Taiwan tensions spur Okinawa businesses to make contingency plans

TOKYO -- Fears of a potential military conflict centered on Taiwan have spurred the business community in Japan's nearby Okinawa prefecture to work on emergency response plans, including when and how to conduct an evacuation of employees on the archipelago.

The Okinawa Association of Corporate Executives (OACE) submitted response recommendations in March to Denny Tamaki, the prefecture's governor. The 12-point list includes conducting simulation exercises with businesses in mind, ensuring the safety of employees and expanding evacuation shelters.