Okinawa tension: US apologises to Japan over repeat accidents

Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga shows the window that landed on a school sports ground last month

Japan says the US has apologised for a series of recent accidents on its territory involving American military equipment.

The incidents on the southern island of Okinawa included the emergency landings of two US military helicopters.

Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga said he was "lost for words" and wanted the US military to "feel ashamed" over the incidents.

The island hosts the largest US military presence in Japan.

Over the past few years, a number of accidents and crimes have led to growing local opposition to the US base.

• Okinawa protests against US military
• Alcohol ban for US troops in Japan

Speaking to reporters, Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera confirmed he had received an apology from his American counterpart:

"The US Defence Secretary James Mattis told me about the details of the emergency landings of US aircraft and apologised for the situation where such incidents have been happening one after the other.

"Mr Mattis said the US fully understood the situation and would deal with it sincerely as a serious issue."