Okinawa Marine murder arrest fuels base anger

A US Marine stationed on Okinawa has been arrested on suspicion of killing a 39-year-old Japanese woman at a hotel in Naha and stealing her wallet, police said.

The case has prompted public anger on the southern Japanese island and renewed criticism of the large US military presence there. Japan's premier condemned the case as a "heinous crime".

Local media reported that the woman was choked to death and that the Marine is denying the allegations.

Residents interviewed in Okinawa described fear, anger and frustration. Some called for American soldiers to leave, while others said the US military presence is tied to local businesses and Japan's security arrangements.

US forces were barred from drinking alcohol for 48 hours from Wednesday after the murder. Stephen Butler, a bar owner in Naha, said his business was suffering from the measure but also said relations between locals and foreigners on the island were generally good.

Military base-related income accounts for around five percent of Okinawa's annual total, and Japan relies on US military power as a deterrent against potential attack.