Japan and US review off-base conduct rules after alleged Okinawa killing
Japan's foreign minister said officials will reassess the off-duty code for US troops following the arrest of a Marine suspected of killing a woman in Naha.
Japanese officials are set to examine the off-base code of conduct for US troops after a Marine stationed on Okinawa was arrested on suspicion of killing a 39-year-old woman at a hotel in Naha. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the review will address whether current rules, including the 2024 "liberty" policy that bans public drinking between 1 am and 5 am, are working effectively. He added that patrols and curfew management will also be scrutinised in upcoming talks with the United States.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told a legislative committee that high-level and working-level consultations have begun to identify appropriate measures. The US military responded with a two-day operational pause and a month-long curfew starting at midnight. The incident revives long-standing Okinawan protests over crimes by US personnel and the island's demand for a more equitable burden-sharing of the US force presence.
Why it matters
The case could reshape rules governing US troops in Japan and affect US-Japan security cooperation.
How this story developed
- Oct 4 US Marine Arrested in Okinawa After Woman Found Dead in Hotel Room
- Oct 4 Police identified the suspect from hotel surveillance and arrested him later that night.
- Oct 5 Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi filed a formal protest with U.S. Ambassador George Glass, who responded on X expressing condolences and pledging full cooperation.
- Oct 11 The Okinawa prefectural assembly adopted a resolution urging a review of the Japan‑U.S. Status of Forces Agreement.
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