Japan has called on the United States military to implement stronger preventive measures against sexual assaults following a recent incident involving a U.S. Marine in Okinawa. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi addressed the issue on Thursday, urging for tightened discipline among U.S. forces stationed in Japan.
“We will urge U.S. forces in Japan to tighten discipline and fully implement preventive measures,” Hayashi stated during a press conference, reflecting the growing concern among local residents in Okinawa.
The latest case involves a U.S. serviceman in his 30s who is accused of sexually assaulting and injuring a woman in Okinawa last November. The Okinawa police referred the case to prosecutors on Wednesday, marking it as the most recent in a series of violent incidents that have strained relations between the local community and the U.S. military presence on the island.
Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan, hosts around 70% of all U.S. military bases in the country, despite accounting for only 0.6% of Japan’s total land area. The disproportionate concentration of military facilities has long been a source of tension, with crimes committed by U.S. service members and associated personnel fueling public outcry.
The recurring incidents have amplified grievances among Okinawa’s residents, who have repeatedly called for a reduction in the U.S. military footprint on the island. The Japanese government faces the challenge of balancing its strategic alliance with the United States while addressing the legitimate concerns of its citizens.
As Japan urges the U.S. military to enforce stricter measures to prevent further assaults, the situation in Okinawa highlights the complexities of international military cooperation and its impact on local communities. The resolution of these issues remains critical for maintaining the strength of U.S.-Japan relations and ensuring the safety and well-being of Okinawa’s residents.
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Japan urges U.S. military to prevent sexual assaults in Okinawa
cgtn.com
