NAHA, Okinawa Pref. -- It was more than just the U.S. military bases. As Okinawans went to the polls Sunday to vote in the gubernatorial election, the local economy was also on their minds.
The winner, Hirokazu Nakaima, emphasized economic revival through massive investments in construction and information technology during the campaign.
While Nakaima has indicated that he is open to accepting relocation of the U.S. Marines Futenma airfield inside Okinawa, his main contender, Keiko Itokazu, has repeatedly opposed creation of a new U.S. military facility in the prefecture and called for its relocation overseas.