TOKYO - Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the victory of Genta Koja in the Okinawa gubernatorial election reflected the wishes of prefectural residents seeking stronger economic growth, with senior ruling party officials viewing the result as a boost for her administration.
"I believe this was an election that reflected the wishes of the people of Okinawa for economic growth," Takaichi said. "I want to work closely with the new governor and do everything I can to strengthen Okinawa's economy."
Takaichi also indicated that her government would address issues beyond the economy while listening to Koja's views.
A senior Liberal Democratic Party official described the Okinawa victory as significant, saying it would provide favorable momentum for Takaichi's management of the government.
The result was a setback for the Japanese Communist Party and other groups that supported defeated incumbent Governor Denny Tamaki.
JCP Chair Tomoko Tamura said the outcome was "extremely disappointing," but added that Tamaki had "fought to the end from a position of principle and reason."
Tamura also said defamatory attacks and false information targeting Tamaki had spread on social media during the election campaign. She said the party intends to investigate the facts and examine what occurred.
Source: TBS
