The U.S. military is expanding restrictions on alcohol consumption among American troops in Japan, adding a broad prohibition during a major multinational exercise to measures already imposed on Okinawa. The latest rules affect personnel participating in Keen Sword.

Tens of thousands of troops from the United States, Japan and other nations launched the latest edition of the biennial exercise this past week. More than 50,000 troops are participating in the large scale drills.

Keen Sword focuses on repairing bases and infrastructure, conducting maritime combat operations and carrying out air defense missions. Personnel involved in the exercise are prohibited from consuming alcohol both on base and away from base for the duration of the drills.

Stars & Stripes first reported the Keen Sword drinking ban, citing a notice shared by Japan’s North Kanto Defense Bureau, which is part of the Ministry of Defense. U.S. Forces Japan subsequently confirmed the prohibition.

A spokesperson for U.S. Forces Japan said troops participating in Keen Sword are also subject to a curfew from midnight until 5 a.m. The restrictions do not prevent troops from purchasing alcohol, even though they are barred from drinking it during the exercise.

The Keen Sword rules are the latest in a series of restrictions on American troops’ drinking and activities away from base during the last three weeks. Those measures followed the detention of a Marine in Okinawa over the alleged murder of a local woman.

Earlier this month, Lance Cpl. Devin Ballard was arrested in Naha City for allegedly killing a Japanese woman. Ballard has denied the allegations against him.

The incident prompted criticism from senior levels of the Japanese government. In the aftermath of the woman’s death, III Marine Expeditionary Force imposed a 48 hour alcohol prohibition and established a curfew lasting one month.

Japan’s foreign minister said on Oct. 13 that the two countries were considering stronger restrictions. The statement came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she would press for actions “to ensure that [such cases do not] happen again.”

The alcohol prohibition during Keen Sword arrives alongside additional restrictions at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa. Base leadership has barred junior enlisted personnel assigned there from consuming or possessing alcohol during the order’s effective period.

The Kadena directive was signed by Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, commander of the Air Force’s 18th Wing. It took effect Oct. 22 and remains in place through Nov. 8.

Gallemore’s order applies to troops in ranks E-1 through E-4. Those service members are prohibited from consuming alcohol and have their liberties away from base suspended from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. local time.

The order also prohibits possession of alcohol inside dormitories located on the base. According to the memo, personnel who violate its provisions can face punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Signs posted at base exchanges announced restrictions on alcohol purchases for junior personnel. According to images shared on the popular amn/nco/snco Facebook page, the signs state, “Alcohol sales will cease for All Active Duty E-4 and below starting 22 October 2026 until further notice,”

The military has imposed several temporary alcohol prohibitions at Kadena Air Base or across Okinawa during the last decade. Those previous restrictions followed arrests involving troops or allegations of misconduct, making the newest round another major clampdown on drinking and nighttime liberties.

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