Okinawa governor urges Japan action after US Marine arrested over killing
Summary
The governor of Okinawa asked Japan’s central government to do more to control US military members after a US Marine was arrested for allegedly killing and robbing a local woman. The US military in Okinawa has introduced new rules, including a curfew and a pause in training, to address discipline and community relations.Key Facts
- Okinawa Governor Genta Koja met with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to express anger over a US Marine’s arrest for murder and robbery.
- The Marine, Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, is accused of strangling a woman named Anna Yagi and stealing her belongings; he denies the charges.
- Okinawa residents have long opposed the US military presence due to noise, pollution, and crimes.
- The US military paused all training for 48 hours and set a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. for troops.
- A 30-day “period of reflection” with stricter discipline was announced by the Marine commanding general.
- Prime Minister Takaichi called the crime “heinous” and expects the US government to improve preventive measures.
- Past violent crimes involving US Marines in Okinawa have led to prison sentences and stricter rules like alcohol bans.
- Japan and the US will discuss stronger actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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