With ballots to be opened on 11 September for the already proclaimed gubernatorial election, candidates Shimoji, Sakima, and Tamaki clash over the battle points of the new base and Covid-19. (26au22)


Splendor of Okinawa: Callicarpa, roadside Uruma, 28jy22


With the term ending, the 14th Okinawa Prefecture Gubernatorial Election was proclaimed on 25 September. The 3 candidates by order of notification are: former House of Councilors Member Mikio Shimoji (61) running as an independent, former Ginowan Mayor Atsushi Sakima (58) also running as an independent but with backing from the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, and incumbent Governor Denny Tamaki (62), who too is running as an independent, though backed by  the Communist Party, the Constitutional Democratic Party, the Social Democratic Party, Socialist Masses Party, Ninufa-bushi (North Star) Party, and Reiwa (Orderly Peace) Party.


The powder is lit on 17 days of electioneering, with the touch points being their response to issues such as the new base construction at Henoko in Nago to accommodate the relocation of the US Military Futenma Airfield in Ginowan and measures against Covid-19. From 26 August, early voting began in each municipality. The pivotal last day of voting will be on 11 September for the 40 municipalities, excluding the Taketomi District where the last vote will be cast on 10 September, one day early.


Candidate Shimoji got in the first word at a press photo op posting site linked to broadcasts from in front of the US Military Camp Schwab Gate. Shimoji pledged, “I’ll get this Henoko problem finished off. Then, I’ll make education free. I’m not going to depend on the National Government for our economy. I’m going to link this Okinawa of ours to the next generation.”


Candidate Sakima held his formal campaign kickoff at Prefectural People’s Square in front of the Prefectural Office at Izumizaki in Naha. With his supporters, he vigorously projected his victory. Candidate Sakima pledged, “Our economy and daily lives are in a harsh situation. I have the firm concoction and resolve to protect the lives and livelihoods of our prefecture’s people. Without any doubt, I will be elected prefectural Governor.”


Governor Tamaki first raised his voice at the Agena Fishing Harbor in Uruma. He pledged re-election in common  with his assembled supporters.

The governor stated, “We will make a reality of a secure society, taking in all and leaving out none. We’re on our way to a new Okinawan generation. I pledge it fair and square, to make our Okinawa brilliant with the smiles of our children, our youth, and our women.”

　

As for the new base construction at Henoko in this gubernatorial election, the 3 candidates have clearly different stances. The tragic Covid-19 has arisen for the first time as an issue in a gubernatorial election. Their positions on the economic slump and other issues are being worked out.

　

Original Japanese article: Ryukyu Shimpo, published Friday 26 August 2022 at 07:04. Byline: ‘22 Gubernatorial Election Coverage Squad

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/e5ac5d5e45ce5d4851bc0967245ed6dc09bf085e


Denny in the News: news about Governor Denny Tamaki.

Denny Tamaki is the governor of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. Although Okinawa is important as an international tourist destination and a key element in strategic US Military Forces, its governor receives very little coverage in the Japanese press and almost none in the English language media. 

  1. This blog hopes to  translate one news article a day on the governor.  It is unsponsored and unauthorized. The translator simply hopes to improve his skills and perhaps give the governor an English speaking audience. 

  2. Any suggestion on improving the translation will be gratefully accepted. However, please leave political comments for another forum.

  3. Where they occur, words and phrases in Ryukyuan (the Okinawan language) are rendered in italics and translated in parentheses. Names  whose readings are uncertain are rendered as Name (=Kanji?) as in Nagayuki (=長行?). Any corrections in such instances would be gratefully appreciated.

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