Overview

• Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said protests are a right but urged demonstrators to act with “common sense,” warning that excessive obstruction continues in Okinawa.
• He said a portion of the Sept. 13 U.S.–Japan drill on Miyako Island was forced to change because of protests, calling the situation very regrettable.
• Okinawan residents and civic groups criticized his remarks as pressure that chills free expression, according to local reporting.
• Foreign Minister Iwaya said he is coordinating a Japan–U.S.–South Korea foreign ministers' meeting in New York during the UN General Assembly.
• Frontline reporting from Ukraine’s Donetsk region described intensified Russian strikes and drone activity, leaving towns such as Dobropillia devastated and largely depopulated.