Editing Okinawa Prefecture (section)

== Politics ==
[[File:Naha Okinawa Japan Okinawa-Prefectural-Government-Headquarters-01.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Okinawa Prefectural Government Headquarters]]

Due to its unique historical background, Okinawa has a significantly stronger progressive (left-wing) presence compared to most other Japanese prefectures, making it one of the most politically polarized regions in the country. The [[Okinawa Social Mass Party]], a local progressive political party, has played an important role in postwar Okinawan politics.<ref>{{cite book |author=今林直樹 |title=沖縄の歴史・政治・社会 (Okinawa's History, Politics, and Society) |year=2016 |publisher=大学教育出版 (University Education Press) |location=Okayama |isbn=978-4-86429-357-0 |language=ja}}</ref>{{rp|55–71}}

In 2014, various progressive parties such as the [[Social Democratic Party (Japan)|Social Democratic Party]], [[Japanese Communist Party]], [[Democratic Party (Japan)|Democratic Party]], and the Okinawa Social Mass Party formed a cross-party electoral alliance with some conservative figures who also opposed the relocation of the U.S. [[Marine Corps Air Station Futenma]] to the city of [[Nago, Okinawa|Nago]]. This movement, known as the "All-Okinawa" campaign, achieved electoral victories in the [[2014 Okinawa gubernatorial election]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zenshoren.or.jp/shisaku/senkyo/141013-01/141013.html |title=No New Base – Toward a Peaceful and Prosperous Okinawa Through "All Okinawa" |publisher=National Federation of Merchant and Industrial Associations |language=ja |access-date=2017-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321203244/http://www.zenshoren.or.jp/shisaku/senkyo/141013-01/141013.html |archive-date=2016-03-21 }}</ref> the [[2016 Okinawa prefectural election]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/senkyo/articles/20160606/k00/00m/010/100000c |title=Anti-base relocation bloc wins big in Okinawa assembly election |publisher=Mainichi Shimbun |language=ja |access-date=2017-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024331/https://mainichi.jp/senkyo/articles/20160606/k00/00m/010/100000c |archive-date=2017-11-07 }}</ref> and others.

Since Japan introduced the [[Single-member district]] system in 1996, Okinawa has been divided into four electoral districts for the [[House of Representatives (Japan)|House of Representatives]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000240093.pdf |title=Okinawa Prefecture Electoral Districts |publisher=Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829153121/https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000240093.pdf |archive-date=2020-08-29 }}</ref> Among these, Okinawa's 2nd District, which hosts the highest concentration of U.S. military bases, has long been a stronghold for the progressive camp. [[Kantoku Teruya]] of the Social Democratic Party held this seat from 2003 onwards. The other three districts have seen fierce competition between conservatives and progressives, with frequent changes in party control.

In the [[2014 Japanese general election]], all four Okinawan districts elected candidates opposed to the relocation of the Futenma base to Nago. In the 1st District, [[Seiken Akamine]] of the Japanese Communist Party won a seat—marking the JCP’s first single-member district victory in Okinawa and its first nationwide in 18 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/senkan_i/event/syugi26/syugi26.html |title=2014 General Election Results – Okinawa |publisher=Okinawa Prefectural Government |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416091056/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/senkan_i/event/syugi26/syugi26.html |archive-date=2020-04-16 }}</ref>

In the [[2017 Japanese general election]], the [[Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)|Liberal Democratic Party]] (LDP) won the seat in the 4th District.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/senkan_i/h29syuuinnsenn.html |title=2017 General Election Results – Okinawa |publisher=Okinawa Prefectural Government |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416091048/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/senkan_i/h29syuuinnsenn.html |archive-date=2020-04-16 }}</ref> In the [[2021 Japanese general election]], LDP candidates won in both the 3rd and 4th Districts and also gained proportional representation seats in the 1st and 2nd Districts. The Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party each retained one seat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhk.or.jp/senkyo/database/shugiin/2021/47/ |title=2021 General Election Results – Okinawa |publisher=NHK |language=ja |access-date=2021-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101075327/https://www.nhk.or.jp/senkyo/database/shugiin/2021/47/ |archive-date=2021-11-01 }}</ref>

In the [[House of Councillors (Japan)|House of Councillors]], Okinawa is represented by two seats in a single at-large district. Both are currently held by politicians who oppose the Futenma base relocation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/54252 |title=Upper House Election: Anti-base candidate Iha wins in 26 municipalities, landslide in Naha |date=July 12, 2016 |publisher=Okinawa Times |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175755/https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/54252 |archive-date=2020-08-16 }}</ref> However, in proportional representation voting, the LDP has consistently received the highest number of votes in Okinawa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/54253 |title=Proportional Representation: LDP Leads in Okinawa with 160,000 Votes |date=July 12, 2016 |publisher=Okinawa Times |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175800/https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/54253 |archive-date=2020-08-16 }}</ref>

Okinawa has also experienced multiple changes in political leadership throughout its gubernatorial history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/senkan_i/event/tijisen/documents/tijisenjisseki.pdf |title=Historical Record of Okinawa Gubernatorial Elections |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175756/https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/senkan_i/event/tijisen/documents/tijisenjisseki.pdf |archive-date=2020-08-16 }}</ref> In 2014, [[Takeshi Onaga]], backed by progressive forces, was elected governor of Okinawa Prefecture.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://go2senkyo.com/local/senkyo/6302 |title=2014 Okinawa Gubernatorial Election Candidate Information |publisher=Senkyo Dot Com |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327031518/http://go2senkyo.com/local/senkyo/6302%E3%80%80 |archive-date=2018-03-27 }}</ref> After Onaga's death in 2018, another progressive candidate, [[Denny Tamaki]], was elected governor in the September 2018 election.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/senkan_i/event/tijisen/documents/tijisennkaihyoulast.pdf |title=Official Results: 2018 Okinawa Gubernatorial Election |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=2018-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020095056/http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/senkan_i/event/tijisen/documents/tijisennkaihyoulast.pdf |archive-date=2018-10-20 }}</ref> Tamaki was re-elected in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220911/k10013813421000.html |title=Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki Wins Second Term |publisher=NHK |language=ja |access-date=2022-09-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912071910/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220911/k10013813421000.html |archive-date=2022-09-12 }}</ref> However, in recent years, rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait have led to growing unease among Okinawans toward the People’s Republic of China, resulting in a loss of momentum for progressive forces.<ref>{{cite web |title=Okinawa Governor Tamaki: "A Disappointing Result" as All-Okinawa Mayor Defeated in Miyakojima |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20250120-HCOSKQNGSFINVKX4UMTJN5ZAG4/ |publisher=Sankei News |language=ja |date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-04-13 }}</ref>

The [[Okinawa Prefectural Assembly]] consists of 48 members, with the [[Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)|Liberal Democratic Party]] holding the largest number of seats at 22.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/kensei/gikai/1017039/1029763/1029799.html |title=Assembly Members by Party |publisher=Okinawa Prefectural Assembly |language=ja |access-date=2025-04-14 }}</ref>

In terms of administrative jurisdiction, the disputed [[Senkaku Islands]] (referred to by China and Taiwan as the Diaoyu Islands) are administered by the city of [[Ishigaki, Okinawa|Ishigaki]] in Okinawa Prefecture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/a_o/c_m1/senkaku/page1w_000015.html |title=Senkaku Islands Data |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |language=ja |access-date=2017-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327031518/http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/a_o/c_m1/senkaku/page1w_000015.html%E3%80%80 |archive-date=2018-03-27 }}</ref>

According to a 2015 Okinawa Prefectural Government survey, only 9.3% of Okinawans felt an affinity toward the People’s Republic of China, while 88.1% did not. Similarly, 90.8% of respondents reported a negative impression of China.<ref name="survey" />

Okinawa has long experienced social and cultural frictions with mainland Japan. In 2016, controversy erupted when police officers from [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]] Prefecture assigned to duty at U.S. military bases in Okinawa used the derogatory term "dojin" (meaning "savage" or "native") to insult local protestors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sankei.com/west/news/161021/wst1610210068-n1.html |script-title=ja:巡査部長ら２人を懲戒処分　大阪府警「県民侮辱の意図ないが軽率な発言、社会的影響」 |access-date=2020-08-29 |publisher={{lang|ja|産経ニュース}} |language=ja |archive-date=2020-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175837/https://www.sankei.com/west/news/161021/wst1610210068-n1.html |url-status=live}}</ref> According to a 2017 [[NHK]] survey, only 19% of Okinawans felt that people from mainland Japan understood Okinawan sentiments, while 79.6% believed they did not. Additionally, 56.9% reported an increase in discriminatory or derogatory remarks against Okinawans over the past five years.<ref name="yoron">{{cite web |url=https://www.nhk.or.jp/bunken/research/yoron/pdf/20170516_1.pdf |script-title=ja:「復帰45年の沖縄」 調査 |access-date=2020-08-29 |publisher={{lang|ja|NHK}} |language=ja |archive-date=2020-08-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808193920/http://www.nhk.or.jp/bunken/research/yoron/pdf/20170516_1.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> On the other hand, instances of discrimination against Amerasians (children of mixed Okinawan and American parentage) have also been reported within Okinawa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nara-edu.repo.nii.ac.jp/?action=repository_action_common_download&item_id=12682&item_no=1&attribute_id=17&file_no=1 |script-title=ja:アメラジアン・スクール・イン・オキナワにおける子どもの位置取り |access-date=2020-08-29 |publisher={{lang|ja|奈良教育大学}} |language=ja |archive-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829153146/https://nara-edu.repo.nii.ac.jp/?action=repository_action_common_download&item_id=12682&item_no=1&attribute_id=17&file_no=1 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Okinawa faces chronic fiscal challenges and relies heavily on subsidies from Japan’s central government. Its fiscal capacity index is only 0.29—significantly below the national average.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/somu/zaisei/kikaku/documents/h26zaiseinoaramashi.pdf |title=Overview of Okinawa Prefecture's Finances |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175854/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/somu/zaisei/kikaku/documents/h26zaiseinoaramashi.pdf |archive-date=2020-08-16 }}</ref>

=== U.S. military bases ===
[[File:US military bases in Okinawa.svg|thumb|right|150px|U.S. military bases in Okinawa in red]]

Although some land used by U.S. military bases has been returned to Japan since Okinawa reverted to Japanese control,<ref name="Chishi" />{{rp|595}} a significant portion remains under American jurisdiction. While Okinawa comprises only 0.6% of Japan’s land area, it hosts approximately 74% of all U.S. military facilities in the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/kodomo/sugata/begunkichi.html |title=U.S. Military Bases in Okinawa |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175900/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/kodomo/sugata/begunkichi.html |archive-date=2020-08-16 }}</ref> The 33 American bases in Okinawa occupy around 10% of the prefecture's land—up to 18% on Okinawa Island.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/documents/02kitinogaikyou01soukatu.pdf |title=Overview of Military Installations |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175904/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/documents/02kitinogaikyou01soukatu.pdf |archive-date=2020-08-16 }}</ref> Approximately 47,300 U.S. military personnel and their families reside in the prefecture.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/syogai/documents/031-1soukastu.pdf |title=Overview of U.S. Military Facilities |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829153151/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/syogai/documents/031-1soukastu.pdf |archive-date=2020-08-29 }}</ref>

Among the many military issues, the relocation of [[Marine Corps Air Station Futenma]] has been the most contentious. Due to its proximity to residential areas and repeated accidents, Futenma has been labeled one of the most dangerous military bases in the world. The prefectural government has long called for its relocation outside of Okinawa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/6980.html |title=Overview of Futenma Base |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829153152/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/6980.html |archive-date=2020-08-29 }}</ref> In 2010, Japan and the U.S. agreed to relocate the base to [[Camp Schwab]] in Nago,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/zaibeigun/frf/index.html |title=Replacement Facilities for Futenma |publisher=Japan Ministry of Defense |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513205324/https://www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/zaibeigun/frf/index.html |archive-date=2020-05-13 }}</ref> sparking widespread protests.

Another key issue is crime involving U.S. military personnel. Between the 1972 reversion and 2015, 5,896 criminal cases involving U.S. forces were reported in Okinawa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/documents/h28toukei14.pdf |title=Crime Statistics Involving U.S. Military |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175925/https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/documents/h28toukei14.pdf |archive-date=2020-08-16 }}</ref> In 2016, a high-profile rape and murder case involving a U.S. military contractor in [[Uruma, Okinawa|Uruma]] triggered mass protests.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/31633 |title=Mass Rally Held Over U.S. Military Crime in Okinawa |date=May 22, 2016 |publisher=Okinawa Times |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175939/https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/31633 |archive-date=2020-08-16 }}</ref>

On the other hand, U.S. bases are Okinawa's second-largest source of employment.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.japan.marines.mil/Economy/ |title=Economic Impact of U.S. Military Presence in Okinawa |publisher=U.S. Marine Corps Japan |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829153157/https://www.japan.marines.mil/Economy/ |archive-date=2020-08-29 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/publicpolicystudies/12/0/12_128/_pdf/-char/ja |title=Economic Effects of U.S. Military Labor in Okinawa |publisher=Public Policy Studies |language=ja |access-date=2020-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829153157/https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/publicpolicystudies/12/0/12_128/_pdf/-char/ja |archive-date=2020-08-29 }}</ref>

According to a 2017 NHK survey, 25.7% of Okinawans wanted the complete removal of U.S. military bases, while 50.6% preferred reducing their presence to levels comparable to mainland Japan. Only 26.5% supported relocating Futenma to Nago, while 62.6% were opposed.<ref name="yoron" /> According to a 2015 prefectural survey, 42.2% of Okinawans reported no affinity toward the U.S., while 55.4% did.<ref name="survey" />

On February 24, 2019, a prefectural referendum was held on land reclamation in [[Henoko]] for the new U.S. base. With a turnout of 52.48%, 71.74% opposed the project, 18.99% supported it, and 8.70% expressed no clear opinion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kentohyo/documents/touhyoukekkasokuhou.pdf |title=Referendum Results on Henoko Land Reclamation |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=2019-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225223915/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kentohyo/documents/touhyoukekkasokuhou.pdf |archive-date=2019-02-25 }}</ref>

=== Independence movement ===
The [[Ryukyu Kingdom]] was incorporated into [[Japan]] in 1879 as part of the [[Government of Meiji Japan|Meiji government]]'s centralization efforts. King [[Shō Tai]] was relocated to [[Tokyo]] and granted noble status. Although some Ryukyuans expressed opposition and sought support from [[Qing dynasty|Qing China]], these actions remained limited and did not alter Japan’s effective control. This episode is commonly referred to as the Ryukyu Dispute. Following Japan’s victory in the [[First Sino-Japanese War]], Qing China was no longer in a position to intervene. Later efforts by Ryukyuan nobility to seek greater autonomy also failed to gain broad support.

After [[World War II]], [[Okinawa Island|Okinawa]] came under U.S. administration. Although some alternative governance ideas were discussed, no lasting movements emerged. In 1972, Okinawa was returned to Japanese administration under the Okinawa Reversion Agreement, a status that remains internationally recognized.

In the present day, while concerns regarding regional identity and the U.S. military presence remain topics of discussion, public support for full independence is very limited. A 2022 [[Okinawa Times]] poll found that only 3% of respondents favored independence, while the majority preferred either greater local autonomy or maintaining the current arrangement.

In addition to traditional forms of activism, digital platforms have increasingly become venues for discourse on Okinawa. Investigations reported by sources such as the [[Nikkei, Inc.|Nikkei]] and [[The Daily Telegraph]] have raised concerns about social media activity linked to foreign actors promoting Ryukyuan independence narratives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-03 |title=「沖縄独立」煽る偽投稿拡散 背後に約200の中国工作アカウント |url=https://www.nikkei.com/telling/DGXZTS00012030S4A900C2000000/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=日本経済新聞 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ryall |first=Julian |date=2025-01-25 |title=China infiltrating Japan in preparation for Taiwan invasion |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/01/25/china-infiltrating-japan-in-preparation-for-taiwan-invasion/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> A 2024 cybersecurity report identified approximately 200 accounts associated with Chinese-linked entities posting political content about Okinawa on platforms such as [[TikTok]]. Some of this material reportedly included misrepresented or unrelated footage, raising concerns about the impact of online information on public discourse.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-27 |title=China seeks to divide Okinawa: report - Taipei Times |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2025/01/27/2003830897 |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=www.taipeitimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=China’s ‘Malinformation’ Comes for Okinawa |url=https://thediplomat.com/2025/03/chinas-malinformation-comes-for-okinawa/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Okinawa maintains a distinct cultural and linguistic heritage, and local political issues continue to be actively debated within Japan’s democratic framework.