A 20-year-old U.S. Marine Corps lance corporal has been arrested on suspicion of robbing and killing a 39-year-old local woman on the southern island of Okinawa. While the soldier denies the charge, the incident has prompted renewed Japanese criticism regarding the conduct of American military personnel.
Japan's premier described the murder as a heinous crime, and Tokyo’s top government spokesman said the country is demanding tighter discipline among American troops.
The arrest has sparked public outrage and renewed protests in Tokyo and on Okinawa. Residents of the island have long been frustrated by the burden of hosting American troops and the rise in military-related crime.