PRESS CONFERENCE
How Okinawa's Next Election Will Impact Japan
Naomi Machida, Head of Ginowan Churamizu Environmental Group
Takamatsu Gushiken, Head of Gamafuya Group Recovering War Remains

13:00-14:00 Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Language: The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation.

The governor of Okinawa is often a nationally recognized figure, a local leader in a rare position to influence Japan's debate over security and other issues -- and defy Tokyo's wishes. When Okinawan voters go to the polls next month to elect their next leader, they will be doing so at a time when Japan is building up its own military presence on the southern island chain.

To help us understand Okinawa’s upcoming gubernatorial election, the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan will host two leaders of civil society groups in Okinawa to talk about the issues motivating local voters: the U.S. and Japanese base presence, environmental degradation and the frustrations of Okinawans who feel they are ignored by mainland Japan.

Naomi Machida is the head of the Ginowan Churamizu Kai and co-head of the National PFAS Liaison Council, groups that draw attention to the contamination caused by so-called forever chemicals around the U.S. air bases in Futenma and Kadena on Okinawa's main island. Takamatsu Gushiken, who has spent more than 40 years recovering the remains of those killed during World War II, heads Gamafuya, a group that searches for the fallen. He is also co-leader of the anti-war No More Battle of Okinawa -- Life Is a Treasure.

Come to hear about what's at stake in a local election that will impact Tokyo, Washington and beyond.

How to attend: 
Please register by emailing front@fccj.or.jp with your name and the name of your media outlet. FCCJ members should also include their membership number. Doors will open 15 minutes before the event.

How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live

How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/6WUJwmpJPf3Y6pV48

TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event. FCCJ will limit live-streaming of FCCJ-hosted press conferences to Club members only. Non-members will no longer be permitted to live-stream these events. However, non-members may still film for reporting purposes and use footage after the press conference.

Professional Activities Committee