Japan demands tighter US troop discipline after Okinawa killing

Japan is requesting tighter control over American troops following the arrest of a Marine lance corporal suspected of murdering a woman on the southern Okinawa island, according to Japan’s top government spokesperson. The 20-year-old US serviceman is accused of killing 39-year-old Anna Yagi early Saturday inside a Naha hotel, police stated.

The cord-like object wrapped around the woman's neck was discovered by investigators, according to NHK. Japanese officials have called for stricter discipline and measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again, said cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara during a Monday press conference. "We would like to work together with the US to ensure that this incident does not happen again," Kihara emphasized.

The incident heightens tensions over the US military's presence on Okinawa, hosting approximately 30,000 American service members. In 1995, a rape involving three US troops on Okinawa sparked widespread demonstrations, and since then, several serious crimes committed by US military personnel have reignited opposition to the American military's presence on the island.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed deep regret over the brutal incident on social media, vowing strong cooperation with the investigation. The US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, received a protest from Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Sunday, expressing deep regret and pledging full cooperation with the investigation.

Okinawa Governor Genta Koja, a supporter of a stronger defense stance despite local opposition, plans to travel to Tokyo to protest the incident.