Liberal Democratic Party–backed candidate Genta Koja defeated incumbent Governor Denny Tamaki in Okinawa’s gubernatorial election on Sunday, September 13, 2026, according to media reports citing NHK exit polls. Tamaki had been seeking a third term.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had backed Koja. The race’s main issues included the planned relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from Ginowan to Henoko in Nago, and efforts to strengthen the prefecture’s economy.
Source: The Japan Times — LDP-backed Genta Koja wins Okinawa gubernatorial election