US-Japan joint patrols again in Okinawa for the first since 1974, with US troops and even Governor Denny Tamaki on the downtown streets. (19ap25)

Splendor of Okinawa: Fountainbush, roadside Futenma, 24mr25


Within Okinawa Prefecture last year a continuing series of sexual assault crimes occurred. In response, from 18 April, troops of the US Military are joining the Prefectural Police in carrying out patrols of Okinawa City’s downtown bar district. 


This is the first such joint action since 1974, 2 years after Okinawa’s reversion to Japanese control in 1972. According to related government sources, under the US-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the US side has arrest power over US troops and military dependents, while exhibiting disdain for Prefectural Police involvement. 


However, this time, residents paraded along with the patrol with no expectation of detentions or such. Governor Denny Tamaki, Okinawa City’s mayor, and others participated with about 120 others. 


At Okinawa City’s downtown Koza Plaza, the group held a departure meeting at about 10 p.m. Okinawa City Mayor Daisuke Hanashiro addressed the group, noting, “We’re coordinating with related organizations to guarantee local security and calm. We’ll  end up creating a much better environment!” As representative of US Forces in Okinawa, Commander of Pacific US Marine Bases, Major General Brian N. Wolford emphasized, “This joint cooperative effort is permanent!”


The patrol lasted until 2 a.m. on 19 April. From 1 a.m. that day, according to the “liberty System”, which rules departure from base facilities and eating or drinking off base, US troops and base personnel are urged to return home.


In response to the discovery of sexual assault crimes, the US side has proposed setting up “Forum” facilities as discussion venues for local residents and joint patrols with the Prefectural Police.


At his press conference, Governor Denny Tamaki stated, “As for guaranteeing the actions of individual military personnel, it is acknowledged that absolute regulation is impossible. The Government and the US Military must have discussions.”


Government related sources made clear on the record to our reporters,”The US side confirmed, “The proposal to carry out joint patrols is  a prerequisite for setting up the Forum.”


As for negotiations over the detention of US Military personnel,  the US side expressed the view, “Under the present circumstances, the possibility of encountering such a case is quite low. Moreover, since the police have been exercising flexibility, everything just moves along forward.”


Original Japanese article: Sankei Shimbun, published Friday 18 April 2025 at 23:53.

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/e6acfb69aa22e6e9b3c65efb997b5630545e0e2d


Denny in the News:

Denny Tamaki is the governor of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. Although Okinawa is important as an international tourist destination and a key element in strategic US Military Forces, its governor receives very little coverage in the Japanese press and almost none in the English language media. 


This blog hopes to  translate one news article a day on the governor.  It is unsponsored and unauthorized. The translator simply hopes to improve his skills and perhaps give the governor an English speaking audience. 


Any suggestion on improving the translation will be gratefully accepted. However, please leave political comments for another forum.


Where they occur, words and phrases in Ryukyuan (the Okinawan language) are rendered in italics and translated in parentheses. Names  whose readings are uncertain are rendered as Name (=Kanji?) as in Nagayuki (=長行?). Any corrections in such instances would be gratefully appreciated.

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