Tokyo, July 17 (TIWN) Japan's Defence Minister Taro Kono has called on the United States to conduct COVID-19 tests on all US military personnel coming to Japan as the virus has hit several US bases in the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa.

Kono on Friday said that the Defence Ministry has requested that US military personnel bound for Japan take one test prior to leaving the US and another upon arrival in Japan, Xinhua news agency reported.

"With so many asymptomatic people, PCR testing is a must," Kono said, adding that tests needed to be carried out, without exception, on military personnel before leaving the US and coming to Japan.

Kono added that the US side has considered the request.

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki has also asked the US to clarify whether or not they are taking the necessary virus prevention measures while based in Okinawa, including two-week quarantine measures where it is necessary.