LDP-backed Koja wins Okinawa governor race

Genta Koja, backed by Japan's ruling LDP, won the Okinawa gubernatorial election by a wide margin. He supports the relocation of the U.S. Futenma air base to Henoko, a position that could accelerate Japan's military buildup in the southwest. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she will work closely with the new governor on economic issues. Koja also called for clarifying the timeline for Futenma's return. The result deepens local divisions over the base issue.