Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro has told the governor of Okinawa that he hopes to discuss with the US side how to prevent a recurrence following a suspected robbery-murder committed by a US Marine in the prefecture.
Koizumi and Okinawa Governor Koja Genta met at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on Wednesday.
The governor said the incident in the southern Japanese prefecture is extremely vicious and has caused great anxiety among people there, adding that it is totally unacceptable.
He called on the central government to take effective, fundamental measures, including a review of the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement.
Koizumi responded by saying that he feels strong indignation over the heinous nature of the case and the arrest of a US service member in connection with it. He said he will discuss with the US side what substantive steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents.
Koja also called for an early resumption of talks between Okinawa and the central government to discuss ways to reduce the prefecture’s burden of hosting US bases and promote its development.
Koizumi said he will listen carefully to what people in Okinawa have to say and respond accordingly.
The governor is expected to meet Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and make similar requests later on Wednesday.