Japan Demands Strict U.S. Military Discipline After Second Marine Arrest

Japan has asked the United States to strictly enforce discipline among its troops following the arrest of a Marine for drink driving. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi made the request on Monday, November 2, 2026, after the second arrest occurred on Saturday during an active curfew.

Background

The incident follows the recent murder of a woman on the southern island of Okinawa, where an American Marine was indicted by Japanese prosecutors last week. The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported that a 20-year-old suspect allegedly strangled a woman from Naha with a telephone cord in a hotel on October 3. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi lodged a strong protest after the killing, demanding full cooperation and strict discipline.

Action Taken

Following the murder, U.S. forces on Okinawa faced a two-day alcohol ban and a 30-day curfew requiring troops to be on base or at home between midnight and 5:00 am. Defence Minister Koizumi stated that Japan urged the U.S. side to prevent any repeat of these offenses and ensure complete compliance with the nighttime curfew.

Context

Around 54,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed in Japan, with the majority based on Okinawa, making military conduct a long-standing issue in bilateral ties. Crimes and misconduct by U.S. troops have frequently caused public anger and raised questions about the heavy foreign military presence on the island.