Japanese authorities and United States officials are reviewing the off-duty conduct regulations for U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan following the recent arrest of a U.S. Marine suspected of killing a local woman. The alleged incident occurred last week in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi announced on Tuesday that discussions are underway to examine whether the current code of conduct for U.S. troops off base is effective. The review will consider various aspects including patrols and curfew enforcement, aimed at preventing future incidents. This move comes amid longstanding tensions on the southern Japanese island, where crimes such as assaults, sexual offenses, hit-and-run accidents, and incidents involving intoxication by U.S. service members have sparked repeated protests from local residents.

The arrested Marine is suspected of killing a 39-year-old Okinawan woman at a hotel in Naha. The case has intensified scrutiny on the behavior of U.S. troops, who have been stationed in Okinawa since the end of World War II, maintaining a significant military presence that has often provoked controversy. Okinawa hosts a majority of the approximately 50,000 U.S. military personnel in Japan.

Motegi emphasized that discussions between Japanese and American officials would focus on ensuring that existing rules are properly enforced and are sufficient to address community concerns. The review aims to balance security cooperation between the two countries with efforts to minimize the impact of military presence on local communities.

The U.S. military has faced repeated criticism in Okinawa over the years, with residents calling for revised policies and greater accountability to prevent similar incidents. Japanese authorities, meanwhile, continue to pursue legal action in cases involving U.S. personnel while working diplomatically with the United States to address broader community grievances related to the bases.