Photo/Illutration Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, left, and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi during the "two-plus-two" talks with the United States on Jan. 7 (Provided by the Foreign Ministry)

For the second time in as many days, Japan urged the United States to impose stricter measures to prevent COVID-19 cases from spreading at its military bases around the country.

At a news conference after a Cabinet meeting on Jan. 7, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said he made the request during what was dubbed the “two-plus-two” talks, held online earlier that day.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin attended the talks, while Hayashi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi took part from Japan.

Hayashi said he strongly urged the U.S. military to implement strong and thorough preventive measures, including restrictions on going out, to assuage the concerns of residents and base employees.

Blinken said he clearly understood the concerns and promised to make an effort together with the U.S. Department of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to Hayashi.

Hayashi had made a similar request to Blinken during a phone call on Jan. 6.

Austin said he considers the safety of local residents and U.S. military personnel to be important and has discussed the matter with top military officials.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters on Jan. 6 that he instructed the ministers to further urge the United States to immediately implement strict measures.

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