Full Breakdown
Okinawa’s New Governor Shifts Base Policy Toward Return of U.S. Facilities
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New Governor’s Stance on Defense Buildup
In his inaugural press conference, Governor Genta Koja told reporters he will not “unconditionally accept” the ongoing defense buildup in Okinawa’s southwest. He urged the central government to explain the purpose of the buildup to local residents, to balance the burden of hosting U.S. bases, and to avoid disrupting civilian use of airports and ports. Koja reiterated support for relocating Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from Ginowan to the Henoko district in Nago, describing the move as necessary to remove the base’s dangers as soon as possible.
Shift in Prefectural Policy Office
Koja announced the dissolution of the Henoko Base Construction Countermeasures Division and the creation of a Base Return Coordination Office within the existing Base Affairs Division. The former office, established in 2015, had handled legal challenges to the Henoko airfield project. Koja said the new office will focus on accelerating the return of U.S. military property south of Kadena Air Base under the 2013 Consolidation Plan and on establishing “clear timelines” for those returns.
Context of Base Relocation and Legal History
Former governors Denny Tamaki and Takeshi Onaga had opposed the Henoko relocation and repeatedly challenged the Japanese government in court. The Supreme Court rejected the final legal challenge in January 2025, ending a series of fourteen lawsuits filed since November 2015. Koja’s position marks a departure from his predecessors by supporting the relocation while demanding a swift return of the former Futenma site.
Data on Returned Land and Troop Numbers
Koja noted that only about a quarter-square-mile of a promised four square miles of land has been returned so far. He also called on Tokyo to clarify the timeline for moving roughly 9,000 Marines off Okinawa under a 2012 agreement. Both figures are presented as the governor’s assessment of current progress.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I intend to take a firm stance in demanding that the government eliminate the dangers associated with MCAS Futenma and return the site as soon as possible, while also alleviating the burden on residents,” — Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja, okinawa governor — Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja, Okinawa governor
