Okinawa assembly seeks review of U.S. forces agreement

Okinawa's prefectural assembly adopted a resolution on October 9 seeking a review of the agreement governing U.S. forces in Japan after a Marine was arrested over a woman's killing.

The resolution will be sent to the U.S. embassy. The assembly also adopted a statement addressed to Japan's government. Lawmakers are seeking measures to prevent crimes by military personnel. The vote itself does not amend the existing agreement.

Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, is accused of robbing and killing Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in Naha the previous Saturday. He denies the allegations. The case has prompted demonstrations in Tokyo and Okinawa.

Ryotaro Odo, chairman of the assembly's special committee on U.S. bases, criticised training and discipline within the American military. He called for cooperation with investigators and accountability for those responsible. Kyodo reported that some lawmakers opposed the resolution because it did not demand the removal of the U.S. military chief in Okinawa.

The U.S. military had paused operations for 48 hours from Wednesday. A 30-day restriction on going out between midnight and 5am also began on Friday. Japanese authorities expressed their protest to the U.S. ambassador and military command.