Commenting on remarks by a senior U.S. defense official who signaled that Washington would accept minor adjustments to the relocation plan for the U.S. Marines Corps' Futemma Air Station in Okinawa, Hatoyama told reporters in Tokyo, "It is important for the two countries to remain flexible."

The premier's comments came before U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates' visit to Japan on Tuesday and Wednesday, during which he is expected to urge Tokyo to implement the existing accord on the realignment.