(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, following on from yesterday, I exchanged views with mayors of the municipalities hosting bases. Regarding issues related to defense facilities, including U.S. force bases, I heard firsthand candid opinions and requests from mayors of 11 municipalities in total. I conveyed that I will take their requests seriously and make every effort to mitigate the impact of bases in a visible manner. Yesterday, I informed Mayor Toguchi of Nago City and mayors from the three Kube districts that arrangements are being made to close LZ Phoenix, an area where the takeoff and landing of U.S. force aircraft had created noise issues for the community. We had received repeated requests for its closure from Nago City. We will continue to make further efforts to fully address and respond to the concerns and wishes of the local residents. A short while ago, I also held a meeting with Governor Tamaki of Okinawa Prefecture. Upon receiving a written request on base issues from Governor Tamaki, we exchanged views on a variety of issues, including PFOS issues. During my visit to the main island of Okinawa, I saw the situation on the ground and listened to the people and the personnel on the ground. This has once again given me a renewed determination to move forward with utmost efforts to mitigate the impact of bases in Okinawa and strengthen the defense architecture in the southwest. I will continue to resolutely fulfill my responsibilities as Minister of Defense.