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Okinawa murder arrest: US forces in Japan face curfew and alcohol ban
Lance Cpl Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, was arrested over the murder of Anna Yagi, 39, in Naha; US forces on Okinawa face a 48-hour operational pause, an alcohol ban and a 30-day curfew.
Why it matters
The murder of a Japanese woman, allegedly by a US Marine, has triggered the strongest US military response in Okinawa in years — a full alcohol ban, an operational pause, and a month-long curfew for all US personnel. The case risks further inflaming longstanding opposition to the US military presence on the island.
Full report
Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, is suspected of killing Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in Naha, the capital of Okinawa prefecture, on Saturday, and taking her wallet and backpack. Police said Yagi died of asphyxiation after Ballard allegedly pressed on her neck. Hotel staff found her unconscious in her room early Saturday after she failed to check out; around 200 officers were involved in the search after CCTV footage showed Ballard entering the hotel with Yagi. Ballard has been arrested by Japanese police and denies the allegations.
On Tuesday, the commander of US forces in Okinawa, Lieutenant General Benjamin Watson, announced that all US military operations on the island would be suspended for 48 hours from Wednesday noon while personnel undergo standards and discipline training. A comprehensive alcohol ban takes effect immediately, followed from Friday by a 30-day "period of reflection" in which all US personnel face a midnight-to-5am curfew across the island.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the killing as "extremely brutal and heinous" and said she had strongly protested to the United States while demanding measures to prevent similar incidents. Protests have been held in Naha and Tokyo, and Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki was due to meet Takaichi on Wednesday to discuss the government's response.
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