Okinawa Times and Ryukyu Shimpo highlighted yesterday’s meeting between Defense Minister Kono and Okinawa Area Coordinator Clardy at Camp Foster. The Japanese official reportedly emphasized Tokyo’s strong commitment to moving forward with the FRF construction initiative. He also reportedly asked the top U.S. Marine in the island prefecture to give local residents around Camp Schwab advance notice of the disposal of outdated munitions and to refrain from using the Navy ramp at Kadena AB. In return, Lt. Gen. Clardy promised to make an utmost effort to minimize the impact of such operations on the local community. Kono reportedly did not mention Okinawa Governor Tamaki’s request that the U.S. military refrain from using commercial airports and seaports except in emergencies.