Ginowan vice mayor decides to run for mayor

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Ginowan vice mayor decides to run for mayor

Okinawa’s Ginowan City Vice-Mayor Asato Takeshi on September 3 decided to run for the Ginowan City mayoral election in response to the joint request for his candidacy by the Japanese Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the Okinawa Social Mass Party.

Asato will compete in the race, aiming to carry forward the people-oriented city administration of Mayor Iha Yoichi who already announced candidacy for Okinawa governor to work towards a base-free prefecture.

Asato agreed with the three parties that he will promise voters to close the U.S. Futenma base, get the entire base returned to Okinawa, oppose the construction of a new U.S. base, review the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, and work to abrogate the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.

Asato in a meeting with three party representatives stated, “I also want to improve the situation of daycare centers for children and increase the number of nursing-care facilities for senior residents.”

The Okinawan gubernatorial and Ginowan City mayoral elections are expected to take place on November 28.

- Akahata, September 4, 2010