Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja said Monday he would seek a “fundamental review” of the 1960 Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) after prosecutors indicted a Marine over an alleged killing amid debate over U.S. bases.
EconoTimes previously reported on the Marine’s indictment in the case.
AFP reported that about 54,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed in Japan, with most located in Okinawa. Koja said Okinawa has repeatedly protested to U.S. forces and both governments after incidents involving American service members or civilian employees. The pact has drawn criticism as giving the U.S. military preferential treatment in Japan.
Among Koja’s proposed changes is prompt handover to Japan when it requests custody of a suspect held by U.S. forces before indictment. He also wants Japanese laws, including aviation law, to apply to U.S. forces.
Koja is also pressing for faster return of land used by U.S. bases in Okinawa’s commercial center under a 2013 agreement. He said returning the land would help the local economy. Elected in September, Koja is the first Okinawa governor in 12 years to support the contentious relocation plan for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma air base. The central government plans to keep the base on Okinawa’s main island while moving it to a less populated site.
Tokyo and Washington announced joint steps Friday, Nov. 6, aimed at reducing offenses by U.S. service members in Okinawa. The plan includes future discussions on relations with local communities and Japan’s legal system. Separately, U.S. officials said the 30-day curfew imposed after the woman’s death would continue for some service members through Dec. 7.
Okinawa lawmakers adopted a resolution in October seeking revisions to the pact, and it is expected to be sent to the U.S. Embassy.
