Key Facts
• Five candidates are running in the Okinawa constituency Senate election.
• The election is centered on Ryō Okuma (LDP) and Saya Takara (All Okinawa).
• Okuma emphasizes ties with the ruling party and 12 years of experience as a Naha city councilor.
• Takara focuses on reducing consumption tax, revising the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement, and addressing base burdens.
• The LDP has not won a prefecture-wide election in Okinawa since 2010.
• The All Okinawa camp sees this election as critical after recent mayoral losses.
• Wada (Sanseitō) proposes abolishing consumption tax and providing $10,000 monthly education grants per child.
• Other candidates include Makishi (NHK Party) advocating for reduced social insurance premiums and Higa (Independent) focusing on vaccine injury relief.
• Early voting as of July 13 reached 92,275 ballots, a 0.33% increase from the previous election.
• The election coincides with the Naha City Council election, intensifying competition in the region.
Summary
The Okinawa constituency Senate election is entering its final stage, with five candidates vying for a seat. The race is primarily between Ryō Okuma, backed by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and Saya Takara, supported by the All Okinawa coalition. Okuma highlights his political experience and connections with the ruling party, while Takara focuses on economic relief and reducing U.S. military base burdens. The LDP aims to reclaim a seat it has not won since 2010, viewing this election as a precursor to next year’s gubernatorial race. Meanwhile, the All Okinawa camp is determined to maintain its position after recent electoral setbacks. Other candidates, including Wada (Sanseitō), Makishi (NHK Party), and Higa (Independent), present alternative policies to attract voters. Early voting has slightly increased, and the election coincides with the Naha City Council race, making the outcome highly competitive. The final results will be announced on July 20.
