In the Nago mayoral election in Okinawa Prefecture, Taketoyo Toguchi, 64, who is supported by advocates of the controversial U.S. base relocation project, won his third term. The result deals a major blow to the 'All Okinawa' camp opposing the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma air base.
On January 26, 2026, in the mayoral election in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, incumbent Taketoyo Toguchi secured his third term. Toguchi, 64, garnered support from advocates of the controversial U.S. base relocation project.
The election pitted Toguchi against Kumiko Onaga, 69, a former city assembly member, in what was effectively a one-on-one contest. Onaga was backed by the 'All Okinawa' camp, which opposes the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma air base from Ginowan to the Henoko coastal area in Nago.
The Futenma base is currently located in Ginowan, Okinawa, and the planned move to Henoko has sparked long-standing debate in the region. Toguchi's victory represents a significant setback for opponents and a boost for proponents of the relocation.
Nago, situated in northern Okinawa Island, has long been at the center of U.S. base-related political issues. This election outcome may influence the Japanese central government's policies on reducing the base burden in Okinawa.
