Today in Japan (12.29.17)
A roundup of the most significant news stories from Japan reported on December 29, 2017.
Tag Archives: Ginowan city (Okinawa)
Tillerson Makes U-Turn on North Korea Talks
This Week in Japan is your source for news and information about politics and other happenings in this East Asian island country. This episode covers the Top Five stories of the second week of December 2017.
Today in Japan (12.08.17)
A roundup of the most significant news stories from Japan reported on December 8, 2017.
A Conservative Victory in Ginowan
In the closely watched mayoral election in Ginowan city, which hosts the controversial US Marines Futenma Air Base, conservative incumbent Atsushi Sakima won reelection to a second term. Mayor Sakima faced a stiff challenge from Keiichiro Shimura, who had the backing of Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga and the “All Okinawa” forces opposing construction of the US Marines airbase at Henoko beach.
Democracy at Stake in New Battle of Okinawa
On November 16, a new governor was elected in Okinawa, Japan, pledging to take on the governments of both Japan and the United States to stop the construction of a controversial US Marine airbase in his prefecture.
Okinawa’s Opposition Has Only Begun
Former Ginowan Mayor Yoichi Iha says anti-base sentiment in Okinawa remains the consensus.
Nakaima’s Betrayal Cuts Deep
Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima’s decision to approve construction of the planned US Marine air base at Henoko has won its fair share of admirers. Much of the international media has portrayed it as a “breakthrough” that resolves a long political “stalemate” that had plagued US-Japan relations for many years.
