Summit Thousands of protesters demonstrate in Ginowan, Okinawa, in southwestern Japan.
Residents are opposed to the presence of U.S. military bases on the island.
More than 6,500 people braved sweltering heat to take part in the rally, demanding a reduction in U.S. forces in Okinawa and protesting against recent crimes allegedly committed by U.S. servicemen based on the island. More than half a century of sharing the island with the U.S. military was enough, said one speaker. Organizers of today's rally said they were calling for measures to reduce crimes and improve the conduct of U.S. troops as well as a cut in the overall military presence on the island. Several in the crowd said the summit would do little. I don't expect the problem with the bases to change because of the summit.