of civilian airports and ports. Masaaki Gabe, professor emeritus at the University of the Ryukyus, said Koja could approve designations that would give Japan’s military greater access to facilities currently used primarily for civilian purposes.

The Okinawa election comes as Takaichi prepares to introduce a new national security strategy expected to accelerate Japan’s largest military expansion since World War Two. Tokyo argues that higher defence spending and stronger capabilities are needed to deter growing security threats from China.

Okinawa is a critical part of the First Island Chain, which stretches from Japan through the Philippines and limits China’s direct access to the Western Pacific. Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost inhabited island, is only about 110 kilometres east of Taiwan.

Japan has already deployed missile and electronic-warfare units across several southwestern islands while expanding ammunition storage. With tensions between Tokyo and Beijing elevated over Taiwan, Koja’s victory could give the Takaichi government greater flexibility to advance its defence plans in Okinawa.