Japan is emerging as Washington's right-hand man in the Indo-Pacific, putting aside its traditional security caution as it takes on trilateral roles in its own backyard, in Northeast Asia, and as far afield as Southeast Asia.
For some time, Japan has not hidden its military ambitions and has been increasingly bellicose toward China. However, its stance has faced stiff opposition within the country.
Takeharu Onaga’s bid to become the next mayor of Naha city, based on his opposition to plans for a U.S. military airfield elsewhere, failed at the ballot box.
The son of Okinawa’s anti-base former governor has decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and will run against his father’s former secretary to become Naha city’s next mayor.