Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Following a fatal incident involving a US Air Force Osprey plane in southern Japan, Japanese Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko received a visit from US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel on Thursday to clarify the events surrounding the crash.

Kamikawa requested confirmation of the facts surrounding the accident and asked for prompt information sharing with the Japanese side. She also requested information on the flight operations of Japan-deployed Ospreys. 

Japan suspended its own Osprey flights on Thursday and asked the US military to stop all Ospreys operating in Japan except for those searching for victims of the crash.

The US Osprey crashed on Wednesday off Yakushima Island near Kyushu with eight crew members on board, one of whom has been found dead. Japan’s Coast Guard searched for the aircraft throughout the night and on Thursday.

Kamikawa expressed her respect for the US military’s mission to maintain peace and security in the region and conveyed her wish for the crew members to be found safe.

Ambassador Emanuel thanked Kamikawa for the rescue support by Japan’s Coast Guard, Self Defense Forces, and local community members, including fishermen. The Ambassador stated that the United States has no higher priority than the safety of its service members and the Japanese people.  

Both sides agreed to continue to work closely with each other on the issue, according to the Foreign Ministry.