In her lifetime, Sorane Sakihama, a 24-year-old, has grown up hearing accounts of crimes committed against Japanese women by U.S. soldiers stationed in Okinawa, Japan. When a U.S. Marine was apprehended this week on suspicion of robbing and murdering a local woman at a hotel in Naha, the capital city of the island, Sakihama felt compelled to take action.
Expressing her concern as an Okinawan, Sakihama stated to As It Happens host Nil Köksal, “We have to end this history. As an Okinawan, I don’t want to see any victims again.” She played a pivotal role in orchestrating a demonstration outside the U.S. embassy in Tokyo on Tuesday, drawing hundreds of individuals advocating for justice and the removal of U.S. military bases from Okinawa.
This protest was part of a series of demonstrations throughout the country during the week. In Naha, about 160 people gathered on Sunday, demanding the removal of U.S. bases from the island, with one sign stating, “We’ve had enough of this!”
Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, stationed at Futenma Air Station, was arrested by Okinawa police on suspicion of strangling 39-year-old Anna Yagi on Saturday and stealing her belongings. Ballard denied the accusations, as stated by the authorities.
Although Sakihama did not know Yagi personally, having grown up in Chatan town, she highlighted Yagi’s positive reputation among those who did know her, describing her as a kind and good-hearted individual.
The incident has sparked outrage in Okinawa, reigniting long-standing tensions over the presence of military bases, perceived by many locals as sources of noise, pollution, and violent acts. Okinawa, under U.S. occupation until 1972 post-World War II, currently accommodates 70% of U.S. military facilities in Japan and hosts 18,000 U.S. Marines.
Speaking of her grandparents’ experiences during World War II, Sakihama mentioned their desire to reclaim their land, emphasizing the need for change in the current situation with military bases in Okinawa.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi condemned the murder as “extremely brutal and vicious,” urging U.S. collaboration with the police investigation. The history of violence against women and girls related to U.S. military presence in Okinawa dates back several years, with cases of rape and murder causing significant public outcry.
Moving forward, despite statements from Japanese and U.S. officials, Sakihama remains skeptical about the removal of U.S. military presence from Okinawa. Prime Minister Takaichi aims to enhance Japanese military presence and cooperate with U.S. officers on the island in countering potential threats, particularly from China.
Ballard, currently in Japanese custody, awaits legal proceedings by Japanese prosecutors, with potential charges to be determined in the upcoming weeks. If proven guilty, he could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.
