U.S. Marine detained in Okinawa on suspicion of killing Japanese woman
A U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa has been arrested after police say he killed a Japanese woman in a Naha hotel and stole her belongings, prompting diplomatic protests and cooperation between U.S. and Japanese authorities.
A 20-year-old Lance Corporal of the U.S. Marine Corps was taken into custody early Sunday on suspicion of killing a 39-year-old Japanese woman in a hotel in Naha, Okinawa, and taking her wallet and backpack, local police said. The Marine, stationed at Futenma Air Station, denied the allegations.
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo said it is communicating and cooperating with the Japanese government and local authorities as the investigation proceeds.
"The occurrence of such an incident is a matter of profound regret, and as the Government of Japan, we have lodged a strong protest with the U.S. side," Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on social media.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense expressed outrage and demanded stricter discipline and preventive measures.
The III Marine Expeditionary Force, headquartered in Okinawa, said it is cooperating with Japanese authorities and that the Marine Corps takes the allegations seriously, emphasizing that all Marines are expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior.
"I have spoken with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Okinawa Governor Genta Koja, pledging full cooperation as the investigation continues," U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass said.
The incident adds to longstanding tensions surrounding the U.S. military presence on the island, where roughly 18,000 Marines are stationed.