NAHA, Okinawa Pref. (Kyodo) U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos apologized to Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima Thursday over a U.S. State Department official's reported remarks that disparaged people in the prefecture.
"I want to just offer my deep apologies and regrets regarding the recent reports that have caused deep offense in Okinawa," the ambassador said during a meeting on his visit to the prefecture. "The words reported are reprehensive and in no way represent the views or policies of the United States of America."
Roos vowed he and his government will redouble efforts to rebuild the "trust and respect that I know we have enjoyed over the years."