Key facts
- Okinawa prefectural assembly adopted a resolution calling for U.S. military action following an alleged murder by a U.S. Marine.
- The resolution also calls for a fundamental review of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement.
- U.S. Marine Devin Ballard was arrested on suspicion of robbing and murdering Anna Yagi.
- The U.S. military in Okinawa suspended operations for 48 hours and imposed a nighttime curfew.
- Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated the U.S. military's actions show a serious response.
The Okinawa prefectural assembly on October 9, 2026, adopted a resolution urging the U.S. military to take action to prevent a recurrence of crimes involving servicemen, following the alleged murder of a local woman by a U.S. Marine. The assembly also passed a statement to the Japanese government calling for a fundamental review of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement.
Ryotaro Odo, head of the assembly's special committee on U.S. military bases, criticized the U.S. military's training and discipline, stating it is "not functioning as an organization." He described the alleged murder as "an extremely heinous and despicable act that severely tramples on the dignity of Okinawa residents and can never be tolerated." Odo called for U.S. military cooperation in the investigation and clear demonstration of organizational responsibility, including disciplinary action.
Devin Ballard, a U.S. Marine stationed at Futenma, was arrested on suspicion of robbing and murdering Anna Yagi. Ballard has denied the allegations. In response, the U.S. military in Okinawa suspended operations for 48 hours and implemented a nightly curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. for 30 days.
Similar resolutions have been passed by municipal assemblies in Naha, Ginowan, Miyakojima, and Motobu. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi noted that the U.S. military's measures reflect a serious response and swift actions to prevent recurrences and impose discipline, adding that consultations with the U.S. on effective measures will continue. The prefectural assembly had previously passed a similar resolution in 2024 concerning sexual assaults by U.S. servicemen.