Japan has lodged a protest with the United States after a US Marine was arrested in Okinawa on suspicion of murder.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi registered the protest on Sunday as authorities investigate the incident.
The case has attracted attention because Okinawa hosts a large number of US military personnel and bases.
The presence of American forces has long been a sensitive issue in the Japanese prefecture.
Local residents have repeatedly raised concerns about incidents involving US military personnel and the wider impact of the bases on communities.
Japanese authorities are expected to continue seeking information from their American counterparts as the investigation progresses.
The latest incident could add to existing tensions surrounding the US military presence in Okinawa.
Tokyo and Washington maintain a close security alliance, particularly as regional security concerns continue to grow in East Asia.
However, Japan has also sought greater assurances regarding the conduct of foreign military personnel stationed on its territory.
