NAHA -- Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima said the central government has a "tacit agreement" to relocate the Futenma Air Station offshore as sought by Okinawa Prefecture.

Nakaima's remarks, which came during a press conference at the Okinawa Prefectural Government on Friday, may stir controversy as the government has reiterated it will discuss the planned relocation of the air base with the possibility of moving it offshore but that it will be difficult to change an original plan without logical reasons.

Plans have been discussed to relocate the Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, to along the coast of Nago in the prefecture.

On July 18, the government and Okinawa Prefecture's council on the relocation decided to newly establish two work teams so the central government and the prefecture can discuss such topics as how to make the air station safe, construction plans and an environment assessment for the planned relocation.

During Friday's press conference, Nakaima said referring to the move, "My understanding is that the two work teams will be able to advance discussions as the government tacitly agrees (to relocate the base offshore)."

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