Tokyo Protests to Washington After U.S. Soldier Arrested for Suspected Killing of Japanese Woman

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi lodged a protest with the United States on Sunday following the arrest of a U.S. Marine suspect in the theft and murder of a Japanese woman in Okinawa.

Japanese police identified 20-year-old Devin Jacob Ballard as the suspect in the killing of 39-year-old Anna Yagi at a hotel in Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, on Saturday. Police also stated that Ballard stole the victim’s wallet and handbag.

“The Japanese government strongly protests to the U.S. side and demands full cooperation with the investigation,” the statement added, calling for stricter discipline and the implementation of comprehensive rules and procedures to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The U.S. Marine Corps said in a statement that the suspect, who serves at the Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station in southern Japan, is in the custody of Japanese authorities.

“The Marine Corps takes such allegations seriously and expects every member to adhere to the highest standards of conduct,” the statement added.

Most of the approximately 18,000 U.S. Marines stationed in Japan are based in Okinawa, which was under U.S. control from the end of World War II until 1972. Their presence has repeatedly sparked local resentment due to issues such as noise, aircraft accidents, and misconduct by soldiers.

In 1995, the rape of a 12-year-old Okinawan girl by three U.S. Marines triggered massive protests.

Okinawa is located about 100 kilometers from Taiwan at its closest point, making it a key pillar for Tokyo and Washington in deterring any potential military aggression from China.