Atsushi Sakima emerged victorious in the mayoral election in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, on September 8, securing his return to the position after previously serving as mayor from 2012 to 2018. The election was closely watched due to the contentious issue of relocating the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to the Henoko district of Nago, a plan that Sakima supports and his opponent, Isao Tobaru, opposes.
Sakima, 60 years old, positioned himself as the candidate who could carry on the work of his predecessor, former mayor Masanori Matsugawa, who passed away while in office. He emphasized the importance of the central government's decision regarding the Futenma base issue and called for a clear timeline for the relocation, which is projected to occur in the mid-2030s. Additionally, Sakima advocated for a phased transfer of U.S. aircraft to the Henoko site before the new base is fully operational.
On the other hand, Isao Tobaru, an independent newcomer supported by Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki and opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Japanese Communist Party, stood against the Henoko relocation plan. Tobaru raised concerns about construction delays and challenges related to reinforcing the seabed at the reclamation site, instead advocating for the immediate closure of Futenma without waiting for the completion of the Henoko project. Despite his efforts, Tobaru was defeated by Sakima, who received 24,173 votes compared to Tobaru's 16,195.