Okinawa Governor Seeks Review of U.S.-Japan Forces Agreement After Woman’s Killing

Okinawa Governor Genta Koja said on November 9 that he would seek a fundamental review of the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement, following the killing of a Japanese woman in Naha allegedly involving a U.S. Marine.

Koja made the announcement at a news conference in Tokyo. He said the October 3 death of 39-year-old Anna Yagi had caused residents great anxiety and renewed calls to change how the agreement applies to U.S. forces in Japan. CBS News reported that the Marine has denied the allegations.

Okinawa police arrested Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, who is stationed at Futenma Air Station, on suspicion of strangling Yagi at a hotel and taking her wallet and backpack. The investigation and allegations are separate from Koja’s request to review the agreement.

What Koja wants changed

The 1960 agreement, known as SOFA, sets out the legal status of U.S. forces in Japan. Under its terms, U.S. military authorities have primary rights to investigate and punish service members when they are on official duty. Critics argue the arrangement can limit Japanese authorities’ ability to handle cases involving U.S. personnel.

Koja said a review should include prompt transfers of suspects held in detention before indictment and applying Japanese laws, including the Aviation Act, to the U.S. military. Okinawa’s assembly adopted a resolution calling for revisions last month; according to CNA, the resolution is due to be submitted to the U.S. Embassy.

Okinawa hosts about 70% of U.S. military facilities in Japan, while roughly 54,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed in the country. Koja also called for the swift return of U.S.-used land in Okinawa’s commercial center under a 2013 agreement, saying the move would help the local economy.

Tokyo and Washington agreed on November 6 to measures intended to prevent crimes by U.S. service members on Okinawa, including discussions about community relations and Japan’s legal system. U.S. officials also said some service members would remain under a 30-day curfew through December 7.