May 2, 2025

A group of peace organizations, regarding frequent fatal car accidents caused by U.S. soldiers in Yokosuka City (Kanagawa Pref.), submitted a written request to the Ministry of Defense’s South Kanto Defense Bureau on April 30, demanding drastic measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

On April 27 in Yokosuka City, a car driven by a U.S. soldier collided with a motorcycle, killing the motorcyclist. In September of last year, a U.S. soldier assigned to the U.S. Yokosuka Naval Base caused a car crash after making an illegal right turn, killing an office employee on the way to work.

The group requested that the U.S. military offer apologies and compensation to the bereaved families; that the perpetrators not be sent home; and that the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) that gives preferential treatment to the U.S. forces be amended.

Japanese Communist Party Yokosuka City Assemblyperson Omura Yoko who joined in the handover of the group’s written request said, “The Defense Ministry should press the U.S. military to provide effective traffic safety education to its personnel.”