[2] As there are no term limits in Japan, incumbent Governor Takeshi Onaga was eligible for re-election before his death in August 2018.

[3] The election was originally scheduled to be held on 9 December 2018, but this was brought forward after Onaga's untimely death.

Onaga's deputy, Kiichiro Jahana temporarily assumed his post for three days until being replaced as interim governor by Moritake Tomikawa.

[7][8] Similar to the previous gubernatorial election, the issue of the relocation of the US air base in Ginowan to Nago dominated the campaign.

[13] On the other hand, Sakima downplayed the relocation issue and instead focused on the local economy in his pitch.