In brief
U.S. forces in Okinawa expanded the existing night curfew for a further month, to run until Dec. 7, with the restriction applying solely to staff below sergeant. The move follows a series of criminal incidents, including a murder‑robbery and a drunk‑driving arrest, sparking Japanese officials to urge tighter discipline and training for U.S. troops.
The U.S. military in Okinawa has extended a nighttime curfew for another month, effective through Dec. 7, a development reported by Xinhua on Nov. 6. The extended curfew will apply only to personnel below the rank of sergeant, while sergeants and those ranked above will be exempt.
This curfew, originally imposed on Oct. 9, was a response to a murder‑robbery case involving U.S. serviceman Devin Ballard, who was charged with robbing and killing a local woman in Naha. The incident prompted a full 30‑day curfew on all U.S. personnel stationed in Okinawa.
On Oct. 31, during the curfew period, a U.S. Marine was arrested in Okinawa City on suspicion of drunk driving, adding to a string of offenses that have raised concerns among local authorities.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has urged the U.S. side to strictly enforce military discipline, take effective measures to prevent similar incidents, and ensure the curfew was strictly observed. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi added that the Japanese and U.S. governments had agreed to strengthen education and training for U.S. service members to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
The curfew’s extension reflects Japan’s demand for tighter control over U.S. forces and a renewed emphasis on discipline and training as a way to improve relations and reduce another wave of violent incidents.
