Objection to 64-year agreement after murder involving American soldier in Japan

Local lawmakers in Okinawa unanimously passed a resolution last month calling for changes to the military agreement.

This prepared text is planned to be submitted to the US Embassy in Tokyo in a short time.

Governor Koja drew attention to the feeling of insecurity created by the incidents caused by American personnel in the region.

"After every incident and accident involving American military personnel or civilian employees, the Okinawa administration has repeatedly issued harsh protests to both the US military and the governments of Japan and the US," Koja said.

Referring to the suspicion of murder in the hotel, Koja said, "This incident is an extremely heinous crime that has caused great concern among the residents of Okinawa."

Koja noted that revision demands on the island should be supported by concrete legal steps.

Regarding the requested review process, the Governor evaluated, "The fulfillment of requests for the transfer of suspects detained before the indictment to the Japanese side without delay and the adaptation of Japanese laws, such as the aviation law, to the US army should be included in this review."