Okinawa Governor Tamaki Launches Reelection Bid as Party Splits, June 14

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki (66) announced his reelection bid on June 14 as his campaign organization held its opening ceremony in Naha. Three local Chudo party members broke with national leadership to publicly support Tamaki, citing the party’s failure to take a clear stance on U.S. military base relocation. The split exposes deep divisions within the party over regional policy.

Tamaki Launches Campaign With Support Pledge

Tamaki’s campaign organization, the Okinawa Citizens Walking Together group, opened its office in Naha on June 14. Tamaki stated his goal of creating “a peaceful, proud, and prosperous Okinawa where no one is left behind.” The September 13 election will determine the next governor as Tamaki’s current term ends.

Local Party Members Defy National Leadership

Three Chudo party members—Asahiro Yara, Kunio Arakaki, and Yoshiyuki Toita—announced support for Tamaki at a June 14 rally in Naha. They criticized the national party for refusing to take a position on the election. Arakaki said he felt “disappointed” by the party’s lack of clarity. All three are former House members who lost their seats in February 2026 elections.

Base Relocation Divides the Party

The three members emphasized opposition to relocating Futenma Air Base to Henoko, a policy the national party has not endorsed. Yara stated that if party policy conflicts with his beliefs, he would not hesitate to leave Chudo. Party leader Atsushi Ogawa said the national party sees no need to decide on the election, leaving local and national wings at odds.

What This Means for the Election

The party split weakens Chudo’s influence in Okinawa politics ahead of the September vote. Tamaki gains visible support from local politicians, though the national party remains neutral. The dispute signals ongoing tension between national party interests and regional concerns over military policy in Okinawa.

Final Thoughts

Tamaki’s reelection campaign gains momentum as local party members publicly back him, but the Chudo party’s refusal to take a stance exposes internal conflict over military base policy. The September 13 election will test whether regional support outweighs national party divisions.

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