Arab News Japan

TOKYO: New US Ambassador to Japan George Glass has issued a statement concerning attacks by US military personnel on Japanese citizens.

The statement, released on Wednesday, said: “I am deeply concerned at the reports of alleged incidents involving US servicemembers. The United States takes seriously all criminal allegations against US personnel and cooperates fully with local authorities and the Japanese government in their investigations.”

With around 54,000 military personnel stationed in Japan, there have been many incidents of actual – not “alleged” – crimes involving military personnel, including assault and murder, but under the Status of Forces Agreement with Japan, the US assumes initial responsibility for prosecuting such crimes.

Local media reported that US soldiers recently joined Japanese officials and residents in Okinawa for a joint nighttime patrol. Okinawa has been the focus of most of the crimes committed by US personnel whose behavior has long angered locals.

A 21-year-old Marine was charged with rape in June last year, three months after Okinawa prosecutors had charged a 25-year-old soldier for allegedly assaulting a girl under 16.

“As guests of Japan, all American servicemembers are expected to meet the very highest standards of conduct and integrity,” Glass said. 

Last year, Okinawa Governor TAMAKI Denny lodged a protest with the Foreign Ministry after reports of sexual assault cases involving US service members in the prefecture. He criticized the government for failing to notify prefectural officials of the incidents.

Upon learning of the incidents, the Foreign Ministry lodged a protest with the US Ambassador to Japan. However, it failed to notify the Okinawa prefectural government of the crimes.

According to an agreement between the Japanese and US governments, the US military reports crimes and accidents committed by its members to the US Embassy in Japan, which then notifies the Foreign Ministry.