Sunday’s Yomiuri cited several GOJ sources as disclosing on Saturday that the U.S. and Japanese governments have agreed to revise the guidelines for handling U.S. military aircraft accidents under the SOFA to expedite Japanese investigators’ access to accident sites outside U.S. bases. Under current rules, Japanese officials require the consent of the U.S. side for access to accident sites designated as off-limits areas, which usually takes time to obtain. Working-level talks between the two sides initiated by Foreign Minister Kono have reportedly come to an agreement that while the U.S. side’s consent will still be required, new provisions to facilitate providing Japanese authorities quick access will be added.