The U.S. military in Okinawa ordered its members and their families to restrict their movements after the arrest last week of a Marine on suspicion of raping a 14-year-old girl.
The incident revived memories of the rape of a 12-year-old girl on the southern Japanese island in 1995, which sparked huge protests against U.S. bases and raised concerns about damage to the broader security relationship. The 38-year-old Marine, Tyrone Hadnott, has denied rape but admitted forcing the girl to kiss him, police have said.
Both governments have moved swiftly to try to limit diplomatic fallout. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has said he will discuss ways to prevent such incidents with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice when she visits Tokyo next week.
"This period of reflection will allow commanders and all service members an opportunity to further review procedures and orders that govern the discipline and conduct of all U.S. service members serving in Okinawa," the U.S. military said in a statement announcing the restriction. Military personnel will be limited to their place of duty or employment, worship, education or medical treatment and can travel between bases or their off-base homes in their own or military vehicles, or commercial taxis, the statement said.
The U.S. military has already set up a task force to review and strengthen programmes to prevent sexual harassment and assault, and on Friday all personnel will take part in a "day of reflection" to stress professionalism and military values, U.S. Forces Japan said in a separate statement.
"As responsible members of the Japanese community, we will continue to do everything possible to prevent incidents," the statement said. Okinawa plays host to the bulk of the 50,000 or so U.S. troops based in Japan. Local residents often complain about noise and crime associated with the bases.
The Japanese government is trying to persuade Okinawa residents to agree to a planned move of the Marines' Futenma air base from the crowded city of Ginowan to the coastal city of Nago, part of a broader plan that would shift about 8,000 Marines to Guam.