Japan’s government is advancing plans to strengthen its defense capabilities in the southwestern Nansei Islands region, following the election of a conservative governor in Okinawa Prefecture. The move is aimed at countering heightened Chinese military activity, though some local residents have expressed concerns about the potential risks of increased militarization.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration has framed the so-called “Nansei shift” as a crucial measure to protect both Japan and the people of Okinawa. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the importance of bolstering the defense system in the Nansei Islands during a press briefing at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on September 17. Koizumi retained his Cabinet role in a recent reshuffle and outlined the government’s intentions to expand the use of airports and ports by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and the Japan Coast Guard in peacetime.
The announcement followed the September 13 gubernatorial election in Okinawa, where Genta Koja, a former Naha mayor and conservative candidate, defeated incumbent Denny Tamaki. Koja’s victory is expected to facilitate the central government’s plan to designate additional facilities within Okinawa for joint military-civilian use. Until now, three facilities managed by central and municipal governments in the prefecture had been approved for such use, but Tamaki had resisted allowing prefecture-run sites, including Ishigaki Airport in Ishigaki City, to be designated.
Koja expressed support for expanding facility designations, stating on September 16 that he wants to “move forward” with the government’s plans. However, opposition remains among some local officials and residents who fear that joint use of civilian infrastructure could increase the risk of Okinawa becoming a target in the event of conflict. A prefectural assembly member voiced concerns about military-civilian joint use potentially inviting attacks.
The government’s intensification of defense measures is driven by China’s growing maritime presence in the region. Since 2016, the SDF has established units on several Okinawa islands, including Yonaguni, Miyako, and Ishigaki. The Ground Self-Defense Force’s 15th Brigade, headquartered in Naha, is scheduled for expansion to a division in March 2027 or later, growing its personnel from approximately 2,300 to 3,900.
Additional plans include deploying an antiaircraft electronic warfare unit on Yonaguni Island to disrupt enemy radar and communications during potential invasions. Medium-range surface-to-air missile units are also planned for deployment by fiscal year 2030. The Defense Ministry is considering introducing ground-launched, long-range Type 25 surface-to-ship guided missiles in Okinawa to enhance Japan’s counterstrike capabilities. A senior ministry official noted that such a plan would have been unlikely under the previous Tamaki administration.
Despite Koja's election signaling greater local cooperation, the central government’s efforts face a complex local environment. Okinawa hosts roughly 70% of U.S. military facilities in Japan, and many residents have long borne the social and environmental burdens of hosting foreign bases. Public sentiment toward further military expansion remains mixed, reflecting enduring concerns over security and local impact.