Politics · Japan · 13 hrs ago
Okinawa governor seeks review of US forces pact after alleged murder
Okinawa Governor Genta Koja said he will seek a review of the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement, known as SOFA.
The move follows the indictment of a US Marine over the alleged murder of a 39-year-old Japanese woman at an Okinawa hotel.
The case has renewed anger about the presence of US forces on the southern Japanese island, where most of the roughly 54,000 US military personnel in Japan are stationed.
Critics say the 1960 pact gives US forces preferential treatment and limits the reach of Japanese law.
Okinawa lawmakers have called for changes and plan to submit their resolution to the US embassy.
Koja also wants the swift return of land used by US bases in Okinawa’s commercial centre, which he said could help the local economy.
The US has extended a curfew through Dec 7 for some service members, and Japan and the US have agreed to measures including talks on community relations and Japan’s legal system.
Okinawa Governor Genta Koja said on Nov 9 he would seek a review of the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement after a US Marine was indicted on suspicion of murdering a Japanese woman.
The alleged killing at an Okinawa hotel triggered outrage and renewed debate over the US military presence on the island.
Koja said the agreement should address the transfer of suspects in detention before indictment and the application of Japanese laws to the US military.
Okinawa lawmakers adopted a resolution in October calling for revisions to the agreement.
The United States has around 54,000 military personnel stationed in Japan, mostly on Okinawa.
- Who
- Okinawa Governor Genta Koja.
- What
- He said he would seek a review of the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement after a US Marine was indicted on suspicion of murder.
- When
- Nov 9. The Marine was indicted in October.
- Where
- Okinawa, Japan; the alleged killing took place at an Okinawa hotel.
- Why
- Koja said the pact should be reviewed after the alleged murder and other incidents involving US personnel, and called for changes including transfer of suspects before indictment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Prosecutors indicted a US Marine on suspicion of murdering a 39-year-old Japanese woman at an Okinawa hotel.
Okinawa lawmakers adopted a resolution calling for revisions to the pact.
Japan and the United States agreed on measures aimed at preventing crimes by US service members on Okinawa.
US officials said a 30-day curfew imposed after the woman's murder would be extended to some service members through Dec 7.
Koja said he would request a review of the pact and seek the swift return of lands used for other US bases in Okinawa.
- Governor
- Genta Koja
- Agreement
- 1960 Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement
- US personnel in Japan
- Around 54,000, mostly on Okinawa
- Alleged victim
- 39-year-old Japanese woman
- Curfew extension
- Through Dec 7
What people are saying
I’ll call for a fundamental review of the SOFA
was an extremely heinous crime that has caused great anxiety amongst residents of Okinawa
swift return