This article introduces an essay by former Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima published in SAPIO.
He discusses the Henoko relocation issue, policy stagnation in Okinawa, and the need for realistic management of the U.S.-Japan security framework.
The essay emphasizes law-based governance, reduction of base burdens, and the future relationship between Okinawa and mainland Japan.

I learned of his career for the first time through this article, and most Japanese people are probably the same.
2018-01-06.
The following is an essay by former Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima published in this month’s issue of SAPIO.
I learned of his career for the first time through this article, and most Japanese people are probably the same.
Concern for Okinawa’s future over words and actions that deepen the rift with mainland Japan.
To Governor Onaga, who has become an activist.
Hirokazu Nakaima, Governor of Okinawa, faced heavy criticism for approving the landfill procedures that paved the way for relocating the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station to Henoko in Nago City.
On the other hand, Takeshi Onaga, the current governor, was elected in 2014 pledging to “block the Henoko relocation by any means.”
After taking office, he revoked Nakaima’s landfill approval on grounds of alleged procedural flaws and engaged in legal battles with the central government.
Even after the Supreme Court ruling two years ago confirmed defeat, he has not abandoned opposition to relocation.
Yet no prospects are opening.
Okinawa prefectural administration remains stagnant.
What is Nakaima thinking now.
Was he truly “the man who sold out Okinawa.”
Hirokazu Nakaima, born in 1939.
After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he joined the Ministry of International Trade and Industry as a technical official.
In 1987 he became a director of Okinawa Electric Power.
From 1990 he served as vice governor under Governor Masahide Ota.
From 2006 he served two terms as governor of Okinawa.
Emphasis in the text is mine.
What exactly is this person trying to do with Okinawa—his actions are incomprehensible.
Is he not merely like an activist shouting opposition.
He claims there were flaws in my approval procedures, yet the Supreme Court recognized there were none.
To overturn lawful and proper procedures with the unilateral slogan of “not allowing a base to be built at Henoko” is tantamount to denying Japan’s legal system and is unacceptable for the head of an administrative body.
I find his actions difficult to understand.
A governor must adhere to the legal system and realize policy through negotiations and consultations with the government.
At present he is no different from an activist shouting “oppose” from a tent in Henoko.
Recently, a helicopter window fell onto an elementary school playground near Futenma Air Station.
The current Henoko relocation plan exists precisely to eliminate such dangers.
I would ask whether he realizes that continued opposition only prolongs a dangerous situation.
This is the fourth year of the Onaga administration, and he reportedly says that 80 to 90 percent of his efforts are spent on base issues, which can only be seen as abandoning the responsibilities of a governor.
There are many issues to tackle, including industry, healthcare, education, disaster prevention, and remote island policy.
In these four years, Okinawa-related budgets have decreased, and no independent economic policies or major infrastructure projects have been realized.
Under such circumstances, the motivation of prefectural staff will inevitably decline.
The prefectural office is also Okinawa’s largest think tank with many talented personnel, yet they are constantly forced to bend the legal system.
Confrontations between Okinawa Prefecture and the Japanese government are increasingly visible.
I am concerned that Governor Onaga’s repeated use of emotional words such as “spiritual hunger” and “discrimination,” invoking identity politics that deepen the rift between Okinawa and mainland Japan, will leave a grave legacy for Okinawa’s future.
We Okinawans have long worked to bridge the gap with the mainland.
Today we may have strong individuality, but we are nothing other than Japanese.
I cannot understand such meaningless wordplay.
I do not consider the current U.S. bases ideal.
Tragic incidents in which prefectural residents become victims still occur and must never happen.
Companies often strive for zero accidents and violations, yet the U.S. military can only be described as negligent.
However, considering the current situation in East Asia, maintaining the U.S.-Japan security framework is indispensable.
The Senkaku Islands, where China is increasing pressure, are part of Okinawa Prefecture.
A certain U.S. military presence is necessary.
Therefore, by steadily and realistically reducing Okinawa’s base burden step by step, we should connect this to the stable operation of the U.S.-Japan security system.
Simply advocating emotional opposition such as immediate and complete base return will never be a solution.