Okinawa Governor Demands Stricter Discipline for U.S. Troops After Marine Arrest
Governor Genta Koja met with Japan's Defense Minister to express outrage over a murder allegedly committed by a U.S. Marine and called for improved measures to prevent future incidents.
The governor of Okinawa has called on Japan's central government to implement more effective disciplinary measures for U.S. service members stationed on the southern island, following the arrest of a U.S. Marine accused of robbing and murdering a local woman.
Governor Genta Koja, who assumed office last month, conveyed his outrage to Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi during a meeting in Tokyo. Koja also reiterated his request for reduced burdens associated with hosting U.S. military bases on Okinawa, a sentiment shared by many residents who have long expressed concerns about noise, pollution, and crime linked to the bases.
Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, a Marine from the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of killing 39-year-old Anna Yagi at a hotel and stealing her belongings. Japanese media reported that Ballard has denied the allegations.
"Okinawa has requested preventive measures every time similar crimes were repeated in the past, and now we have this case again," Koja stated during his meeting with Koizumi, adding that "past disciplinary measures and human rights education implemented by the U.S. military have not worked at all."
Koizumi acknowledged Okinawa's concerns and pledged that the Japanese government would collaborate with U.S. authorities to discuss and implement effective preventive measures.
In response to the incident, the U.S. military in Okinawa announced a 48-hour pause on all training operations, which concluded Friday at noon. Additionally, troops' ability to leave their bases has been restricted, and alcohol consumption is prohibited.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force, acknowledged in a statement that such incidents "demand we pause for reflection" and emphasized that service on the island "comes with responsibility."
U.S. troops on Okinawa will be subject to a nightly curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. for the next 30 days, Watson added.
Okinawa hosts the majority of the more than 50,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan under the bilateral security agreement between the two nations. Governor Koja is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi later Wednesday to convey similar requests.