Capital of Okinawa Prefecture, political, economic, educational hub
Japan is accelerating defense planning amid heightened activity around the Nansei Islands. Tokyo argues strengthening the defense system is essential to protect the country and Okinawa, while local concerns warn against making the region a larger target.
A US Marine has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a Japanese woman in Naha, Okinawa. Authorities say CCTV footage shows a man entering a hotel room with the woman and leaving with her belongings. The case intensifies long-standing protests over US forces on Okinawa, where thousands of U.S. personnel are stationed.