The Nago mayoral election, in which the central issue was whether to condone the relocation of the Futenma Air Station (in Ginowan City, Okinawa), took place on Feb. 4 and former city assembly member Taketoyo Toguchi, 56, (independent, endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, and Nippon Ishin [Japan Innovation Party]) defeated the anti-relocation incumbent Mayor Susumu Inamine, 72, (independent, endorsed by the Democratic Party, the Japanese Communist Party, the Liberal Party, and the Social Democratic Party, and supported by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan) to win his first term as mayor. The government now plans to proceed with the relocation process. It will start reclamation work in the coastal area of Henoko, Nago, as early as June.
Projected schedule of Henoko relocation-related events
|
March 13, 2018 |
District court rules on Okinawa Prefectural Government’s lawsuit seeking an injunction on the construction work |
|
As soon as June |
Start of reclamation work at the relocation site |
|
Sept. 27* |
Nago City Assembly election |
|
Dec. 9* |
Gubernatorial election |
|
Late October, 2020 |
Main construction work, including reclamation, expected to be completed |
|
After FY22 |
Completion of relocation process and return of Futenma base |
*Actual dates not yet decided; dates here indicate the end of term of office.
(Abridged)
