Okinawa's Governor is a very unusual politician. A self confessed 'Amateur Politician' Governor Ota fell into politics belatedly. He was conscripted to serve in the 'Blood and Iron Scouts for the Emporer' who were a youth 'Home guard' assigned to assist the Japanese military during the Battle of Okinawa. After the war Ota went on to study at Waseda University in Tokyo and then postgraduate studies at Syracuse University. He became a professor at the University of the Ryukyus and wrote widely on Okinawan issues, the war and it's lessons for the future. He was elected Governor in November 1990 on a platform of  anti-militarism and reduction of the US bases in the Prefecture. The following letter comes from The Okinawa Times (Jan 98)

This year is my eighth year as governor of Okinawa. I am trying to make peace on Okinawa during these times and it is always in my thoughts. The Okinawan people suffered badly in their physical and mental well-being in the Battle of Okinawa, and have not healed yet. Accidents or crimes caused by the base presence have not been done away with. They keep damaging our lifestyle environment and make our lives faced with many dangers. I pour my energy into a peace administration to reflect the special wish of the Okinawan people, and have made clear my administration's attitude on bases with the "Base Return Action Program."

The key to solve the problem of returning U.S bases is to build an Okinawa which can support itself. We need a revolution of our consciousness to go forward. The individual who has independence has to decide firmly to join in politics and the administration. The U.S military base problem can not be solved only by just objecting to it, we have to think of how to get money for each city, village and landowner instead of base funds. We have to find other workplaces for base employees. If we could clear these problems, we will be able to overcome them with more power of the prefecture and its people. I know it will be very difficult, but I will never give up.

Looking at the Okinawan economy, Prime Minister Hashimoto said nothing about the FTZ (Free Trade Zone) Program when he attended the 25th anniversary of the Okinawan reversion to Japan. All I can do is wait for a conclusion by the central government in March. I know the government is wrestling with it very seriously, and I appreciate it. However, there are some people who are against the introduction of this system, and I hope to avoid doing it by force.

I managed to form the International Cities Plans. We have a lot of things to do even if we canĠt use the land completely after the bases are returned. The prefecture set up overseas offices and has fostered simultaneous interpreters. Also, our Asian network is being prepared. If the FTZ system will be introduced, a multimedia system arranged, and international tourism is successful, the funds for cities and villages will be covered. I will devote my energy into these things this year.

I have made an appointment to meet with U.S. Ambassador Foley. I have continuously made requests, and will keep doing so, for the the U.S. and Japanese Governments to ease the burden of the Okinawans over these past fifty years. U.S. officials have also stated there is no need to station twenty thousand troops on Okinawa. It is very important to reduce military strength. This is what I want to say directly to Foley.