August 22, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo
On the afternoon of August 22, the Gathering for Remembering Takeshi Onaga was held at the Okinawa Karate Hall in Tomigusuku.
The gathering was planned around the 1-year anniversary of former Governor Onaga’s death, which occurred suddenly last August while he was still in office.
People praised Mr. Onaga’s merits, such as being a member of the Naha City Council and Okinawa Prefectural Assembly, his successive terms as Naha City Mayor, and his contribution to the development of the prefectural government as the Okinawa Prefecture Governor.
Those who attended the service observed a moment of silence and gave prayer.
Executive Committee Chairman Morimasa Goya who supported the Onaga prefectural administration from the economic world greeted everyone and said, “He was a politician who advocated solidarity among prefectural residents under the slogan, ‘identity over ideology.’
” Governor Denny Tamaki vowed in front of Mr. Onaga’s portrait and said, “I vow to inherit Onaga’s spirit and to work at improving the prefectural government with all my heart and soul.”
Mr. Onaga’s wife Mikiko attended the ceremony and took the podium to voice her appreciation as tears welled in her eyes.
She said, “I’d like to report to my family’s Buddhist altar that many people gathered. Thank you so very much.”
(English translation by T&CT and Chelsea Ashimine)
