A US Marine has died in Japan following a “training incident”, the army announced in a statement on Wednesday.
The Marine, who was unnamed, was undergoing training at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, the statement said. The region is home to a significant US military presence and bases that serve as a regional hub in the Indo-Pacific.
The Marine who was part of the 3rd Marine Division died Tuesday and his name will not be released until 24 hours after his family is notified, the 3rd Marine Division said in a statement Wednesday.
“It is with heavy hearts that 3rd Marine Division announces the death of a Marine following a training incident at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, on November 3, 2026,” the statement said.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation,” he added. “We express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of our Navy.”
Okinawa was under American occupation after World War II until it was handed over to Japan in 1972. Today, the U.S. population on the island is nearly 80,000, of which nearly 30,000 are active duty soldiers from all four branches of the armed forces, although the Marines make up the bulk of the forces.
Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged last month to cooperate with Japanese authorities investigating allegations that a U.S. marine murdered a woman in Okinawa. The case sparked widespread protests and led to a U.S. military curfew and mandatory training in standards and discipline.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, commander of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, said at the time that serving on the Japanese island “comes with responsibilities.”
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