Inside Japan’s fury with the US
There have been fresh protests in Japan against the longstanding presence of US military forces, after a 20-year-old American military serviceman was arrested by Japanese police over a suspected murder of a woman. US Marine Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, accused of killing a 39-year-old Japanese woman Anna Yagi, is in Japanese custody on the island of Okinawa. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has registered an official protest with Washington, but some residents think that is not enough. Okinawa hosts the largest US military presence in Japan. It is home to several US military bases and tens of thousands of American troops. The location of those bases has long been a political flashpoint for residents of the country’s southernmost prefecture. Instances of crimes by US service personnel, ranging from drink-driving accidents to rapes and assaults, have built up resentment amongst Okinawans over five decades. On this episode of Asia Specific, the BBC’s Japan correspondent Kurumi Mori joins host Mariko Oi to discuss the anger behind the latest incident. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Search Asia Specific on YouTube for video episodes. Get in touch: [email protected]