Joint Meeting for Building Network with U.S. Military Organizations for Supporting Cross-Cultural Family and Couples on Okinawa

• 2022年度連絡会議　米軍との連携構築の取組

On March 24 2023, Joint Meeting for Building Network with U.S. Military Organizations for Supporting Cross-Cultural Family and Couples on Okinawa was held. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Michiko Miyahira, Director General of Department of Child Care and Social Welfare represented the Japanese side. Col Steven Eastin, Assistant Chief of Staff (G-7) from U.S. Marine Corps and 1st Lt Alvin Nelson, Public Affairs Officer from U.S. Air Force 18th Wing represented the U.S. military side, and relevant organizations from Okinawa Prefectural Government (OPG) and U.S. military in Okinawa, as well as representative from the U.S. Consulate General Naha, were in attendance.
2. Through several meetings, OPG and U.S. military organizations in Okinawa have deepened an understanding of the issues currently faced by cross-cultural families/couples and individuals on Okinawa and have shared information on support systems on both sides.
   Both parties have then exchanged views on specific ways to collaborate with each other.
3. During this meeting, both parties once again shared the recognition of the importance of cooperation between relevant organizations to provide comprehensive support for cross-cultural families/couples and individuals on Okinawa and confirmed specific collaboration methods for actual operations in dealing with cases of suspected abuse.
4. Both parties also confirmed that they will continue to work closely together by holding regular meetings to strengthen the support for family and dating problems between Japanese and U.S. military members in Okinawa Prefecture. Hereinafter both sides plan to discuss how to provide support cooperatively in other types of issues among cross-cultural families.