🇯🇵🇺🇸 Japan, US act after Okinawa case

Japan said on Oct 5 it will work with the United States to prevent a recurrence after a US Marine was arrested on suspicion of robbery and murder in Okinawa. Police said Devin Ballard, 20, a Marine stationed in the prefecture, is suspected in the killing of 39-year-old Anna Yagi at a hotel in Naha on Oct 3.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Tokyo will continue urging Washington to enforce discipline among US personnel, while Japan lodged strong protests through multiple channels. The case has renewed pressure in Okinawa, which hosts the bulk of US military installations in Japan and has a long record of local opposition tied to crimes and the broader burden of the US base presence.

Okinawa Governor Genta Koja said he plans to go to Tokyo as early as this week to discuss the case with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and seek a thorough investigation and further preventive measures.

#Japan #US

@asianomics