Nakaima win brings Futenma solution no closer.

Nakaima win brings Futenma solution no closer

Ryuhei Yoshimura and Kakuchi Funatsuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff writers

Yomiuri

NAHA

NAHA--Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima's reelection Sunday leaves the Democratic Party of Japan-led administration with many issues still to resolve to realize the transfer of a U.S. base within the prefecture, as agreed by Japan and the United States. Nakaima made clear during the gubernatorial election campaign that he wants the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Ginowan to be relocated outside Okinawa Prefecture.

The government intends to hold talks with Nakaima with the aim of transferring the base's functions to Nago in the prefecture, as per the agreement reached with the United States in May, but the governor remains cautious about the plan as he prepares for his second term.

In the final tally, Nakaima garnered 335,708 votes, while former Ginowan Mayor Yoichi Iha collected 297,082 votes, according to the election administration committee. Tatsuro Kinjo received 13,116 votes. Voter turnout was 60.88 percent, down 3.66 points from the previous election in 2006.

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Attempting the impossible

"The bilateral …