Kushida Takes Office as Okinawa Governor, Advancing New Administration with 'Protection, Openness, Connectivity'

Overview

Kushie Genta officially assumed office as Governor of Okinawa Prefecture on September 30, Reimei Year 8, taking the baton from Vice Governor Miyagi Tsuguyoshi, who served as acting governor following the term of former Governor Tamaki Tokiyo, thereby launching a new era of prefectural administration. At his inauguration press conference, Kushie Genta clearly stated that he would comprehensively advance the operation of Okinawa’s new administration with “Protection, Openness, and Connection” as its three major pillars. He emphasized that he is not merely an elected official but the governor of all 1.46 million prefectural residents, pledging to improve livelihoods, revitalize the economy, and strengthen ties between the government and the public.

Administrative Philosophy: Three Major Pillars

In his speech, Kushie Genta reviewed his inspection tours across nearly 41 cities and towns, noting that the voices of prefectural residents mainly centered on difficulties in daily life caused by high prices, concerns for the future of children, and infrastructure issues such as traffic congestion. As a father of five children, his political origins lie in making the next generation feel that “being born in Okinawa is a blessing,” and he hopes to realize this vision through the following three pillars:

Protecting Okinawa

The top priority is to address the livelihood hardships brought about by historic price increases. In addition, in response to challenges such as shortened healthy life expectancy, natural disaster risks, and a severe security environment, Kushie Genta pledged to build a safety net that protects the lives, health, and culture of prefectural residents, faithfully safeguarding the foundations of Okinawa.

Opening Up Okinawa

Resolving the long-standing problem of low resident income in Okinawa is a major mission. He proposed leveraging Okinawa’s advantages to promote DX and AI adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises, improve tourism service quality, and advance the GW2050 PROJECTS. By revitalizing the new 5K economy—encompassing tourism, health, environment, marine industries, and entrepreneurship—he aims to open the Okinawan economy to the world.

Connecting Okinawa

The goal is to maximize Okinawa’s collective strength and strengthen bonds among the prefectural government and residents, the economic circle, and municipalities. Kushie Genta announced that he will establish governors’ offices in Yaku, Miyako, and Yaeyama, personally visit these areas to hear opinions, and set up mechanisms for dialogue with various sectors. At the same time, he plans to restart the Okinawa Policy Council with the national government as soon as possible, to negotiate Okinawan revitalization and burden reduction related to U.S. military bases, and to shape the prefectural government into a more open and accessible organization.

Conclusion

Kushie Genta emphasized that the driving force behind Okinawa’s progress comes from every resident who lives, works, and raises their children here. He called on citizens to actively offer suggestions on “how to make our hometown better,” and expressed his intent to think and create together with everyone. Finally, he reaffirmed his determination to “push Okinawa forward” and earnestly requested continued attention and support from all sectors.