Rape victim wants Japan to do more on U.S. military crimes

No justice, no peace!

Since there is a bilateral agreement between the Japan and the US on troops, both governments should bear responsibility.

Government weasels shouldn’t look for ways to weasel out of this. They should be proactive to act in the interest of legal residents of Japan.

I hear mothers of Okinawa always have worries about the safety of their daughters.

I hear mothers of Okinawa always have worries about the safety of their daughters

Because of all the Japanese criminals that far outnumber American criminals?

Did the Navy prosecute the sailor.... I would think they threw him in Leavenworth Prison. Article says nothing about that... generally the U.S. Military is takes any and all allegations of rape extremely seriously. More seriously than the Japanese criminal system in fact.

Government weasels shouldn’t look for ways to weasel out of this. They should be proactive to act in the interest of legal residents of Japan.

well said.

Because of all the Japanese criminals that far outnumber American criminals?

Good point Tommy. And all mothers anywhere and everywhere have worries about the safety of their daughters.

If you were raped by a US military person maybe you should talk to the US not Japan

Don't be so negative people. She is highlighting the fact that, the US sailors are not being charged with these offenses.

the family of a Japanese woman in whose death a former Marine was convicted last year

It seems the Associated Press are getting their translations done in junior high again.

It’s also quite usual for Japanese women to find their abusers not taken to task as well.....

A very politicized statement and PR trip.

All countries should do their utmost in protecting victims and jailing the rapers for long term sentences.

She wants Japan to do more against American military rapes?

Of course Japan should do more to prosecute rapists and sexual assaulting people of all nationalities. If Military personnel rape or murder they should be punished severely for their crimes.

If American Military personnel rape someone then they should be prosecuted and if convicted then punished severely.

pays one dollar and no 6 years in prison. what did his 2 minute abuse to an innocent woman achieve for him? she is totally devastated to the extent that her life is changed forever,

She is asking too much,she has absolute no idea of the military status of Japan!

I like the clever sign she's holding, "If you're against rape, change the sofa." (Status of Forces Agreement)

You're right Goodluck, it sure seems to have changed this woman's life, yet look at the positives changes that she tries to pry out her horrendous experience. Good luck to her, and may she find happiness in her life.

Japanese people are so naive, American troops stay in Japan just to protect U.S interests.

Tremendous admiration and respect for this woman. I know have known 2 women who have been raped in Japan; one Japanese and one a foreign resident. In both cases the handling by the authorities sounded bizarre and almost shameful. My Japanese friend told me many women do not report rape due to the way it is handled by the police.

I agree the SOFA should be changed. As speed said that is a cool sign and these types of crimes should be turned over to the Japanese authorities.

It is an interesting conundrum Japan Japan is in. If all U.S. forces leave (whether they are here for U.S. interests or not as Udondashi states) Japan is left in a rather vulnerable position unless some changes are made.

Really sorry to this young lady for what happened to her and again, she has my utmost admiration.

If you commit a crime off base it comes under Japanese law

"She won in 2013, but demanded only $1 - to make a point, she says."

A dollar?

Someone should tell her that Japan is the vassal state of U.S.

Maybe she has to go to Yokota D.C. because the Japanese courts will not be able to help her at all.

SOFA will not change easily.

Brave and determined woman. Respect due to her.

Why not rape in general? They’re far more likely to get off or just a slap on the wrist if they’re Japanese rapists or growers than if they’re US military. That’s a fact. This wouldn’t even be newsworthy, nor would this poor woman be getting interviewed if it were not a US military personnel. She’d likely have been asked by police about sexual history if she even came forward, then at best paid off.

I think the best way to protect women from those monsters who are military is to: The lawyer's association works for the victims to do the statement at the police (not openly) , the Japanese authority to inform the US military in data basis. The martial court to be executed in front of Japanese authority (victims to be informed). If it will going that way, the victims won't state, the Japanese authorities won't be knowing and more incidents of rape will happen again.

Correction: If it will not going that way...

Strange enough!The Australian government did nothing mentions her case to US about their national has been sexually assaulted!

SOPA agreements between all countries that host U.S. military forces cover crimes committed again that countries nationals and jurisdiction of all crimes against host nationals is under their laws and adjudicated in their judicial systems. Findings of guilty that require incarceration will be served in host confinement facilities. Exception to the rule being “ Capital punishment” sentience with 20 yrs or more assigned are split 50-50 between the host and the U.S.

@Tokyo engr,, even in my home country, the Phils, many rape victims are adamant to file rape cases since once a court hearing is scheduled, the scenes before , during and after the act is re acted out and it looks like a second rape.

Are there organization that warn US women that visiting Okinawa is not same as Hawaii?

This case is not Japanese gov't responsibility.

Because of all the Japanese criminals that far outnumber American criminals?

Broad brush to paint. Rape is wrong and we all know that, but the majority of Americans or more specifically “men” are not criminals or rapists not even close, something needs to be done I would agree with that.

Broad brush to paint.

It's statistics.

Rape is wrong and we all know that, but the majority of Americans or more specifically “men” are not criminals or rapists not even close, something needs to be done I would agree with that.

Agreed.