Anti-US Governor Wins Okinawa Poll

The Japanese on the southern Island of Okinawa have re-elected incumbent governor Hirokazu Nakaima, who wants an end to the American military presence.

Nakaima, who wants the US base off Okinawa altogether, beat his opponent who agreed to relocate the base to a less crowded area on the island.

In May, Tokyo and Washington agreed to implement a 2006 plan to relocate the Futenma airbase to a less crowded area in Okinawa.

The move infuriated local residents, who view the base as a source of noise, pollution and serious crime --including rape.'

Read more...