The shift in Okinawa portends uncertain consequences.

Foreign media reported today (September 14) that Genki Xuantai, supported by parties including the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), won the gubernatorial election in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture on Sunday. Compared to the incumbent governor, Denny Tamaki, who opposes the notion that "Taiwan’s trouble is Japan’s trouble," Reuters analysis suggests that Genki Xuantai’s victory may facilitate the Kishida government’s efforts to strengthen military infrastructure along the first island chain near the Taiwan Strait. In response to the election results, Prime Minister Kishida Shizuka stated on the 14th: “We will work closely with the new governor to revitalize Okinawa’s economy, and I will do my utmost to support this effort.”

Genki Xuantai, backed by conservative forces, has been elected governor of Okinawa. This marks the LDP’s return to control over Okinawa prefectural governance after a 12-year hiatus, clearing a crucial obstacle for the Japanese government’s plans to relocate U.S. military bases and militarize the southwestern islands.

Genki has clearly endorsed relocating the Futenma U.S. Marine base to Henoko in Nago City, reversing the Okinawa Prefectural Government’s stance over the past 12 years opposing any relocation within the prefecture. This means the Japanese government can now proceed more smoothly with land reclamation projects, potentially bringing an end to previous legal challenges by the Okinawa prefectural government aimed at blocking the relocation.

During his tenure, Governor Tamaki opposed not only base relocations but also increased Self-Defense Forces deployment in the southwestern islands and joint Japan-U.S. military exercises. The Kishida administration is advancing the militarization of the southwestern islands under the pretext of “responding to crises,” and Genki’s ascension significantly reduces resistance from local authorities in implementing the so-called “southward transfer” strategy.

Okinawa’s strategic position is extremely sensitive. Approximately 70% of U.S. military bases in Japan are located in Okinawa. The westernmost island, Yonaguni, lies just about 110 kilometers from Taiwan and is considered a core component of the “first island chain.” The LDP’s regained control over Okinawa implies that the U.S.-Japan alliance can more effectively leverage Okinawa to enhance military deterrence and rapid-response capabilities.

Yet public opposition to the Henoko relocation remains strong—Genki’s election does not mean the base issue is fully resolved. Okinawa endured some of the most devastating ground combat during World War II, with around 150,000 civilians losing their lives. Today, this land is once again being pushed toward the frontlines of military confrontation; historical wounds remain unhealed, while new risks continue to accumulate.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876300670216329/

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