chief says merging the function of densely populated futenma air station with another prefecture, kadena air base, is not being considered at present. >> the opposition, frankly, by the local mayors and local communities with regard to any additions to kadena, it is not on the table in terms of recommendation from paycom at the moment. >> u.s. deputy defense secretary ashton carter had said earlier this month that merging futenma's function into kadena remains on the table as a way forward for the stalled plan to reduce the u.s. mililililililit burden on okinawa. his latest remarks suggest that the u.s. military is not studying the option seriously. the merger was proposed by a group of influential u.s. senators, including the chairman of the armed services committee, carl levin. >>> one of the latest and lightest passenger jets in the world touched down in japan on wednesday. all nippon air ways will start operating the 787 dreamliner next month. boeing made the plane. it is relatively small compared to the company's famous jumbo jet, the boeing 747. still, the dreamliner is expected to