World
Big Win in Okinawa as Conservative Candidate Takes Office
A new leader backed by the ruling party has won the election in Okinawa, showing a shift in how locals feel about U.S. military bases.
Genta Koja, the newly elected governor of Okinawa, celebrating his victory after the election results.
By John Doe
Reporting from Japan 
Sept. 13, 2026, 3:54 p.m. - 12 hours ago
There is a big change happening in Okinawa, a group of islands in southern Japan. Genta Koja, who was supported by Japan’s main political party, the LDP, just won the election for governor.
For a long time, many people in Okinawa were angry about U.S. military bases being on their islands. They often voted for leaders who wanted to push the U.S. military out. But this time was different.
Experts say the fear of China’s growing power has changed things. People in Okinawa are now more worried about security than they are about the U.S. bases. Because of this, the fight over the bases has become less important to many voters.
Instead, voters are looking at the economy and national safety. They want a leader who can work well with the central government in Tokyo to keep the region safe and help local businesses grow.
This win is a sign that the old arguments about the U.S. military presence might be fading. Many people are realizing that with neighbors like China, they might need the military support more than they thought before. This shift marks a new chapter for the islands.
Source: The Japan Times
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