Key Facts
• July 29: Shinya Ito, Chief of Okinawa Defense Bureau, met Governor Denny Tamaki.
• August 1: Ito to assume role as Director of the Ministry of Defense’s Planning Bureau.
• Ito reflected on challenges in advancing U.S. military base return plans during his two-year tenure.
• Governor Tamaki urged continued U.S.-Japan collaboration to prevent crimes by U.S. military personnel.
• Successor: Masaru Murai, former Director of the Defense Bureau’s Planning Department.
Summary
Shinya Ito, Chief of the Okinawa Defense Bureau, reported his departure to Governor Denny Tamaki on July 29. Ito, who will take on a new role as Director of the Ministry of Defense’s Planning Bureau on August 1, reflected on his two-year tenure, noting limited progress in visible advancements of U.S. military base return plans. Governor Tamaki emphasized the importance of strict measures to prevent crimes by U.S. military personnel and called for continued U.S.-Japan cooperation. Masaru Murai, with prior experience as Director of the Defense Bureau’s Planning Department, will succeed Ito.
