Japan PM protests to US after Marine arrested on murder suspicion in Okinawa

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi lodged a formal protest with the United States on Sunday following the arrest of a US Marine on suspicion of murdering a Japanese woman in Okinawa. The victim, Anna Yagi, a 39-year-old woman, was allegedly killed in a hotel in Naha, the capital of Okinawa, on Saturday, along with her belongings.

The suspect, Devin Jacob Ballard, a 20-year-old Marine, denied the allegations. Prime Minister Takaichi expressed deep regret over the incident and called for strong cooperation from the US in the investigation, as well as stringent measures to prevent any recurrence. The US embassy and Marine Corps extended their condolences and confirmed they were working closely with Japanese authorities.

The Marine Corps emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and stressed the importance of adhering to the highest behavioral standards. Approximately 18,000 Marines are stationed in Japan, with a significant portion based in Okinawa, a territory previously held by the US until 1972. The presence of US forces in Okinawa has often sparked local discontent due to issues such as noise, aircraft crashes, and personnel conduct.

The recent murder, particularly similar to the 1995 rape case involving three US servicemen, may further complicate Prime Minister Takaichi's plans to relocate some Marines from the congested Futenma air base to a more remote location at Henoko, where opponents are pushing for the troops' complete withdrawal from the prefecture.