In less than a month, two American military soldiers stationed in Japan were arrested for suspected robbery and homicide, as well as drunk driving. The Japanese government once again demanded that the U.S. take military discipline seriously.
According to a report by AFP on November 2, Japanese Defense Minister Nobуsuke Kōszё said that a U.S. Navy Marine stationed in Okinawa was arrested on October 31 for suspected drunk driving. The incident occurred during a curfew period when the U.S. military was in place.
Koizumi Shinjiro stated that Japan has requested the US to strictly enforce discipline among troops stationed in Japan, take effective measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring again, and ensure compliance with the night curfew regulations.
We hope the American side takes this incident seriously. Junior Jinjiro added.
On October 3, US Marine Sergeant Devyn Barad was suspected of killing a local woman in a hotel in Naha and stealing items from the victim. Okinawa police arrested him on October 4, and the Naha District Prosecutors Office subsequently filed charges against him for robbery and homicide. This case has sparked anger in Japan and has once again raised controversy surrounding the U.S. military stationed in Okinawa.
After the incident, the U.S. military stationed in Okinawa announced a two-day alcohol ban and imposed a 30-day curfew, requiring all personnel to stay inside their bases or homes from midnight to 5 a.m.
According to Yomiuri Newspaper, the American soldier suspected of drunk driving had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit. The police are also investigating whether he is suspected of hit-and-run.
Currently, the United States has approximately 54,000 military personnel stationed in Japan, most of whom are concentrated in Okinawa. Over the long term, cases of sexual assault, violent attacks, and drunk driving by US military personnel have continuously caused dissatisfaction among local residents.
After the robbery and murder incident involving US troops in Okinawa, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshihiko Mohiki stated that Japanese authorities are re-examining the behavior standards for US military personnel stationed outside bases.
