China factor reshapes debate over military bases in Okinawa — The Japan Times
In Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, ahead of Sunday’s vote, the issue of U.S. military bases is becoming less significant than security threats from China. Against the backdrop of Chinese aircraft and drone activity near the islands, some voters are increasingly supportive of strengthening Japan’s defense, The Japan Times reports.
Okinawa’s incumbent governor, Denny Tamaki, who is seeking a third term, remains opposed to the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma base. At the same time, he speaks less about the bases during campaign appearances because he has exhausted legal options to halt the project, instead focusing on his administration’s economic results.
Competition for the governor’s post
Tamaki’s opponent is 42-year-old Genta Koja, who is backed by the ruling party of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. According to local polls, the candidates have close ratings, while one survey gave Koja a slight lead.
Koja said that the deteriorating security situation around Okinawa must be recognized. “We must be able to defend ourselves and deter aggression,” he said. The candidate supports the plan to relocate the U.S. Marine base, which, he said, is the fastest way to close Futenma in the city of Ginowan. At the same time, he promises to seek a greater share of the burden of hosting bases for other regions of Japan.
Tokyo is already deploying military facilities on the southern islands, including missile bases, ammunition depots and radar stations. As the publication notes, local mayors generally support this process.
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Shift in voter sentiment
For decades, Okinawa has opposed the concentration of the U.S. military presence. The prefecture accounts for about 70% of land in Japan used exclusively by U.S. military facilities. Residents’ dissatisfaction is also linked to constant noise from the bases and cases of serious crimes committed by service members.
A survey by the Okinawa Times and Asahi Shimbun conducted on September 5–6 showed that 45% of Okinawa residents support expanding Japanese military forces across the archipelago, while 34% oppose it. The highest level of support, 69%, was recorded among respondents aged 40.
Chinese coast guard ships regularly patrol near uninhabited islands administered by Japan as part of Okinawa and claimed by Beijing. In 2022, during China’s launch of missiles near Taiwan, one of them fell into Japan’s exclusive economic zone south of one of the islands of Okinawa Prefecture.
Both Tamaki and Koja devote considerable attention to the economy. Koja promises to seek to double residents’ incomes and develop Okinawa as a hub for healthcare and the cosmetics industry. Despite growing tourism figures, Okinawa has the lowest average income level among Japan’s prefectures.
