September 15, 2026

In the September 13 Okinawa gubernatorial election, Tamaki Denny put up a good fight but ultimately fell short of victory. The winner was Koja Genta who received full support from the Takaichi government and six political parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party.

Tamaki, at his campaign office after acknowledging his defeat, stated that the will of the overwhelming majority of Okinawan people remains opposed to the Henoko base project. He pointed out that Koja did not make clear to voters whether he would hand over Naha Airport which has a long runway, while accepting the construction of a new U.S. military base in Henoko in Nago City.

Referring to a U.S. government report suggesting that the U.S. Futenma Air Station in Ginowan City will remain operational even after the new base in Henoko is completed unless a long runway is provided, Tamaki reiterated, “I was not wrong to tell the Japanese government, on behalf of the Okinawans, that ‘we will not accept’ such a contradictory plan.”

Meanwhile, after the results were finalized, Koja told reporters, “I accept that proceeding with the construction of a new base in Henoko (as a replacement for the U.S. Futenma base) is the quickest solution. I will move forward with it steadily.”

Regarding the “specific use airports and seaports” system which allows the Self-Defense Forces to use these facilities for military purposes in peacetime, Koja stated, “While utilizing this system, I will work to ensure that the SDF can effectively expand their capabilities.”

Past related articles:
> USFJ won’t return Futenma unless Japan offers a ‘long runway’ separate from Henoko
JCP opposes [April 25,2026]
> JCP opposes
improvement of airports and harbors for military purposes [January 30, 2024]