Japan seeks US cooperation after marine arrested over alleged Okinawa killing

Japan has asked the United States for full cooperation after a US marine was arrested on suspicion of murdering and robbing a woman in Okinawa, Japanese authorities said. Davin Ballard, a 20-year-old marine stationed at Futenma Airbase, was arrested on Sunday. Okinawa prefectural police suspect him of killing Anna Yagi, 39, and taking her wallet and backpack at a hotel in Naha in the early hours of Saturday.

Ballard has denied the charges, police said. Police said the suspect was seen entering the hotel with Yagi, who was found dead on Saturday morning. An officer later questioned and detained him while he was walking alone in Naha’s entertainment district.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the incident as extremely regrettable in a social media post. She said the government had requested full US cooperation with the investigation and stronger military discipline. Vice-Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi also protested to US Ambassador George Glass, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

During a telephone conversation, Glass said the US side would cooperate fully and take measures to prevent a recurrence. Glass separately said he had offered condolences to Okinawa Governor Genta Koja and pledged cooperation. The US embassy said it was communicating with Japan and local authorities while the facts were established.

The US Marine Corps said it was actively cooperating with Japanese authorities over allegations of serious criminal conduct by a marine. The investigation remains under way.