On October 11, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said talks between Japan and the United States aimed at finding ways to prevent crimes by U.S. military personnel will focus on the conduct of troops outside military bases.
The remarks came as public anger in Okinawa continued over the case of a U.S. Marine accused of murdering a local woman, raising concerns about security in the area, which hosts many U.S. military bases.
According to Motegi, the two sides will discuss specific measures to tighten supervision and education of military personnel, particularly their behavior when leaving base, which has been the source of many incidents that have caused public outrage in recent times.
The talks are expected to take place in the coming period, with the participation of representatives from the two governments and the Okinawan local authorities, in an effort to find solutions to reduce tensions and restore trust with residents on the island.
