U.S. Marine dies in Japan during training, military says

A United States Marine has died in Japan, following a “training incident,” the military said in a statement Wednesday.

The unnamed Marine was undertaking training at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, the statement said. The area is home to a large U.S. military presence and bases that serve as a regional hub in the Indo-Pacific.

The Marine who was with the 3rd Marine Division died Tuesday and will not be named until 24 hours after the individual’s family has been notified, the 3rd Marine Division said in a statement Wednesday.

“It is with heavy hearts that 3rd Marine Division announces the death of a Marine following a training incident at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, on Nov. 3, 2026,” the statement said.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation,” it added. “We express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of our Marine.”

Okinawa was under U.S. occupation following World War II until it was handed back to Japan in 1972. Today, the U.S. population on the island is nearly 80,000, with nearly 30,000 being active duty troops from all four branches of the armed forces, though the Marines make up the bulk of the forces.

Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month pledged to cooperate with Japanese authorities investigating allegations that a ​U.S. Marine murdered a woman in Okinawa. The case sparked widespread protests and led to a U.S. military curfew and mandatory training in standards and discipline.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, commander of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, said at the time that serving on the Japanese island “comes with responsibility.”