Okinawa governor calls for review of US forces pact after murder

Okinawa Governor Genta Koja has called for a review of the US forces agreement following a murder allegedly committed by an American Marine. The governor stated that the alleged killing, which has caused great anxiety among residents, is a heinous crime and demanded a fundamental reevaluation of the pact. The pact, known as the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), grants the US military preferential treatment in Japan, leaving it virtually immune to Japanese laws.

Koja expressed his intention to request a review of the SOFA, citing the need for swift compliance with Japanese requests to transfer suspects and the adoption of Japanese laws like aviation. The controversy surrounding the US military presence on Okinawa has been a contentious issue, with lawmakers in the prefecture previously adopting a resolution demanding revisions to the pact.

Koja, elected in September, is the first Okinawa governor in 12 years to support the contentious US military base relocation plan.