Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has led public outcry following the arrest of a US Marine suspected of killing a woman on Okinawa. The alleged crime was described as "heinous" by Ms Takaichi in a speech to parliament, where she also urged US military authorities to enforce discipline among servicemen stationed on the island.
Lance Corporal Devin Ballard, 20, was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of strangling Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in Naha, Okinawa's capital. Police also suspect him of stealing her wallet and backpack. Mr Ballard has denied the allegations, according to police.
The arrest has triggered anger in Okinawa. Governor Genta Koja stated the incident delivered a "major shock" to the island and raised fears among residents. He added that it proved US attempts to improve discipline among its troops had failed.
Crimes and accidents involving US troops on Okinawa have been a constant source of tension between Tokyo and Washington, and a target of local protests. Okinawa hosts most of the 50,000 US troops in Japan and 70% of the country’s military facilities there. Prefectural police data indicates that crimes involving US troops on Okinawa have increased in recent years, from approximately 40 in 2020 to 101 last year.
Under the Japan-US status of forces agreement, Mr Ballard, who was arrested off duty in a civilian district, will remain in the custody of Japanese authorities. If convicted, he could face life in prison or the death penalty.