Formally speaking, nothing has changed at the end of the day. But beneath the superficial format, rather clear-cut changes are under way.

It is really astonishing for many people. It is completely out of Japanese culture. You don't assassinate your friends.

It's a simple question, and that question has penetrated the minds of voters.

Leading politicians, including Prime Minister Hashimoto, realize the central government has not been treating Okinawa well for a long time,