Takaichi Attends Okinawa Policy Council
Overview
On November 6, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi attended the Okinawa Policy Council at the Prime Minister's Office and discussed requests from the Okinawa Governor. At the outset, she referred to the indictment of a U.S. Marine in connection with the robbery-murder that occurred on October 3, expressed sorrow for the deceased and condolences to the bereaved family, and said the government would address the incident and work to prevent a recurrence. She stated that Okinawa's development would be advanced comprehensively and strategically as a national strategy, and that the government would support efforts to realize a "strong Okinawa economy," including plans in the medical and biotechnology industries, by using measures such as the Regional Future Strategy. She also said she would work to achieve visible reductions in the burden of U.S. military bases, and asked each minister to carefully examine the governor's requests, distinguishing measures for the FY2027 budget from medium- and long-term initiatives.
Key points
- The council discussed requests from the Okinawa Governor.
- The Prime Minister stated that the government would support efforts to realize a "strong Okinawa economy."
- She said she would work to achieve visible reductions in the burden of U.S. military bases.
Overview
On November 6, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi attended the Okinawa Policy Council at the Prime Minister's Office.
The Prime Minister cited Okinawa's geographic position at the center of East Asia and Japan's highest birth rate as advantages and potential, and stressed the importance of promoting Okinawa's development comprehensively and strategically as a national strategy.
Impact
She said a U.S. Marine had been indicted in connection with the robbery-murder that occurred on October 3, and the Prime Minister expressed sorrow for the deceased and condolences to the bereaved family. She said the government would firmly address the incident and work to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
The Prime Minister said she took seriously that, even more than 80 years after the war, many U.S. military facilities and areas remain concentrated in Okinawa Prefecture and residents bear a heavy burden from the bases.
Details
The Prime Minister said she had received an explanation from Governor Koja on October 30 about the "Regional Industrial Cluster Plan in the Medical and Biotechnology Industries." She said the government would support efforts to strengthen Okinawa's economy by using frameworks such as the Regional Future Strategy, through which the government steps forward to draw domestic investment.
The Prime Minister asked each minister to take the governor's requests into account and carefully examine them according to their content, including measures that could be addressed in the FY2027 budget and those requiring medium- or long-term efforts. She said cooperation among the national government, prefecture, municipalities, and business community is important for advancing Okinawa policy, and stated that she would work for Okinawa's development in close coordination with the governor and others.