Takaichi: Protest lodged with US over Okinawa murder

Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has said in a speech at the Diet that the Japanese government lodged a strong protest with the United States over a robbery-murder case involving a local woman in Okinawa. Police in the southern prefecture on Sunday arrested a US Marine as a suspect in the case.

Takaichi expressed sympathy before delivering her policy speech at the Lower House plenary session on Monday, saying she would like to offer her heartfelt condolences to the victim and her bereaved family.

She also said an investigation is ongoing, and that it is extremely regrettable that such a heinous crime has occurred.

Takaichi strongly urged those involved to fully cooperate with the investigation. She said she demanded that discipline be tightened among US military personnel and measures taken to prevent a recurrence.

She added that the government will continue to do all it can concerning the matter.