Key facts
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi protested to the US over the arrest of a Marine suspected of murder and robbery.
- Lance Cpl Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, is suspected of killing Anna Yagi, 39, in a Naha hotel.
- Okinawa Governor Genta Koja expressed outrage and fear among residents due to the incident.
- US Ambassador George Glass pledged cooperation with Japanese authorities.
- Japan's government urged the US to enforce stricter discipline among military personnel.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has lodged a protest with the United States following the arrest of a US Marine in Okinawa on suspicion of robbing and murdering a Japanese woman. Lance Cpl Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, is accused of killing 39-year-old Anna Yagi in a Naha hotel on Saturday, according to police. Ballard has denied the allegations.
Takaichi described the crime as "extremely regrettable" and "heinous," stating that Japan has strongly protested to the US and demanded maximum cooperation in the investigation, alongside stricter discipline and preventive measures for US service members. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned US Ambassador George Glass to convey "outrage."
Okinawa Governor Genta Koja expressed that the incident has caused "major shock and adds fear" to residents, calling it "absolutely unforgivable." He criticized the effectiveness of US military discipline and education measures in response to past criminal cases.
Approximately half of the 50,000 US troops stationed in Japan under a security pact are based in Okinawa. This presence has historically led to resentment among residents over issues such as noise, pollution, and crimes involving US personnel, complicating relations between the central Japanese government and the Okinawa administration. The latest incident occurs as Prime Minister Takaichi's cabinet aims to strengthen Japan's military presence in Okinawa and enhance cooperation with the US military amid rising regional tensions.