The US military in Okinawa has extended a nighttime curfew for its personnel by one month until December 7, Kyodo News reported on Friday.

The curfew applies to those ranked below sergeant, while higher-ranking service members are exempt.

The original 30-day curfew was imposed on all US military personnel in Okinawa on October 9, following the arrest of US serviceman Devin Ballard. He was indicted on charges of robbing and murdering a local woman in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, earlier that month. Under the rules, troops are barred from leaving bases between midnight and 5 a.m.

However, the curfew was breached on October 31 when a US Marine was arrested in Okinawa City on suspicion of drunk driving.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Monday that he had urged the US side to strictly enforce military discipline, take effective measures to prevent similar incidents and ensure that the curfew was strictly observed.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi added on Friday that both governments had agreed to strengthen education and training for US service members to prevent further incidents.

(Cover: This photo taken on October 7, 2026 shows the exterior of hotel where a woman was allegedly killed by a US Marine in Naha, Okinawa prefecture, Japan. /VCG)