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US marine accused of murdering Okinawan woman sparks protests
Around 100 protesters gathered outside Okinawa’s prefectural government building after the alleged killing, and social media posts called for more Japanese control of US bases.
South China Morning Post reports that the alleged murder of Okinawan resident Anna Yagi by a US Marine has escalated local anger in Okinawa, putting pressure on newly elected Governor Genta Koja.
According to the outlet, about 100 people protested outside the prefectural government building on Sunday, while social media filled with demands for greater Japanese control over US bases.
The victim, a 39-year-old identified as Anna Yagi, was identified on security cameras entering a hotel in Naha with Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, a lance corporal with the US Marine Corps stationed at Air Station Futenma.
The outlet says Ballard was seen leaving the hotel several hours later, allegedly with Yagi’s bag, an incident that comes as Okinawa takes on greater importance in Japan’s regional security strategy.