Okinawa vote to test US-Japan military alliance
TOKYO — Voters head to the polls on the Japanese island of Okinawa to choose between two gubernatorial candidates campaigning for the removal of a controversial U.S. Marine base.
Both candidates in Sunday’s election want the base relocated from the island and no matter the outcome of the vote, the alliance between Washington and Tokyo will likely be tested by the new governor.
A 2006 deal between the U.S. and Japan to relocate the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to a less crowded location on Okinawa has stalled due to strong local opposition.
Only the governor can approve or reject the base relocation plan.
