Arab News Japan

TOKYO: On Thursday, a demonstration took place in front of Japan’s Foreign Ministry, a location chosen purposefully to send a clear message to the Japanese government, which is responsible for negotiating and upholding the Status of Forces Agreement. The demonstrators urged the government to take more decisive action against the crimes committed by US military personnel in Okinawa.

Earlier this month, two US Marines stationed in Okinawa were referred to the prosecutor’s office for assaulting two women in the prefecture. A third Marine has reportedly been charged with a similar crime, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

The reported assaults have led the new US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, who arrived in Tokyo last week, to issue a statement on Wednesday. He expressed his deep concern regarding these incidents involving US service members. Ambassador Glass stated, “The United States takes all criminal allegations against its personnel seriously and fully cooperates with local authorities and the Japanese government in their investigations.”

A 21-year-old Marine was charged with rape in June 2022, three months after Okinawa prosecutors charged a 25-year-old soldier for allegedly assaulting a girl under the age of 16.

About 30 protesters gathered outside the Foreign Ministry on Thursday, waving banners and shouting strong slogans against the United States and the Japanese government. They chanted, “Shame on the Foreign Ministry,” and “Shame on Iwaya,” referring to the Foreign Minister. Other slogans included, “We don’t need America,” “No base, no rape,” “The army does not protect residents,” and “I don’t want the U.S. military to repeat violent crimes.” And don’t make Okinawa a battlefield”. 

One banner that was written in both English and Japanese stated: “In Okinawa, since the final days of the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, there has been a continuous occurrence of sexual assaults by individuals associated with the US military. This ongoing issue urges you to consider how we can take action to stop the harm caused by the US bases.”

Japan hosts approximately 54,000 American military personnel, and there have been numerous incidents of crime involving these individuals, including cases of assault and murder. The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the US and Japan establishes the legal framework for addressing the treatment of US military personnel in Japan. Under this agreement, the US takes initial responsibility for prosecuting any crimes committed by its military members. Since its inception in the last century, this agreement has been a topic of debate and criticism in Japan, primarily due to concerns regarding its perceived lack of transparency and accountability.