He also expressed the view that the US military presence would be of increasing importance to the region's future stability. The interview was granted at the request of the Ryukyu Shimpo, and took place on June 19 at the Taiwan Government office in the capital, Taipei. A meeting of the Japan Peace Society was held at Okinawa International University on June 18. Representing the Okinawa Foreign Affairs Research Association, Miyazato Seigen called for a more cooperative approach to regional affairs. He criticized current government policy for favoring relations with the United States, and urged policy makers to promote improved relations with Japan's Asian neighbors.
Call centers seek training improvements.
Naha's Pacific Hotel played host on June 20 to an informal gathering to discuss call center staffing issues. The gathering, organized by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, brought together executives from the growing number of centers located on the island. MPT Okinawa office chief, Takao Ito stressed the importance of keeping up with advances in information technology. He also called for agreed training procedures to create a quality workforce able to respond to the needs of international business. 15 centers have so far been established in Okinawa, employing a total of 1,865 people.