Japan calls on ally to halt sexual misconduct at military installations – reports
A series of sexual assaults allegedly involving American service members have taken place on Okinawa Island over the past year. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
A series of sexual assaults allegedly committed by American service members on Okinawa Island has raised significant concerns over the past year.
Following a recent incident that marked the fifth sexual assault involving a US Marine in just over a year, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, has called for changes from the American military to prevent further sex crimes.
The latest allegation involves a serviceman in his 30s accused of raping a woman in November, leading to injury. This incident has reopened discussions among Okinawa residents about safety, according to Hayashi. The southernmost prefecture of Japan hosts the majority of American military installations in the country.
“We will urge US forces in Japan to strengthen discipline and fully implement preventive measures,” Hayashi stated, emphasizing his role in addressing the impacts of US military presence in Okinawa.
The reported assault took place in a central Okinawa building, as indicated by a source. The woman promptly reported the incident to local police. Local media, citing a police spokesman, noted that the serviceman accused of rape has been referred to prosecutors for potential charges.
Under the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement, American military personnel are typically held in US custody until formal charges are made in Japan, unless apprehended at the crime scene.
Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki expressed serious concern in a statement on Wednesday, saying, “There have been five serious and heinous crimes in the past year that have disregarded the human rights and dignity of women.” He further emphasized the need for “strong protests with both the Japanese and US governments.”
The incident is part of a troubling trend involving violent assaults against women in Okinawa. Last December, a Japanese court convicted Senior Airman Brennon Washington of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, sentencing him to five years in prison with hard labor; he has since appealed the verdict. In June, a Marine lance corporal faced indictment for attempted sexual assault, while another Marine lance corporal was charged with injuring a woman during a sexual assault in September.
Local opposition to the US military presence in Okinawa is fueled by concerns over aircraft noise, pollution, and crimes committed by American personnel. Local residents expressed particular outrage last year when it was revealed that the Japanese government had not reported two sexual assault cases involving American service members. Police explained that the lack of disclosure was due to their commitment to protecting victims’ privacy.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
Following a recent incident that marked the fifth sexual assault involving a US Marine in just over a year, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, has called for changes from the American military to prevent further sex crimes.
The latest allegation involves a serviceman in his 30s accused of raping a woman in November, leading to injury. This incident has reopened discussions among Okinawa residents about safety, according to Hayashi. The southernmost prefecture of Japan hosts the majority of American military installations in the country.
“We will urge US forces in Japan to strengthen discipline and fully implement preventive measures,” Hayashi stated, emphasizing his role in addressing the impacts of US military presence in Okinawa.
The reported assault took place in a central Okinawa building, as indicated by a source. The woman promptly reported the incident to local police. Local media, citing a police spokesman, noted that the serviceman accused of rape has been referred to prosecutors for potential charges.
Under the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement, American military personnel are typically held in US custody until formal charges are made in Japan, unless apprehended at the crime scene.
Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki expressed serious concern in a statement on Wednesday, saying, “There have been five serious and heinous crimes in the past year that have disregarded the human rights and dignity of women.” He further emphasized the need for “strong protests with both the Japanese and US governments.”
The incident is part of a troubling trend involving violent assaults against women in Okinawa. Last December, a Japanese court convicted Senior Airman Brennon Washington of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, sentencing him to five years in prison with hard labor; he has since appealed the verdict. In June, a Marine lance corporal faced indictment for attempted sexual assault, while another Marine lance corporal was charged with injuring a woman during a sexual assault in September.
Local opposition to the US military presence in Okinawa is fueled by concerns over aircraft noise, pollution, and crimes committed by American personnel. Local residents expressed particular outrage last year when it was revealed that the Japanese government had not reported two sexual assault cases involving American service members. Police explained that the lack of disclosure was due to their commitment to protecting victims’ privacy.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
