Voters emphasized economic concerns over base relocation in choosing Koja

Genta Koja, Okinawa governor-elect, speaks to reporters in Naha on Sunday. | JIJI

Sep 14, 2026

The local economy, especially high consumer prices, rather than the question of moving a U.S. military base within the prefecture proved to be the deciding issue in Sunday’s election for Okinawa governor.

Voters chose the Liberal Democratic Party-backed Genta Koja, a 42-year-old former Naha vice mayor, who accepts relocating U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan to the Henoko district in Nago, over incumbent Denny Tamaki, 66, who opposed the move.

Following his victory Sunday night, Koja said his priorities as governor would be on the local economy.

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