(PatriotPostNews.com) — Okinawa, Japan, is home to a large United States military installation. Japan hosts roughly 50,000 US service members. Japanese residents living on Okinawa have become resentful of American military bases. Recent misconduct by American service members have brought up painful memories for Japan, including a 1995 incident that resulted in the decision to close a major US base in the region.
American Ambassador for Japan, Rahm Emanuel, addressed alleged sexual misconduct committed by US soldiers stationed on Okinawa. Two 2024 cases have been made public. A Marine was arrested for allegedly assaulting a teenage girl and a United States Air Force member was arrested for the sexual assault and kidnapping a teenager. Both Americans are being held by Japanese authorities.
In 1995, three American service members sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl. Large scale protests ensued which ultimately forced US-Japan officials to agree to shutter the base in 1996, but almost 30 years later, the base is still operational. The base would be moved to a less populated area, not removed from Okinawa. Japanese residents want the installation totally removed. Protests are ongoing.
In addition to the 1995 case, in 2016 a woman was murdered by a US Military employee stationed in the region. In the same year, an American sailor was arrested for assaulting a woman at a Japanese hotel.
Ambassador Emanuel did not apologize and did not offer accountability for the alleged actions of US service members, but did say he felt a sense of “regret.” Emanuel emphasized the importance of allowing the “criminal justice system to play out.” Emanuel added that “we have to do better” and suggested that the United States military’s codes of conduct should be reviewed. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary assured the public that Japan would make efforts to better disclose crimes committed by US service members. Japan’s Ministry of Affairs has registered a complaint with Ambassador Emanuel in response to the reported incidents.
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