The Latest Breaking News from Okinawa

'Taiwan contingency' prompts evacuation drill on Yonaguni

YONAGUNI, Okinawa -- Yonaguni Island, Japan's westernmost island, held its first evacuation drill on Wednesday over possible ballistic missile strikes.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Dec 4, 2022

Govt eyes creation of Okinawa defense group within GSDF

The Defense Ministry is considering establishing a group within the Ground Self-Defense Force to defend the Nansei island chain, which comprises Okinawa Prefecture and parts of southern Kyushu.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Dec 3, 2022

Joint exercise held amid Taiwan tension

Japan and the United States have wrapped up their largest joint military exercise, Keen Sword, amid an unprecedented sense of urgency, as the possibility of a real Taiwan crisis has come to the fore. The drills, conducted in the Nansei Islands, stretched from the southern tip of Kyushu to Okinawa…

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Nov 20, 2022

Okinawa people wait for Emperor's visit

The Emperor and Empress will visit Okinawa Prefecture this weekend for the National Cultural Festival and other events, in their first visit to the prefecture since the Emperor's enthronement.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Oct 19, 2022

Naha mayoral election duel shows cracks forming in All Okinawa group

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.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Oct 17, 2022

Okinawa’s Elections Expose Problems With Military Coexistence

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.

The News Lens · Oct 6, 2022

Tamaki elected to 2nd term as governor of Okinawa Prefecture

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

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Sep 12, 2022

Okinawa reelects governor opposing heavy US troop presence

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

The Independent UK · Sep 12, 2022

Okinawa voters expected to turn backs on central govt despite China threat

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.

Reuters · Sep 11, 2022

Focus on base, economy issues

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.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Aug 25, 2022