Mainichi and Asahi reported on remarks made at the Diet on Thursday by Prime Minister Kishida, in which he disclosed a plan to sponsor a ceremony next May marking the semicentennial of Okinawa’s return to Japanese administration. “As the reversion was the earnest wish of Okinawa residents and the entire Japanese population, it was a national accomplishment,” he was quoted as saying. “It is important to use the anniversary as an opportunity to revisit the historical significance of the reversion and demonstrate Okinawa’s appeal and potential at home and abroad. The central government will look into holding a commemorative event in coordination with the prefectural government.”