With the inauguration of President Trump, Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki will pay close attention to negotiations on the US-Japan SOFA, adding, “It’s unconscionable for Okinawa to bear anymore of the base burden!” (22ja25)

Splendor of Okinawa: Shower of Gold, roadside Futenma, (22no24)


Governor Denny Tamaki held his scheduled press conference on 21 January. In it, he answered questions about the influence of Trump's inauguration as US president on the US-Japan Security Treaty.


The governor noted, “When there’s a change in presidents, government policies also change. So, for instance, it’s unconscionable for the US to request additional burdens on Okinawa, whose excessive burden of bases continues to increase.” He further noted that he will gather more information and consider countermeasures.


On the reform of the US-Japan SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement), the governor noted, “I want to keep a keen eye on whether the Japanese Government is proceeding with exchanges of opinions on it, including how to reform it.”


On the impact of Trump’s inauguration on the East-Asian situation, the governor stated, “How shall we haggle with him? We’ll have to gather information, taking into consideration Mr. Trump and such matters as his announced cabinet.” 


The governor added, “We’ll keep a close watch on the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. We hope to advance negotiations and dialogue with all our related nations."


Original Japanese article: Ryukyu Shimpo, published Wednesday 22 January 2025 at 06:01

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/f8ce3c7f3cb79b8529e2ad324ecc3853300573cb


Denny in the News:

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. 


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. 


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


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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