‘Everyone is angry’: Okinawans fearful and frustrated after killing

Naha – A week after a U.S. marine was arrested on suspicion of murdering a Japanese woman in Okinawa Prefecture, resident Takako Kakazu is clear what she wants: American soldiers to leave.

The case has prompted public outrage, caused Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to slam the “heinous crime” and reignited controversy over the heavy U.S. military presence on the southern island.

“I just can’t accept this anymore. How many more women in Okinawa have to suffer like this? Everyone is angry,” she said.

“I know America says they’ll protect us if there’s a war, but all we ever get is suffering. ... Please leave,” said the 55-year-old housewife, who has one daughter.

On a busy, sunny weekend near Naha, life seemed normal as tourists and Americans who appeared to be from the military packed beaches and shopping streets.

But residents on Okinawa, where any crimes involving U.S. forces have long inflamed criticism of the troops’ presence, told their frustration and anger in the wake of another alleged incident.

People play on the beach near the Mihama American Village commercial complex in Chatan, Okinawa Prefecture, on Saturday. | AFP-JIJI

According to police, a U.S. marine stationed on Okinawa was arrested on suspicion of killing a 39-year-old woman at a hotel in Naha and stealing her wallet.

Local media reported she was choked to death and that the marine is denying the allegations.

“Honestly, my first reaction was: ’Not again,’” said Airi Hiane, a 23-year-old worker at a cafe.

“If they’re going to maintain that presence here, they need to follow the rules. Otherwise, it’s hard to feel like we can move forward together.”

But Hiane acknowledged it is “difficult to demand that it (the U.S. military) be removed entirely,” and other residents also said that Americans were important to many local businesses.

Military base-related income accounts for around 5% of the region’s annual total, and some argue that the bases create jobs.

Japan also relies on U.S. military might as a deterrent against any potential attack, and has emphasized the importance of American soldiers being garrisoned, trained and on standby 24/7.

For Americans living on the island, there were fears that the latest incident would create tensions within the community.

Stephen Butler, owner of a bar in Naha, says “relationships are good” between locals and foreign nationals on the island. | AFP-JIJI

Stephen Butler, a bar owner in Naha, acknowledged that “it does not look good for the rest of us that are here, that want to be here peacefully and enjoy the culture.”

His bar “Sidelines” was also suffering after U.S. forces were barred on Wednesday from drinking alcohol for 48 hours in the wake of the murder.

But he also said that “relationships are good” between locals and foreign nationals on the island.

“I’ve been here a very long time, and I know all the other owners in the area. ... There’s always a lot of respect.”

For resident Kakazu, her problem is with the U.S. forces specifically.

“It’s terrifying,” she said, before adding in an apparent plea to authorities: “Please, I’m begging you, do something to stop this.”