Published: 14:09, May 27, 2025
4 US servicemen arrested in Japan's Okinawa in separate incidents
By Xinhua
US military personnel join Japanese officials and residents for a one-off joint nighttime patrol on the streets of Okinawa City, Okinawa prefecture late on April 18, 2025, following sexual assault cases involving US servicemen. (PHOTO / AFP)

TOKYO - Four US servicemen have been arrested in Japan's Okinawa between May 23 and May 26 in connection with separate incidents, local media reported.

In the latest case, a 23-year-old US Marine corporal was arrested on a city road in Okinawa on suspicion of driving under the influence.

While on patrol, officers noticed a car swerving and pulled it over. A breathalyzer test was conducted, which revealed a blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit, national broadcaster NHK reported.

READ MORE: People in Japan stage rallies against sexual assaults by US servicemen

On May 25, another US Marine, a 20-year-old, was also arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run in Okinawa. A breath test also indicated a blood alcohol level over the legal limit.

Earlier on May 25, a 26-year-old US Navy was arrested in Okinawa City for allegedly trespassing on a private residence's balcony.

On the night of May 23, a 20-year-old US Marine was arrested in Chatan Town on suspicion of public indecency after allegedly exposing his lower body in public.

READ MORE: Info sharing urged as more US military's sex crime cases revealed across Japan

Crimes involving US military personnel in Okinawa have been a longstanding issue. According to Okinawa Prefecture's statistics, approximately 6,200 criminal cases involving US military personnel and their dependents have occurred in the prefecture between 1972 and 2023, including serious offenses such as murder, rape, and robbery.