NAHA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Campaigning began Thursday for an Okinawa gubernatorial election in which incumbent Denny Tamaki, an opponent of the relocation

The current governor of Okinawa, known for his opposition to the relocation of US military bases on the island, is seeking a third term in office.

With one month until the Okinawa gubernatorial poll, the election is shaping up as a contest between incumbent Gov. Denny Tamaki and former Naha deputy mayor Genta Koja.

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki plans to seek a third term, with his campaign expected to focus on the early return of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station site to Japan.

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki has criticized the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's judgment regarding an accident off Henoko, stating it was an overreach. The Liberal Democratic Party's education division has also called for an investigation into whether similar incidents have occurred at other schools.