Japanese police failed to disclose 5 sex crime cases linked to U.S. troops

How many more are there, I wonder?

quercetumToday  07:40 am JST

Why are the Japanese so afraid of the U.S. administration? Don't want to rock the waves. That's how it is in the companies for victims of harassment. They are prone to bullying and afraid to stand up for themselves.

What are they going to do beyond making a scene? Unlike you, most Japanese don't want the US gone from Japan.

Police are not required to make it public if the individuals were not indicted. Besides the Japanese police have enough problems within their own ranks of similar behavior as it is.

Never knew before that US sexual offender are being protected in Japan.

They are not. They were arrested or detained, then most likely the victim decided to make an out of court settlement rather than press criminal charges.

Happens both ways.

Back in 2007, I heard first hand reports of a Japanese soldier SA’ing a female US Marine after the ENDEX social of a bilateral exercise.

He was discharged and prosecuted, and also paid several million yen to the victim.

I do not recall that incident ever being made public.

Since when did the police get to make their own decision? They are called prefectural police so it seems to me that they report to the prefecture, i.e. the governor. Time to haul the chiefs to the carpet and fry some fish...

The story mentions the word "arrest", which suggests such crimes are at least being prosecuted. My main concern would be of this not happening. Not everyone who gets caught gets prosecuted, Japanese included.

RE: It seems that J government pressured police not to disclose such crime cases as possible as they can.

From what I have observed it seems that the police in Japan operate without J gov over-site or control.

It seems that J government pressured police not to disclose such crime cases as possible as they can.

cause everything is suspicion of in japan until prosecutors decide to charge.

i’m sure there are many more, but as it says in the article, privacy of the victim plays a big role. it’s a dreadful thing for the victims when things go public. they are accused of being complicit because of their clothing and other things, plus the stigma and ostracizing by family and friends.

i can only imagine the shame of having to relive things in court.

Saving face for all parties.

Surprised only in the sense that the police did not made even a tiny effort to come up with better excuses, it is like they are hoping the whole thing is taken in the worst possible way by the public.

The prefectural police of Kanagawa said they did not make an announcement in 2022 about a U.S. military serviceperson referred to prosecutors on suspicion of sexually assaulting and injuring a woman.

> They also arrested a civilian employee of the U.S. forces earlier this year for allegedly committing an act of indecency without consent.

Why do they need to disclose cases of SUSPICION of assault and ALLEGED indecency by a NON-MILITARY CIVILIAN employee? Are ALL cases handled that way or is this contrary to the SOFA so that's why it's a big deal? The anti-U.S. people and media only care about innocent until proven guilty when it involves the non-U.S. military population and are always looking for a reason to criticize even when there's no merit.

Sadly, I have to ask yet again : where on earth do the US recruit their military members? High school drop-outs? Color gang members? Released violent crims?

The US does certainly not seem to be sending their best.

Kick Uncle Sam out and the problem is solved.

Wrong. There is a need for the US Military to work in Japan to help defend the nation along with the Japanese military. But the bar needs to be set much, much higher for the ones the US send.

This Kishida administration will accept anything, and try to hide all the crimes committed by the US troops all over Japan, 

No one is “hiding” these incidents. The very fact that the perpetrators were indicted and/or arrested proves otherwise. What the article is about is disclosure to the media, which is not mandatory, and sometimes intentionally not disclosed for the reasons stated in the article; to protect the victim’s privacy.

What it looks like from another angle is left-wing anti-US reporters digging up court records and police reports for undisclosed cases with no concern for the victim’s privacy.

Stirring the flames

When you hear about this, just imagine what it’s like on the bases! I used to work in the base in Yamaguchi, MCAS iWAKUNI. About 6 years ago, there was a SSGT that was about to be arrested for molesting his daughter and raping her 14 year old friend. He found out they were going to arrest him and he went home and slashed his wrists. He was found dead in his bathroom. There are so many that just never get reported because they occur on bases. They get hushed up or just ignored.

Since 2021. Related to the military can be almost anything.

Police said Thursday they did not disclose five cases sent to prosecutors

Police did not bury the 5 cases in question. While the public was not notified, public prosecutors were.

That is 5 hidden sex crimes on top of sex crimes

No, John-sama. Reread the article. Alternatively, my comment above.

If the people attacked don't want to press charges, then nothing should be published. That's their right or is it not?

If the attacked do want to press charges for assault or whatever the laws in Japan support, then it should have been made public. They need to be treated just like all other offenders. Publicly named. Charges filed, made public and, if convicted, all the results of the conviction need to happen based on Japanese law.

Don't journalists look over all police calls and follow up on serious crimes? If the calls are being filtered to prevent journalists having any ideas, that's fraud and the police departments doing it need some charges against them.

The only way to make undesirable things stop is by lighting those things up and the people involved.

Of course, that probably violates the Japanese "anti-embarrassment protection law" which prevents people from making public, true, statements, if they are embarrassing. That law is just crazy and needs to be removed.

@deanzz: Fits the pattern of

Fits the patterns of those that situationally see certain patterns that reinforce their prior beliefs. It's shameful that the police cover information for whatever reason.

"apophenia" is a term used to describe some true believers fanatics, plus many of similar ilk, and the patterns they see or believe they see.

You can still disclose assaults and not disclose the victims' names.

Police should not be the Judge and Jury in such cases.

I dont believe "in most instances the victim is made to recreate the scene with a dummy "

Any sources to prove this ?

In sex assault of children, police may use "dolls " and ask things like, "where did he/she touch you "

Never heard it in adult cases.

There's lots of evidence without the use of dummies.

The United States' comprehensive economic, technological, military, and cultural exploitation of Japan is the biggest survival problem for Japan, far greater than the so called China threat or north korea threat.”and the Japanese government is fully aware of these matters.

No one is “hiding” these incidents. The very fact that the perpetrators were indicted and/or arrested proves otherwise. What the article is about is disclosure to the media, which is not mandatory, and sometimes intentionally not disclosed for the reasons stated in the article; to protect the victim’s privacy.

My point, encapsulated above.

Thanks, Brew Delivery Guy.

Ian's contribution is most informed and welcome:

You mean they tried?

Yes, Ian, the police tried, and they went so far as to refer the 5 cases to prosecutors.

Japanese police failed to disclose 5 sex crime cases linked to U.S. troops

I guess we shouldn't be surprised about how pathetic the cops here are. They can't manage traffic crimes properly, so a serious case like this is way beyond their combined IQ.

Our self-styled fact-checker, despite the fact that the article states the cases were referred to prosecutors.

John-sama. There was no cover-up, no collusion, nothing of the sort. Referring a case to prosecutors means the police believe the evidence supports an indictment. You seem confused regarding the different roles performed by the cops and the prosecution. Finally, some Japanese reporting for your edification:

青森県警は、２１年に強制性交容疑で、２２年には強制わいせつ容疑でそれぞれ米軍関係者を書類送検。「（発表しない）理由は公表していない」としている。

山口県警は２２年に強制わいせつ容疑で米軍関係者を書類送検した。「公益上の必要性とプライバシー保護の両面から公表しない判断をした」と説明している。

Apparently you missed the important bit, John:米軍関係者を書類送検. What does that mean? It means the police made an arrest and referred the suspect to prosecutors.

If the attacked do want to press charges for assault or whatever the laws in Japan support, then it should have been made public. They need to be treated just like all other offenders.

It seems you are missing the point: the policy is to protect the identity of the victim.

Indecency ,with consent, has a long tradition in Japan.

Police are not required to make it public if the individuals were not indicted.

Did you notice that in one of the cases in Okinawa, the guy was indicted in March and it wasnt made public until May

You can still disclose assaults and not disclose the victims' names.

Yes, but bringing attention to the incident will inevitably cause curious individuals to investigate, especially those who live in the area; the very people the victim would not want to know.

Also, even if the victim is not named she/he may not be comfortable with seeing or hearing of the incident on the news.

I dont believe "in most instances the victim is made to recreate the scene with a dummy "

Any sources to prove this ?

https://ichifuna-bengo.com/qa/page20.html

Cant find this.

Could copy and paste for me....in English.

Looks like a defence lawyer site.

I'd be more interested in the Police protocol regarding using a dummy.

Plus the "in most instances " claim.

Any stats apart from an advert from a lawyer.

i can only imagine the shame of having to relive things in court.

Some victims choose to settle out of court because the investigation process can be very traumatizing.

In most cases the victim is made to reenact the incident with a dummy (sometimes at the scene) and work with a DA CGI artist to create an accurate CGI reenactment for court.

I'm much more worried about the undisclosed sex crimes at schools, businesses and bars all over Japan. The locals outnumber US military 2500 to 1. Anyone remember women only train carriages? Why are those needed?

Could copy and paste for me....in English.

It’s not my fault or responsibility that you chose not to learn the language or police investigative procedures of the country whose news site you follow.

https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%AE%9F%E6%B3%81%E8%A6%8B%E5%88%86

And I need to learn the Police investigation procedures in Japan because of...?

For someone called "beer delivery guy " you do take an absolutist , nay, absurdist position.

But hey, I'm not disputing your race or birth rights...I'm interested in this claim you make.

Relax...and drink a beer !

Still cant find your assertion in a general google search though.

Sex assault cases...not throwing of bridges was the discussion.

I had a Japanese speaker {native } heck your claims and they didnt check out.

Dont you have google translate ?

If so, translate to the Basque language, my home tongue.

ning1983

"The United States' comprehensive economic, technological, military, and cultural exploitation of Japan is the biggest survival problem for Japan, far greater than the so called China threat or north korea threat.”and the Japanese government is fully aware of these matters".

Spot on, but unfortunately the Japanese political class does not understand that, there are too many economic stakes, the same interests engrained at the US Congress which drive politicians to support Israel. Not to mention the sheriffs here who bring up the topic of China, Taiwan, Russia and NKorea in this region of the world, where the only destabilizing country is not Asian.

Exactly. A cover up. Like I stated refer in these instances means free pass. The crime were commit on Japanese citizen in Japan. It a free pass until they front the Japanese justice system Japan courts and jails.

And I need to learn the Police investigation procedures in Japan because of...?

For someone called "beer delivery guy " you do take an absolutist , nay, absurdist position.

But hey, I'm not disputing your race or birth rights...I'm interested in this claim you make.

Relax...and drink a beer !

Still cant find your assertion in a general google search though.

The 実況見分 which literally means “narrated viewing” is used when there are in discrepancies in the testimonies of the victim and perp. It generally revolves around reenacting the crime scene, to confirm or deny details when the victim’s memory is not clear, if the victim is deceased, the scene will often be re-enacted by the perpetrator.

Just recently, a bullying case on Hokkaido where some girls pushed another off a bridge, leading to her death took the same investigative approach. There are news photos of a dummy being thrown of the bridge and everything.

My apologies, as I would like nothing in the world more than to translate all Japanese text in the world into English, just for you; but yeah…. Beer…

Japanese police failed to disclose 5 sex crime cases linked to U.S. troops

You mean they tried?

recent corrupted Japan's authorities blatantly prioritize government's political circumstances than safety or human rights of own citizen.

Japanese police failed to

no surprises there. It's only a shock if they succeed in something.

BRS, Refer don,t mean changed and appeared in court. It say nothing about punishment. Here in this above article "refered" means free pass and still would if not for the cover up being found by reporters. US personal must be of low educated and have a very very low bar to pass. This is evidenced by their continuing perverting nature. Refered here in this article means free pass. This is what this article is about. US personal getting free passes for crimes reported. Out all these crimes only one was indicted.

This Kishida administration will accept anything, and try to hide all the crimes committed by the US troops all over Japan, like they did in the past, trying to find scapegoats like “We need to protect the world from China”, based on fantasy stories illustrated by Washington. Therefore terrible crimes can go on against women. I feel sorry for the people of Okinawa, and what they have to put up for these fakes claims generated in order to gain economic interests for the traditional US companies.

That is 5 hidden sex crimes on top of sex crimes. Then how many other crimes like drunk/drug driving, assaults etc are hidden. I assume this is the tip of a culture of the J Police of given the US military a free pass.

That's the main problem itself. Kick Uncle Sam out and the problem is solved.

SOFA

What’s wrong with these military blokes from America? There seems to be very poor morals involved here. I expect viewing of vile pornography is rampant amongst these types. How about random checks of their devices to make sure they can get rid of those types and at the same time help protect the innocent.

Why are the Japanese so afraid of the U.S. administration? Don't want to rock the waves. That's how it is in the companies for victims of harassment. They are prone to bullying and afraid to stand up for themselves.

With regards to "reporting" crimes from the police, this is just the tip of the proverbial ice-berg.

I am not just talking about sexual assaults by US military members, but ALL crimes in general, here in Japan.

I have personal experiences of being involved in dealing with the aftermath of some very serious crimes, one that could have easily been a case of attempted murder, which a victim was hospitalized for nearly 3 months due to injuries received from 2 perps.

Nothing ever hit the press, not a peep. In fact outside of those involved and those who "cleaned it up" the entire incident was brushed under the mat.

The "image" of a safe Japan is one that always makes me chuckle. Sure it's "safer" than many places, but Japan has a whole load of crime, that if reported daily, would puncture the bubble of peace and security that people here feel. This is also supported by the fact that cops help keep the image, along with the cooperation of the media, in NOT reporting daily crimes.

Especially when the prosecutor consults with the J Gov and local American GI brass.

My main concern would be of this not happening. Not everyone who gets caught gets prosecuted, Japanese included.

People need a clear mind here. There are 5 or 6 cases involving US citizens NOT disclosed to the media. Compare this with the hundreds of other cases 95% involving Japanese locals, which are also not disclosed, all of the sudden, this article becomes trending against the US troops.

Police in Japan disclose only major crimes to the media, in order to keep the propaganda image that Japan is the safest and most criminal less country in the world.

Subservant to the US as usual. End the occupation now!

Japanese police failed to disclose 5 sex crime cases linked to U.S. troops

I guess we shouldn't be surprised about how pathetic the cops here are. They can't manage traffic crimes properly, so a serious case like this is way beyond their combined IQ.

Fits the pattern of subservience. What a sad situation for a once proud nation.

Japanese are insecure to prosecute American, because are a the mercy of them

Never knew before that US sexual offender are being protected in Japan.

They also arrested a civilian employee of the U.S. forces earlier this year for allegedly committing an act of indecency without consent.

So is it ok doing indecency  as long there is a consent?