US and Japanese foreign ministers discussed cooperation in the Okinawa murder investigation in an October 10 phone call. Marco Rubio pledged full cooperation with Japan’s government and local authorities, while Japan said consultations on preventing similar incidents would accelerate. The ministerial response follows public anger over a case involving a US Marine suspect; the criminal investigation continues.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi discussed the Okinawa murder investigation by telephone on October 10. Motegi expressed regret over the incident. Japan said the ministers agreed to accelerate consultations on preventing similar incidents, taking the response to the case into a bilateral discussion at foreign-minister level.[1], [2]
The US State Department said Rubio conveyed condolences over the death of a Japanese citizen and committed to full cooperation with Japan’s government and local authorities as the investigation proceeds. The ministers also discussed strengthening communication between their countries. The pledge concerns cooperation with the continuing investigation, whose outcome remains unresolved.[1]
A US Marine stationed at Futenma, an American military base in Japan’s Okinawa island region, faces allegations linked to the killing of a Japanese woman. The suspect has not been convicted. The case renewed public anger and protests concerning the US military presence. During the call, Rubio described the countries’ alliance as a cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.[1]
