US secretary expresses condolences over Japanese national’s death in Okinawa, pledges cooperation in investigation
WASHINGTON, October 10, 2026: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi have reaffirmed the strength of the US-Japan alliance, while discussing an investigation into the death of a Japanese national in Okinawa and Washington’s sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a telephone conversation on Saturday, the two officials underscored the alliance’s importance as a cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, according to a US State Department readout.
Rubio expressed his condolences over the death of the Japanese national in Okinawa and conveyed the United States’ determination to communicate and cooperate fully with the Japanese government and local authorities as they investigate the incident.
The readout did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the death.
Rubio also raised what the State Department described as the necessity of US sanctions on the ICC, citing the court’s actions that Washington says threaten American sovereignty.
The discussion highlights Washington’s continued opposition to certain ICC actions and its position on the court’s jurisdiction and activities.
The two officials also committed to maintaining close coordination ahead of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled to take place in Atlanta.
The conversation comes as Washington and Tokyo continue to emphasise their security partnership and diplomatic coordination on issues affecting the Indo-Pacific and the wider international community.
