Japan's Takaichi Says US-Japan Talks Began on Preventing Recurrence of Okinawan Woman's Murder by US Soldier

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on October 13 that consultations between the U.S. and Japan to prevent a recurrence have been underway since last week, following the recent arrest of a U.S. Marine in Okinawa on charges of murdering a local woman.

According to Kyodo News and the Asahi Shimbun, Prime Minister Takaichi made the remarks during a session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee in the Japanese parliament earlier in the day, stating, "Incidents involving U.S. military personnel cause great anxiety to local residents and should never happen."

She further emphasized, "The Japanese government has promptly and strongly protested to the U.S. side, strongly demanding full cooperation with the investigation, strict discipline among U.S. military personnel, thorough prevention of recurrence, and appropriate support for the victim's bereaved family."

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also stated, "The U.S. side has decided to closely review its code of conduct," adding, "We agreed to begin consultations centered around high-level U.S.-Japan working-level officials starting last week on how to implement effective measures."

Regarding her meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump both in person and via phone around the time of the U.S.-China summit last month, Prime Minister Takaichi assessed, "Having two summit meetings in a week demonstrates the strong bond of the U.S.-Japan alliance."

She continued, "We confirmed during the phone call following the U.S.-China summit that Japan and the United States are the most trusted allies and will contribute to regional and global stability."

On U.S. sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), she stated that communication with the U.S. will continue while also expressing intentions to support the ICC's activities alongside partner nations.

In response to a related question, Prime Minister Takaichi replied, "Foreign Minister Motegi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a telephone conversation immediately," adding, "While maintaining this communication, we will join forces with partner nations to support the ICC's activities."

She reiterated, "Our country has consistently supported the ICC to firmly uphold the rule of law, and we will continue to do so."

Following its sanctions in August against ICC President Tomoko Akane, who is Japanese, the United States announced high-intensity sanctions against the ICC on October 9 (local time).

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.