In Okinawa, Genta Koja leads Governor Tamaki in exit polls
In Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, Liberal Democratic Party-backed candidate Genta Koja has overtaken incumbent Governor Denny Tamaki in the gubernatorial election, according to exit poll data. Tamaki was seeking a third term.
Exit poll data
Japanese media outlets, including NHK, reported Koja’s lead, citing exit polls. According to The Japan Times, the election could have nationwide political repercussions.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi supported Koja. In addition to the Liberal Democratic Party, his candidacy was backed by the Japan Innovation Party, the Democratic Party for the People, Sanseito, the Conservative Party of Japan, and the Okinawa prefectural branch of Komeito.
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Campaign issues
Denny Tamaki was supported by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Japanese Communist Party. One of the main campaign issues was the proposed relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma air base from Ginowan to Henoko in Nago. Another key issue was measures to develop the prefecture’s economy.
Four first-time gubernatorial candidates also took part in the election: company president Shun Kaneshima, medical corporation head Masahiro Sueyoshi, company representative Takashi Higa, and political organization leader Chosuke Yara.
