NAHA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki remained at odds during their meeting Thursday over the issue of a key U.S. military base relocation within the southern island prefecture.

Tamaki reiterated his opposition to the controversial transfer plan for U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, located in a residential area of Ginowan, to the less populated coastal area of Henoko in Nago in line with Japan's agreement with the United States, demanding that it be relocated out of the prefecture.

Kishi visited Okinawa for the first time since assuming the post of defense minister last month.

Kishi told Tamaki that the government's position on the issue is unchanged, saying that the relocation to Henoko is "the only solution from the perspective of maintaining the deterrence of the Japan-U.S. alliance and addressing the dangers (of having the base) in Futenma."

"Making steady progress with relocation work should lead to an early return of the land in Futenma" occupied by the base, he added.

Tamaki said the central government should listen to Okinawa residents who want the facility out of the prefecture and "stop its landfill work (in Henoko) at once," while handing to Kishi a written request calling for the early resumption of meetings between officials of the central government and Ginowan aimed at realizing an early return of the land for the Futenma base.

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