US Marine seen for first time after he was accused of murdering woman, 39, while serving on Japanese island notorious for rowdy troops

A 20-year-old US Marine has been arrested in Okinawa on suspicion of killing 39-year-old Anna Yagi and taking her belongings from a hotel in Naha. The case has intensified local concern about crimes linked to the US military presence and prompted a formal protest by Japan.

Police say Yagi was found unconscious in her room after missing checkout, and died at the scene. Investigators believe she was killed between 2am and 4am; security footage reportedly showed the Marine leaving with her belongings, which were later found nearby. Prosecutors are considering whether to file formal charges. About 50,000 US troops are stationed in Japan, half in Okinawa, where military-related criminal cases rose to 101 last year from around 40 in 2020.