crime

Japan protests over alleged rape by U.S. sailor on Okinawa

80 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© 2016 AFP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

80 Comments
Login to comment

Predictable comments all round.

Do we really need 47,000 foreign military in the country?

2 ( +19 / -17 )

Yes it is awful bad. Does one bad apple ruin the rest. Yes. Please look at all the arrests in comparison to one Sailor. There were 1,200 rapes by Okinawans in comparison to one Sailor. You be the judge. Also by comparison 25 Drunk drivers by Americans compared to 7,000 Okinawan this year.

11 ( +26 / -15 )

"Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the Japanese government’s top spokesman told reporters Monday that the alleged rape of a Japanese woman on Okinawa by a 24-year-old U.S. sailor is “extremely regrettable.”

"Takeshi Onaga, the governor of Okinawa, expressed anger at the alleged rape"

Its on Now....

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This allegedly happened Sunday and there's already news of a protest. Why no coverage of the Anti Abe/constitutional change protest, which was held in Tokyo at the weekend?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

IF this turns out to be true I want this seaman to publicly apologize to every law abiding American on Okinawa who are trying daily to represent the USA in a positive image.

9 ( +14 / -5 )

"alleged" means guilty until proven innocent in Japan. Sad

5 ( +9 / -4 )

“It was a serious crime in violation of women’s human rights and can never be tolerated,”

First, by Japanese law Onaga is not allowed to state that the man committed a crime, only that one has been alleged. So he has committed slander. Second, if he is so concerned about "women's human rights", and this is not just fodder pushing his personal agenda, where is he on all the rapes committed by Okinawans? Seems he only cares about rights when it's allegedly US personnel who may have committed the acts.

That said, if the man is found guilty, the US will deal with him thoroughly and effectively; they are MUCH less lenient on their own than Japanese are of theirs. I hope if he is guilty they throw the book at him, which they no doubt will. Who knows, in the spirit of cooperation they may also even give the man over to local authorities, as they have in at least one other case in the recent past.

As for the picture, obviously unrelated protest. Love the one with the dugong.

5 ( +15 / -10 )

“It was a serious crime in violation of women’s human rights and can never be tolerated”

I have made a note of Onaga's remark and I will use it myself.

Because he is right that RAPE should NEVER BE TOLERATED in Japan.

So I will remind everyone of Onaga's words the next time a rape is reported here on JapanToday!! ;-)

2 ( +2 / -0 )

“It was a serious crime in violation of women’s human rights and can never be tolerated,”

Seriously? He said this? What about Japanese culture? What about Jaoanese recent history? I guess these points don't matter when they have a chance to defame a gaijin. And, how many women get raped by Japanese men every day? I've never seen this kind of reaction when a Japanese man rapes a woman. At this stage, these are only allegations. If this guy is proven innocent, will we see this outspoken oyaji making a formal retraction of his statements? Of course not! This old jij is just using this to grandstand and will also use it to strengthen his opposition to the US base.

2 ( +11 / -9 )

After reading all of the above comment I feel bit annoyed, most of them are assuming that he did rape her, may be he was just being kind and took her in, (the twit should have called the manager) has there any DNA tests been undertaken on her and him?, is there any body fluids? may be it the case that he was the good samaritan, and she had a sexual encounter with another bloke, then she has woken up and realised what she has done, and shouted rape? this case needs to be fully explored and investigated, BEFORE any one throws accusations, because is she's wrong and made it up, this could wreck his marriage, career, and upset his friends. I don't think it is right that he should have had his name published UNTILL the evidence comes out in full to what happened.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

Yes it is awful bad. Does one bad apple ruin the rest. Yes. Please look at all the arrests in comparison to one Sailor. There were 1,200 rapes by Okinawans in comparison to one Sailor. You be the judge. Also by comparison 25 Drunk drivers by Americans compared to 7,000 Okinawan this year.

Never mentioned is the fact that in Okinawa, servicemen are one-fifth as likely to commit a crime as the local citizens. We never saw any demonstrations over the other 1199 rapes, but women have rights only when they are abused by foreigners, especially servicemen.

4 ( +13 / -9 )

Well one thing for sure she was a 40 yr. old woman and should not have put herself in that situation. If the sailor didn't take her some other Japanese resident would have and there would be no outcry. It is possible she is after money and knows full well that the government will pay. Please what is a woman doing at that time of night in a business hotel? She knew and asked for it and got it. Don't blame a young man for doing something even a younger or older Japanese man wouldn't do. Hell how many women that are drunk get raped by taxi men? Don't know because they dont' tell.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Everything has been explained. A commentator (talking head?) on TV says a decline in the behavior of US soldiers here in Japan is expected because after the cold war ended, they really don't have a focus or motivation or strong reason for being. So there is a breakdown in discipline.

-10 ( +3 / -13 )

Not surprised, Yank troops have a poor culture when it comes to women. The base should be relocated deep into the wilderness to protect innocent women

-3 ( +10 / -13 )

To all of you people who talk about the rapes committed by people of Okinawa I just want to ask 1 question. How many rapes of U.S. Military personnel or their dependents have been committed by a Local National on Okinawa versus how many rapes of a Local National have been committed by a U.S. Military person on Okinawa in the last 70 years since the end of WWII? Also I would like to see some data that backs up the claim that 1,200 rapes occurred on Okinawa in any given year.

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

1) Can't believe the number of bloggers here defending rape committed by US servicemen by comparing them to the crime rates of Japanese and Okinawans. seriously? so i guess if Japan won WW2 and have troops stationed in US, it would be ok if japanese bloggers say that the amount of rape commited by japanese troops is nothing compared to the rape rate among US citizens, because that is exactly what it sounds like.

2) Can't believe smithinjapan's comments and stating that if the US finds out this act was true, they will deal with this appropriately... did you forget about the US army general who was recently fired for trying to rape a japanese woman and stated that he will get away with it? Are you not familiar with the cover-ups of crimes committed by US military personel?

3) Disillusioned - are you serious?? you actually think because you watch rough japanese porn and hentai, you think you know japanese culture? oh so you watch a couple rough rapey porn on pornhub and now you are suddenly the master of japanese culture? idiot.

In conclusion it's so sad to see all these pro-American bloggers defending the crimes commited by US personnel... and that they continue to support the presence of US troops in Japan and ignore the violence, rape, and other crimes committed by US troops today and in the past.

As an American, I strongly oppose US troop presence in Japan and Okinawa. There has been too many cover-ups, silence from the rape victims, and the history of rape in Okinawa and japan by US servicemen for me to ignore the fact that we need to pull out of Japan and let them maintain their security apparatus.

0 ( +16 / -16 )

“It was a serious crime in violation of women’s human rights and can never be tolerated,” he said, according to Kyodo News agency.

Onaga has already tried and convicted this guy. He has no place as an elected government official of convicting someone prior to their trial. It's crap like this that makes things even worse for everyone.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

Many of the US military posted in Okinawa whom I have talked to don't want to be here. And a surprisingly large number never leave the bases. Most of the Okinawan friends and relatives I have don't want the US military here either.

They don't want to be here and we don't want them here.

One cannot but wonder why they ARE here.

I'm sure that many of the US military wonder about this too.

It must be very frustrating for them, not speaking the language, having to drive on what is for them the wrong side of the road, unable to eat any other food but their own.

And so, from time to time, someone blows up like the unnamed US sailor in the article above.

There is a situation here that people sitting in comfortable air-conditioned offices in Tokyo and Washington need to take a look at.

3 ( +12 / -9 )

Some comments say that the Marines don't want to be in Japan, yes, well let them go home. A deployment in Japan is a holiday for these military people. They should all go home and leave Japan! I was in American Villiage in Okinawa last year, a young Marine, in front of me at Starbucks was complaining to his girlfriend asking her "Why do these people don't speak English, there are 40,000 American's here....".

7 ( +12 / -5 )

If there has to be military bases on this planet, why can't there be Japanese bases in the US? Give them Pearl Harbor. Why can't other countries have bases in Japan? Let the British Navy have a base or two in Japan. Enough of the US-centric crap.

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

A deployment in Japan is a holiday for these military people.

You know nothing of military life if you think Japan is a holiday.

They should all go home and leave Japan! I was in American Villiage in Okinawa last year, a young Marine, in front of me at Starbucks was complaining to his girlfriend asking her "Why do these people don't speak English, there are 40,000 American's here....".

I could ask, "Why don't Japanese people speak more English? They study it for at least 6 years!"

Consider this, you measure the military types in Japan differently that anyone else? Why is that? Why assume that a young Marine is any more culturally aware or knows anything about Okinawa than a Japanese person of the same age who travels overseas and says something equally as ignorant as "Wow look at all the gaijin"

This goes the same for many here in Japan, what you dont know, or dont choose to learn about scares you, so you reject it out of hand.

-3 ( +7 / -10 )

The chap is a lowlife. The woman is a drunk. A pox on both their houses.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

"Why can't other countries have bases in Japan? Let the British Navy have a base or two in Japan. Enough of the US-centric crap."

Maybe becuse the U.S. military has done such an excellent job of keeping Japan out of trouble snce 1945?

1 ( +8 / -7 )

It's extremely regrettable that PM Abe insists on making Okinawa Airbase Amerika despite the overwhelming opposition of the Ryukyuan people.

Herr Yoshihide Suga should whisper closely to his pal Shinzo that the bases should be transferred to Osaka where Mayor Toru Hashimoto will be more than willing and able to make sure that everyone involve will have a big smile on their faces.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

@Serrano

Maybe becuse the U.S. military has done such an excellent job of keeping Japan out of trouble snce 1945?

The point is not "keeping Japan out of trouble." The point is to not only have an American military presence in Japan, but to reduce the American forces and invite other countries to have a base in Japan. AND since Abe is so keen on having Japan help defend the US, have Japanese bases in the States.

The main point is to curb these one-sided base deals where the US can be in your country, but your country cannot have bases in the US. Seems a pretty abusive relationship. "I can date other people, but you can't." Really healthy relationship there.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

I'm not defending the US sailor by any means, but if the rights of women are so important, why aren't there protests against the high incidence of rape and sexual assaults (chikan)?!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

IF this turns out to be true I want this seaman to publicly apologize to every law abiding American on Okinawa who are trying daily to represent the USA in a positive image.

Best comment ever!

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I wonder how many times this same "rape allegation" story will be "pumped up." So far this is #2. Until some facts come out this story should sit.

All this hatred over an alleged crime makes no sense, but it was a good transition for the Trump haters. = all that hate had to go somewhere.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Once again?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Rape is a serious crime. If the soldier indeed committed the rape, he should be punished severely, regardless whether he is American or Japanese or other race. Imagine if you are the girl who is raped or it's your own daughter. Law and order is important in any civilized world. There is an increase in lawlessness in this world despite increased in education.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

If he is found guilty by American courts (civil or military), he will face much stiffer penalties in Japan. Time in prison obviously, but also sex offender registry "tatooed" for rest of their lives after time served (effectively amounting to life sentence as one can't get a job even at McDs). Don't think Japan has that.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

That said, if the man is found guilty, the US will deal with him thoroughly and effectively; they are MUCH less lenient on their own than Japanese are of theirs.

If past incidents are any guide, the suspect will be tried in Japanese courts, and if found guilty, will be sentenced and jailed by the Japanese justice system. Once he would have served his time in the Japanese system, THEN he would have to face the U.S. Military courts. There's no double jeopardy because the military charges will be different than the civilian charges.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@ True Okinawa

IF this turns out to be true I want this seaman to publicly apologize to every law abiding American on Okinawa who are trying daily to represent the USA in a positive image.

Uhm, what about the rape victim? Doesn't she deserve an apology at least? What about the people of Okinawa? It may be very subtle, but statements like these that only care about one particular side is pretty insulting and condescending for some. You must be an American.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

The fact of the matter is, the anti-base people smile when they hear of these rapes because they know it is toxic to the Japanese-US military relations. Of course there is a long track record of the US working with local authorities so let's hope justice prevails after a fair trail. Okinawa is not going to stop hosting the US military until Japanese people want the US to leave and ask them. As of now most Japanese understand, desire and support the US being in Japan. With a dangerous China and N. Korea and Russia still technically at war with Japan there is ample reason why the US will remain, despite the hippy left, with all their expat supporters desires otherwise.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Oh dear. Poor woman. I very much doubt that will change the status of the bases in Okinawa though.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Japan needs US military protection so the consequences of this incident wasnt that serious as a you guys might think.. At least it wont generates a resentment over China

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Yes it is awful bad. Does one bad apple ruin the rest. Yes. Please look at all the arrests in comparison to one Sailor. There were 1,200 rapes by Okinawans in comparison to one Sailor. You be the judge. Also by comparison 25 Drunk drivers by Americans compared to 7,000 Okinawan this year.

If this is true (and I'd have an easier time of verifying it if a time span was included with the numbers), then it's the first I've heard about ANY Okinawans committing rapes. I would guess that's because Okinawan rapists don't make the national news and draw the massed public outrage that an (alleged) American sailor rapist does?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

If he is found guilty by American courts (civil or military), he will face much stiffer penalties in Japan

Huh? He will be tried by the Japanese court system, US civil court does not apply in Japan, and since the crime was against a Japanese citizen they have the right of first refusal, but they will try the case. If convicted he faces lighter penalties in Japan that in the US, BY FAR.

BUT he will face a military courts martial after finishing his time here for desertion and other charges as well and could face additional time (hard time) in Leavenworth.

IF this turns out to be true I want this seaman to publicly apologize to every law abiding American on Okinawa who are trying daily to represent the USA in a positive image.

Narrow minded here, there are plenty of others who he needs to apologize to prior to American's specifically, as the post here below states, and very well I might add.

Uhm, what about the rape victim? Doesn't she deserve an apology at least? What about the people of Okinawa? It may be very subtle, but statements like these that only care about one particular side is pretty insulting and condescending for some. You must be an American.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

notasap

With a dangerous China and N. Korea and Russia still technically at war with Japan there is ample reason why the US will remain, despite the hippy left, with all their expat supporters desires otherwise.

Why don't you just say that the Chinese/N Koreans/Russian commies paid the US serviceman to rape the woman to make the situation worse in Okinawa.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Maybe becuse the U.S. military has done such an excellent job of keeping Japan out of trouble snce 1945?

It is not our job to keep Japan out of trouble.

Grow up.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

And to me is spelt J-a-p-a-i-n. As in pain, dolor.

And I like hearing that you’re there squealing on a daily basis.

Squashed like a roach by the Japainese.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Me CAN spell it the way me wants to.

J-A-P-A-I-N for all intents and purposes.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Cripes...get a hotel room!

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

It is; when they're putting you in your place,. Daily.

I can play this game too. And I'm positive I'm much younger than you will ever be.

And it's still early over here in London too.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Would love to see a protest against you know, rape in general. Don't see why Okinawans get bent out of shape when a foreigner does it but it's no big deal if its Okinawan on Okinawan. I guess its just people getting on a band-wagon and going with their knee jerk reaction to someone or something they interpret as "different"

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Another moron making life difficult for the Americans who live on island and love Okinawa. Really hate how these things get blown out of proportion when compared to the local crime rate but they are guests in the country so it's understandable. The down side is this will result in more restrictions on the people who do no wrong while on island. On the positive side, guilty or not this guy will be reamed by both the JPs and the military after the JPs are done with him

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the Japanese government’s top spokesman, told reporters Monday that the alleged rape of a Japanese woman on Okinawa by a 24-year-old U.S. sailor is “extremely regrettable.”

Ya think? Suga chan, get some new material please. This extremely regrettable bull is really getting old.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The base should be relocated deep into the wilderness to protect innocent women.

Yep, those innocent women who get so drunk they pass out in hallways in seedy hotels.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Chuck Mason,

I appreciate the fact that you have guts. You're "going against the mold," so to speak. But.... Do you have a source for your facts?

And, as much as I hate that some US military members commit these despicable acts, and they should be punished strongly, Japan needs US troops. Unless Japan plans to build a strong military itself, and it that's a long ways off, the US military needs to be here, especially with the looming geo-political threats (China, Russia, NK) that loom over Japan on a daily basis.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Moderator:

Could you please delete my entire post rather than "editing it" and leaving it meaningless?!

Thanks a bunch.

Moderator: In future, please do not post comments that have to be removed. You've been engaging in petty bickering with Strangerland and that is not acceptable.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The Yank soldier has a reputation for having terrible social skills and often severe mental defects so there's a real problem of them lashing out due to their personal and social failures. It is dangerous to keep them near a civilian population

@sangetsu03: Seriously? You think that girls who pass out should be raped? Surely you should be in jail or deported back to Saudi Arabia where others think like you

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Sailor baka desu yo ne I can not believe he was STUPID enough to take a passed out women into his room. He should of gotten someone from the front desk and turned her over to them or call the base and ask what to do. If he called the base they would of called the police etc. I think he raped her and seeing it as a chance.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@FernGully"especially with the looming geo-political threats (China, Russia, NK)".

Chinese, Russian or NK soldiers didn't rape girls on Okinawa. If one wishes to show his combat skills, he should fight ISIS thugs instead of committing sexual assault.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I think most all here know the numbers of crimes committed by yank military types in Japan is low compared to the civilian population.

However these crimes will ALWAYS get magnified by a large margin due to the history of WWII & in this case that history & everything since 1945 ALL gets in the mix so its ALWAYS going to be a BIG story, that will never change, unless the US forces leave............that's just the way it is, no one can change except the US & Japanese govts, period.

That said if this women was raped I hope they catch & charge the perpetrator, if this guy took a drunk(or sick woman) into his room at a hotel then he is clearly an IDIOT at the very least, perhaps a rapist.............

No winners in this one by the looks of it, sad is what it is for ALL affected.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Innocent until proven guilty. Just shows that Japan is not that democratic, in particular against gaijin. No details about any proof that would start an investigation. Being drunk in an hotel corridor says it all (I have two girls). No video, no witness ??? I remind all of you Japan was the aggressor some time ago (hundreds of thousands of lives lost) and lost war. You pay the price of your silliness and need to accept it was so. BTW, there are still many Americans soldiers in Germany. Ever heard about it ? US soldiers are here to support at geopolitical scale for the idiots who bark.
-4 ( +0 / -4 )

notasap,

most Japanese understand, desire and support the US being in Japan.

Possibly true, but then they can only compute with the information they are given. Since the media is pretty heavily censored here, this doesn't count for much.

If there were to be new US bases in Honshu, however, there would be an uproar.

And also, let's not forget that Okinawa is not Japan and most Okinawans do NOT understand, desire or support the US military being in Okinawa.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Possibly true, but then they can only compute with the information they are given. Since the media is pretty heavily censored here, this doesn't count for much.

I am actually rather surprised and glad to see that you finally understand the situation of the media, particularly down here in Okinawa, regarding issues related to the bases.

If there were to be new US bases in Honshu, however, there would be an uproar.

True.

And also, let's not forget that Okinawa is not Japan

If Okinawa is not Japan, then pray tell what country does it belong to?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The Okinawa Media is blatantly exaggerating and twisting this story as propaganda against Americans in Okinawa to force their narrative. Details are so limited on this case but both the Times and Shimpo keep hyping the incident and encouraging guilt when there are no facts to support that charge yet.

"most Okinawans do NOT understand, desire or support the US military being in Okinawa."

Your opinion and is not necessarily true.

"If there were to be new US bases in Honshu, however, there would be an uproar."

Since relocating MCAS Futenma to Camp Schwab is considered a new base in Okinawa then relocating Atsugi NAS to MCAS Iwakuni is a new base in Honshu. Not much of an uproar.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Okinawa is a prefecture of Japan.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Chuck. At discussion is not what Japanese do in their country. What's at discussion is what Americans who are guests and who are supposed to be ambassadors are doing in a foreign country. Don't try to justify or divert attention away from that by pointing out what the locals do

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I have been doing some checking and "innocent until proven guilty" is an American concept or based on English Common Law. While Japanese law was based on the Napoleonic Code. The police follow Japanese law not American. The Japanese word for this is roppō. So the sailor does not have the presumption of innocence.

I bet the Japanese Police are gathering evidence and should have a case built or not built soon. I would think a rape test was done and a dna and other checks are in progress. He will probably be indicted, then a trial and then prison. Good News is it will be maybe five years, bad news he faces the US Navy and UCMJ when he gets out.

Americans need to remember in Japan they follow Japanese law. If a situation happens off base to call your base ASAP. Yes it is unfair but American military have to be on their best behavior at all times.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The Yank soldier has a reputation for having terrible social skills and often severe mental defects so there's a real problem of them lashing out due to their personal and social failures.

Interesting. I don't suppose you have a source for this "reputation", do you? Of course you don't. I guess it's easier to present your own personal bias as being "a reputation"?

If this guy did it, he deserves the full prosecution of the law - both in Japan's judicial system and in the U.S. Military judicial system. While I have to wonder about a woman who's passed out in a hotel hallway being able to identify ANYBODY, I must assume there was additional forensic evidence along with her statement. As to why a sailor supposedly assigned to Camp Schwab is staying in a hotel... that's another mystery. I'm sure the attorney's will all straighten it out. And yeah, the guy is an idiot if he took a passed-out stranger to his room - even if he did NOTHING once there. Just moving someone against their consent would qualify as assault once the woman regained her senses. All you need for "assault" is for the receiver of the assault to fear bodily harm. Waking up in a strange room with a stranger would certainly cause fear in most people.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Good News is it will be maybe five years, bad news he faces the US Navy and UCMJ when he gets out.

Good news? 5 years? He should spend more time for the act,whether drunk or sober, it was a premeditated act of violence to another human being.

Oh and he wont face a rape charge from the Navy either, double jeopardy so if history is any judge a dishonorable discharge for desertion and probably some other charges and maybe a short jail sentence.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

British Air Force occupied Nakanoseki Airbase in Hofu city in Yamaguchi ken. The soldiers did not go out from base and sometimes later they disappeared. Iwakuni city officials reviewed and approved Marine base.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yabaru the young mans life is going to be ruined. He will never get another legal job again and food and shelter will be hard to get. He will be forced to be a criminal or kill himself. There is no chance for redemption in the American system. As a Christian I am harsh on myself for views of mine that do not allow for redemption. So never fear the young man will suffer, suffer and suffer some more.

As a person from Okinawa do we really gain causing people to suffer so even after they caused terrible crime?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Yabaru the young mans life is going to be ruined. He will never get another legal job again and food and shelter will be hard to get.

What he chooses to become is up to him. He CAN turn his life around, but first he has to pay for his mistakes.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Yubaru my husband a retired US Army officer tells me it will be almost impossible for the young man to succeed. Jobs are tight in America and his only hope is to hide his military record. This means only getting the worse jobs that will not pay enough for food and shelter. Once Japanese prison is through with him, what the UCMJ does to him will be nothing. Then putting him out of the gate without a cent in his pocket. If he has family maybe food and shelter. No Americans are very unforgiving, so what you wrote about him not being punished enough is wrong.

I still do not believe his story. Dragging an unconscious women into his room to "help" her. She could of needed medical attention. I do wonder what the JP have on him?

So American troops on Okinawa listen to Yuriko, if in doubt call your base or even your commanding officer. Remember what you do reflects not just on yourself but your fellows, your service and the USA. Above all BE GOOD!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I still do not believe his story. Dragging an unconscious women into his room to "help" her. She could of needed medical attention. I do wonder what the JP have on him?

You of all people should know to check the Japanese press too. There is more information out there regarding the details of this alleged crime than were written here. Check it out.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yuri,

Yubaru my husband a retired US Army officer tells me it will be almost impossible for the young man to succeed.

Your husband's opinion is just that - an opinion. This guy could turn his life around and make a success of it. It's up to him. America used to be known as the "land of opportunity," where a person could change his social position completely, just through hard work.

Has it changed?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Bernie,

It is very hard to get a good job in America and that dishonorable discharge is going to make his life hell! Some things you can not get rid of with hard work. So it pays to follow your lawful orders! For your information, no base person told be to write that! I hate seeing people get in trouble.

I read some of the Okinawa papers and it was of limited information. I would like to know what the JP know.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So Bertie, your are right a lot of do not want to be here, but if we leave and China takes over or NK then you will say we are wrong for leaving our allies. I am appuled if this sailor actually did this as is everyone I know. Oh yes, I am a sailor, been here 14 years, and don't you dare say I do not belong here as I am married to a Japanese woman and have 2 children.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

TOKYO — A Navy lieutenant was arrested Friday following allegations that he groped and punched a female passenger aboard a Japan-bound flight, police and Navy officials said. The lieutenant, 33, assigned to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, is suspected of touching the 19-year-old college student’s clothed thigh, then punching her in the head several times during a flight from San Diego to Narita International Airport, an airport police spokesman said. Police allege the officer assaulted the woman for about 90 minutes aboard the Japan Airlines flight, beginning around 11 a.m. Thursday, according to police and media reports. The woman changed seats after another passenger reported the incident to a flight attendant, police said. The officer had been drinking on the flight, though how much he had consumed is unclear, the police spokesman said.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

golemank,

I do not say you don't belong here. You obviously do. It's not individual foreigners that Okinawans are complaining about. They are very tolerant and I admire them for it. It's the huge bases and the new one in Henoko that Okinawans complain about.

But I wonder. Can you honestly imagine that China would invade Okinawa? What would they stand to gain? Okinawa is the poorest prefecture, with no natural resources, no industry and very little land. And North Korea simply do not have the manpower. Even if they tried it, many countries would come to Okinawa's aid. Even China.

China doesn't need to invade other countries by force of arms. It's already doing that through economics.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

but if we leave and China takes over or NK then you will say we are wrong for leaving our allies.

They should leave Okinawa. But leave the US mainland bases in tact though. Combined with SDF, Okinawa would be fine.

Even if they tried it, many countries would come to Okinawa's aid.

Don't need em', the Japan-US Security Pact would still fly right?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Wc626,

They should leave Okinawa. But leave the US mainland bases in tact though. Combined with SDF, Okinawa would be fine.

Totally agree.

Okinawa has put up with enough.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Interesting that the "noise" has died down so suddenly, politicians and pundits alike are strangely quiet regarding this "alleged" rape.

Seems that people were all in too much of a rush to hang this guy, there is a chance that he is NOT guilty of any rape or sexual assault either. All those politicians and pundits are arsse holes for convicting this guy for something he may not be guilty of at all.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Was charged with "rape" today.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites