Japan has called on the U.S. military to take stronger measures to prevent sexual assaults in Okinawa after a recent incident involving a U.S. Marine sparked outrage among local residents.
Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s top government spokesman, urged U.S. forces to “tighten discipline and fully implement preventive measures” during a press conference on Thursday.
The appeal follows an incident where a serviceman in his 30s is accused of sexually assaulting and injuring a woman in Okinawa last November. Okinawa police referred the case to prosecutors on Wednesday.
This case is the latest in a series of violent attacks on women on the island, which hosts about 70% of all U.S. military bases in Japan despite occupying only 0.6% of the country’s total land area.
Crimes committed by U.S. service members have been a constant source of grievance for Okinawa residents, fueling tensions and concerns over safety. Locals are calling for increased accountability and better protection measures.
The repeated incidents have intensified debates over the U.S. military presence on the island, with many urging a reevaluation to ensure the well-being of the community.
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Japan urges U.S. military to prevent sexual assaults in Okinawa
cgtn.com
