Okinawa governor calls for review of U.S.-Japan troops pact
Summary
Okinawa Governor Genta Koja said he would seek a fundamental review of the 1960 U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement after a U.S. Marine was indicted in connection with the alleged murder of a Japanese woman. The case has renewed criticism of the agreement and the U.S. military presence on Okinawa, where local officials have long raised concerns about crimes and limits on Japanese authorities’ powers.Key Facts
- Japanese prosecutors indicted Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard last month on suspicion of murdering 39-year-old Anna Yagi and stealing her wallet and backpack.
- Police said the alleged killing took place at a hotel in Naha early on Oct. 3, 2026; Japanese media reported that Ballard denied the allegations.
- Koja said he would seek changes to the Status of Forces Agreement, including prompt transfer of detained suspects to Japanese authorities before indictment and applying Japanese laws such as the Aviation Act to U.S. forces.
- The agreement gives U.S. military authorities the primary right to investigate and punish service members in Japan when they are on official duty.
- Okinawa hosts about 70% of U.S. military facilities in Japan, while about 54,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed in the country.
- Okinawa lawmakers adopted a resolution last month calling for revisions to the agreement, which is to be submitted to the U.S. embassy.
- Japan and the United States agreed on Friday to measures aimed at preventing crimes by U.S. service members on Okinawa, including talks on community relations and Japan’s legal system.
- Koja also said he would seek the swift return of U.S.-used land in Okinawa’s commercial center under a 2013 agreement.
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