Japan’s Prime Minister voiced strong condemnation Monday after a US Marine stationed in Okinawa was arrested on suspicion of killing a 39-year-old woman and stealing her wallet. The incident has ignited widespread anger across Japan, fueling long-standing grievances over the presence of American military personnel.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the alleged crime as "heinous" and urged the United States to "thoroughly enforce discipline" among its troops. She stated that the government has requested "full cooperation with the investigation" from the US and emphasized the need for strict adherence to rules by military personnel stationed in the country.

The 20-year-old Marine was arrested by Japanese police on Sunday in connection with the death of the woman, whose body was discovered in a hotel room in Naha. Authorities believe she was strangled, according to reports from Kyodo News, which cited police findings. The Marine has reportedly denied the charges.

The killing has intensified calls for greater accountability and stricter oversight of the approximately 54,000 US military personnel in Japan, a significant portion of whom are based on the southern island of Okinawa. This island has historically been a focal point for protests against crimes committed by US service members, including rapes, assaults, and traffic offenses.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, who oversees efforts to mitigate the impact of US forces in Okinawa, confirmed that Tokyo has lodged protests with the US at "various levels." Both the Japanese Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence have summoned the US ambassador and the commander of US forces in Japan to address the escalating situation.

Protests erupted on Okinawa and in Tokyo following the news. Around 100 people gathered outside the Okinawa prefectural government building on Sunday, expressing frustration with the recurring incidents. In Naha, another rally drew approximately 100 participants. A 24-year-old organizer of a similar protest in Tokyo, Sorane Sakihama, expressed deep sadness and anger, questioning the purpose of the soldiers' presence if they cannot protect lives.

The US military presence in Japan, particularly on Okinawa, dates back to the end of World War II, with the island being returned to Japanese administration in 1972. Despite the long-standing alliance, the significant concentration of US bases on Okinawa has been a persistent source of tension and public discontent.

This latest incident is expected to further galvanize activism and diplomatic pressure on both the US military and the Japanese government to ensure the safety and security of local communities and to prevent future tragedies.