'Not again': Arrest of US marine for murder reignites protests in Japan's Okinawa
The arrest of a US Marine for the murder of a woman in Okinawa has reignited long-standing local protests against the US military presence in Japan. Residents expressed frustration over recurring crimes involving military personnel and the perceived lack of change in the status quo.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing friction between local populations and foreign military bases, which can impact diplomatic relations and regional security policy.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images By Kurumi Mori Japan correspondent Published 38 minutes ago For many Okinawa locals, the arrest of a US soldier accused of robbing and killing a woman in a hotel room has reignited decades of frustration over crimes involving US military personnel there.
"Honestly my first reaction was, 'Not again,'" 52-year-old longtime Okinawa resident Ai Sato told the BBC.
"Nothing has changed since I was a child. How many times are we going to repeat the same thing, create more victims, cause their families to suffer, and ultimately, cause the people of Okinawa to grieve?"
Akemi Oshiro, a 62-year-old Ginowan resident shared similar sentiments.
"I know we shouldn't get used to terrible things like this, but because they keep happening, I've stopped being surprised," she told the BBC.
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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