NAHA, Okinawa Pref. — The candidates for the Okinawa gubernatorial election spent their final day on the campaign trial Saturday, telling voters their ballots represent a referendum not only on the prefecture's future, but also the future of Prime Minister Naoto Kan's government and Japan's military ties with the United States.
Sunday's election pits Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima, 71, who is seeking a second term, against former Ginowan mayor Yoichi Iha, 58. While both are running without official party endorsements, Nakaima has the support of the Liberal Democratic Party's Okinawa chapter, New Komeito and Your Party. Iha is supported by Kokumin Shinto (People's New Party), the Social Democratic Party and the Japanese Communist Party.
A third candidate, Tatsuro Kinjo, 46, is backed by the Happiness Realization Party and is considered a long shot.