The governors of Tokyo and Okinawa Prefecture agreed Friday to push for an amendment to the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement to reduce the burden shouldered by local communities hosting U.S. military bases.
During a 10-minute meeting in Tokyo, Okinawa Gov. Keiichi Inamine asked Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara to work with him toward an amendment of the accord, which prescribes the rights of U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan.
Okinawa has been calling for an amendment that would require the U.S. to hand over personnel suspected of serious offenses to Japanese authorities before they are indicted.