Across Asia: Japan

US base in troubled waters

Japan struggled with the touchy issue of reorganizing US military bases on the southern island of Okinawa yesterday, just a week ahead of US President Barack Obama's first visit to Japan as leader. Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada canceled a last-minute trip to Washington meant to smooth ties ruffled by a feud over bases, blaming his busy schedule, while Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama came under fire in parliament for his handling of the relationship, the core of security arrangements in the region.

US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell is due to meet Okada today in Tokyo.