Both Ryukyu Shimpo and Okinawa Times reported that Ginowan Mayor Matsukawa held separate meetings with Foreign Minister Hayashi and Defense Minister Kishi on April 20 and called for their cooperation in realizing the swift return of MCAS Futenma and reducing Okinawa’s base hosting burden. According to the papers, Matsukawa asked them to clarify the expected date of the return of the Futenma base. Matsukawa reportedly told the press after the meetings that both ministers responded that it would be “difficult” to say exactly when the base would be returned. However, both ministers expressed their intention to move forward with the current Futenma relocation plan, according to Matsukawa.