Okinawa Prefectural Government's Washington Office Under Scrutiny
The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly is scrutinizing the operations of the prefecture's office in Washington, D.C., following questions raised by opposition parties about its validity. The office, established in 2015, serves as a platform for the prefecture to lobby the U.S. government on issues related to U.S. military bases in Okinawa.
Opposition parties have expressed concerns about the office's operational procedures, particularly its use of a stock company to manage its affairs. They argue that this arrangement violates the Local Public Service Law, as prefectural officials working for a for-profit company require the governor's permission.
The prefecture has defended its decision to use a stock company, citing advice from the U.S. government that it was necessary for engaging in political activities. However, details remain unclear due to the unavailability of relevant documents.
Governor Denny Tamaki, a staunch opponent of U.S. bases in Okinawa, has apologized for the lack of transparency and pledged to rectify the identified flaws. The LDP, the main opposition party, plans to hold Tamaki accountable for the issue.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between the central government and Okinawa over the presence of U.S. military bases on the island. The prefecture has long called for the relocation of the Futenma Air Station, citing concerns about noise, accidents, and environmental pollution.
The outcome of the investigation into the Washington office's operations could have significant implications for the future of U.S.-Japan relations and the ongoing debate over the U.S. military presence in Okinawa.