The Latest Breaking News from Okinawa

NAHA -- The race to decide the next mayor of Okinawa's capital comes down to a head-to-head showdown between a former prefectural assembly member supported by the All Okinawa group and Naha's former deputy mayor backed by the national ruling coalition.

Okinawa’s role in Japanese security was reinforced by China’s military drills in the Taiwan Strait following U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.

NAHA -- Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki was reelected Sunday for a second four-year term, garnering more votes than the other two challengers combined.

Okinawa’s incumbent governor who opposes an ongoing U.S. Marine base relocation forced by Japan’s central government and calls for a further reduction of American troops on the southern island has secured his reelection

Voters in Okinawa are expected to re-elect their opposition-backed governor on Sunday, turning their backs on Japan's central government and national ruling party despite being on the front lines should conflict with China erupt over Taiwan.

Key issues in the Okinawa gubernatorial election campaign that kicked off Thursday are the transfer of the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station from Ginowan to Nago and measures to boost the local economy, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japan's westernmost island lies in sight of Taiwan, less than 70 miles away. On Thursday, a Chinese missile landed near Yonaguni. Japan has been strengthening defenses across its southwest islands.

People in Okinawa asked to avoid non-essential outings amid new wave of infections driven by highly transmissible BA.5

The comic artist was discovered off the coast of Nago, Okinawa, Japan, wearing snorkeling gear. First published in 1996, the series he created became a worldwide sensation.

Takahashi was found wearing snorkelling gear in the sea near Nago in Okinawa

A Japanese artist who created the hit manga comic series "Yu-Gi-Oh!", which spawned a worldwide media franchise including a trading card game, has been found dead in the sea, media reported on Thursday. Kazuki Takahashi, 60, whose real first name was Kazuo, was discovered wearing snorkeling gear and floating in…