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U.S. sailor arrested for trespassing in Yokosuka

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You know this is one thing but I am getting more than a little tired of reading the rape incident in Okinawa every single time another military person steps out of line. Enough already.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Ringing peoples doorbells in the middle of the night, acting like a idiot ,and (last week) even going inside the house, ... what kind of dangers would one face doing that in the US? Would those same soldiers do the same in the US, or would their survival instincts stop them?

6 ( +6 / -0 )

The US military personnel are having discipline problems all over the world where there are bases. These problems go on in America, regarding bases and personnel stationed on them. What makes the media in printed news is another story. Suppressed news reports by the military.

Other countries have military personnel problems as well as America, they are not making the news reports posted here on Japan Today. Companies have problems with personnel doing things to reflect badly on the company as well.

A soldier stationed in the state of Colorado going off the base and getting drunk and doing something against the law is upsetting to the locals of that area, it happens.

Any place with base problems is a concern of the locals living in the area. Japan has, like American communities with military bases, the rewards of local economic increases. And people who think the rewards don't equal the trouble with having a military base in their neighborhood..

To keep going on about how the US military does not have control or discipline of their personnel is pretty silly, I think. What other military, private company or any other organization has complete control over the actions of their personnel? None, impossible.

The seriousness of someone getting drunk and ringing door bells and than falling down drunk is a big story? Only for the Japan news media.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Who cares? This is hardly worth an article. Why don't you guys start reporting real news. All you are doing is providing a place for new anti American sentiment to be sown.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Baffling!!! I see no reason for it. I'm glad I don't drink. Does alcohol really make you this twisted?

Is this happening in and around the Honcho? I'd totally love to see a map.

Sounds like stupidity mixed with alcohol. Slim Shady lurking.

Well here comes the UCMJ.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

TorafusuTorasan

That's the end of the story? Dude, that is not how criminal cases for rape proceed. If those guys can go to jail just based on someone yelling a four letter word, then why put yourself at risk being out after curfew.

Okisurfer is right. There is a LOT more to this incident and none of it fits in well with the slam dunk story that was originally reported that the two Sailors assaulted and raped a random woman on the street. Haven't any of you noticed that there hasn't been a peep about this alleged crime in the news since 6 November when the Sailors were charged with rape? Since then it's only mentioned (along with the ubiquitous Osprey) at the end of each new and juicy article that reports another harmless drunken antic of a knucklehead Sailor that should never have been front page news.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Until and unless the base commanders can keep their men under control I think the curfew needs to stay. All it takes is one drunken racist redneck in a uniform (and don't tell me there aren't any... ) to burst into someone's house and go mad.

So far we've had drunken sailors and soldiers in gardens and breaking into houses... but we've also had one hurt a little boy. You want the Japanese people to trust foreigners? Start with the drunken sailors and soldiers.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Until and unless the base commanders can keep their men under control I think the curfew needs to stay. All it takes is one drunken racist redneck in a uniform (and don't tell me there aren't any... ) to burst into someone's house and go mad.

have you noticed that the curfew means in effect nothing, these incidents are happening regardless of it.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Matthew Simon

All you are doing is providing a place for new anti American sentiment to be sown.

Pretty much, but that's precisely the intention. You obviously don't have much contact with members of the Japanese media, especially those on the 'base' beat. You should see some of the twisted/biased queries our PAOs get from them.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

its almost getting comical... i guess this has been a huge ongoing problem that no one bothered to tackle till now

oviously them boys having a hard time getting used to the curfew

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Please allow me to offer a few headlines for the next several days;

" US Service Member Frowns at Convenience Store Clerk"......

"Sailor Fails to Yield to Older Lady on Sidewalk"..........

"Marine Insensitive to Local Culture - Leaves Tip at McDonalds"........

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Bertie I have to correct you on your comment about where we (the US military) are kept. We have a sizable presence in quite a few other places other than Okinawa and Yokosuka (Sasebo, Iwakuni and Atsugi just to name a few).

The wiki has a pretty thorough list http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Forces_Japan

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Matthew Simon,

All you are doing is providing a place for new anti American sentiment to be sown.

Honestly, I don't think there a lot of anti-American sentiment in Japan.

On the contrary, Japanese are mostly remarkably tolerant. There is a lot of pro-American sentiment here.

They just don't like the huge US military installations.

One can see their point of view.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

This guy was wrong for being out past curfew, drunk and various other reasons. He will be dealt with by the Navy, probably more so than in the past because of the recent incidents.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

This all just gives me a reason to post an old saying, " Stop beating the horse, it's dead".

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Again???? I thought I read this story last week.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

TorafusuTorasan,

"a working girl" (prostitute)

"She backed out"

"She yelled rape"

It doesn't matter what her profession was. According to the dictionary (Oxford) rape is: "the crime, typically committed by a man, of forcing another person to have sexual intercourse with him without their consent and against their will, esp. by the threat or use of violence against them"

It doesn't say, "except prostitutes."

2 ( +2 / -0 )

FPSRussia :" Does alcohol really make you this twisted?"

Alcohol (and drugs) do different things to different people. It all depends what your predisposed to. Some people become docile and quiet, others become loud and obnoxious, others violent.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

A bout the "rape" on Okinawa, in a couple of weeks we will all hear the truth.

Actually there will probably be little if any press release about this if it is as you say. The media will not make the alleged victim here look any worse or to blame for her actions. Maybe the Stars and Stripes will publish something but the local newspapers? Odds are slim to none.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

have you noticed that the curfew means in effect nothing, these incidents are happening regardless of it.

The curfew means more than nothing. It keeps more of the law abiding military members off the streets during the most troublesome hours making it easier for shore patrol and MP's to identify trouble makers. It also makes it slightly easier to bust those members for not just doing something stupid but now also for disobeying a direct order. Certainly not going to fix everything, but it makes it easier to get the low hanging fruit.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Don't punish the everybody by the mistakes of the few. Put yourself in the American's position. You try being me. I have a fiancé that I can rarely see because of this curfew. Not all Americans are bad. Everybody makes mistakes. I remember Operation Tomadachi. Am I the only one who remembers that Americans helped out? You were happy with us then...

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Erik Rick, sorry about that. I'm in Yokosuka. I must have misread something, I thought you were from Yokosuka, too. Well, I don't know much about Sasebo other than it's supposed to be pretty quiet there. I can tell you that anything like that happening here would end up with Security posting watches on Command Hill (as has happened in the past), which is something that everybody can see.

But yes there are things that happen that not everybody knows about, but people talk. A lot. True some are just rumor mill stuff, but a lot ends up being true. And you know that if three drunk sailors walked into strangers houses on base, the whole base would be talking about it, and there'd probably be some "housing safety" training for everybody.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

A bout the "rape" on Okinawa, in a couple of weeks we will all hear the truth.

That she was actually a working girl and went to the hotel with them on the accord that they both were going to solicit her. She backed out and they demanded their cash back. She yelled rape.

It never happened on the alley as first reported and this is why her belongings where at their hotel room, and also why the police found the hotel where they were staying quite easily...because she was there!

Believe me or not right now.... This comes directly from Security Forces directly associated with the case here on Okinawa. just wait for it!

Military leaders have been briefed on this and they are looking at easing the curfew a bit, but these trespassing incidents on Mainland Japan keep happening and they are forced to keep the curfew in effect.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Yep. Finger on the mouse was quicker than the brain. It's not the first time.

Daijoboots-san,

Daijobu!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Again?? How pity to see what kind of military is protecting us from dangerous China and North-Korea! (sarcastic mode)

1 ( +4 / -3 )

It doesn't matter what her profession was. According to the dictionary (Oxford) rape is: "the crime, typically committed by a man, of forcing another person to have sexual intercourse with him without their consent and against their will, esp. by the threat or use of violence against them"

Did you actually read what he wrote in response? If you did then you will know as well she cried wolf, she wasnt raped and got cold feet. So your comments are WAY out of line.

One of the few places apart from Okinawa where US military are kept.

Your ignorance is showing through again.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Crazedinjapan-san,

USA navel personnel

Love it!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

another was arrested today in Yokohama station , took 4 or 5 police officers to cuff him.

Well, 4 or 5 officers were present when he was cuffed. But how many were actually necessary we'll never know....

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I wonder if this is a new game, dare, haze? It seems too coincidental - only a week, or so later. I've been incredibly drunk numerous times in my checkered youth, and I never went into a stranger's house. I wonder if there've been similar, recent incidents that were not reported to the police? What do you do with a drunken sailor early in the morning? Maybe more folks just kick him out rather than calling the cops?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@James, You're forgetting the fact that the guest must ALWAYS be conscious of the host nations position. Sure the Japanese may have just as many if not more of these kinds of situations with their own citizens, but the fact is you don't make a mess in someone else's house if you're a guest. The actions of the idiot few will always reflect on the majority in the case of the US military on Japanese land (like the Phillipines, Germany, etc...).

1 ( +2 / -1 )

You'll notice that these idiots aren't pulling this crap on base. You don't hear about a drunk 24 year old walking into a CO's house do you? As somebody mentioned above, you don't hear about them walking into strangers houses back in the States either. Why? Because they KNOW what would happen to them if they did. They're too comfortable here, they know they can get away with thier bull$hit behavior.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Who knows what would have happened if the curfew hadn't been enforced!

If one takes a good hard look at the facts the chances are close to 100% that NOTHING would have happened other than what did.

The fact is that the US Military for the most part keeps it's folks under control.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

You'll notice that these idiots aren't pulling this crap on base. You don't hear about a drunk 24 year old walking into a CO's house do you? As somebody mentioned above, you don't hear about them walking into strangers houses back in the States either. Why? Because they KNOW what would happen to them if they did. They're too comfortable here, they know they can get away with thier bull$hit behavior.

BoredToTears, some of these kinds of incidents DO happen on base, but on base none of the parties involved are likely to go to the press off base, so you won't normally hear about it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If anything, this will slowly weed out the idiots who can't take a hint. The downside is in the process they smear the rest of the service with their irresponsible actions. Though I'm American and ex-navy, I've no sympathy for this guy whatsoever. Even if he just received a "Dear John" letter from home, he should have stayed on base, at least. He deserves everything he gets - from both the Japanese AND the Military justice systems.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Good to see the curfew had an affect (sarcasm). Only a matter of time before we read about another violent incident.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

@Okisurfer wrote

"a working girl" (prostitute)

"She backed out"

"She yelled rape"

That's the end of the story?

Dude, that is not how criminal cases for rape proceed. If those guys can go to jail just based on someone yelling a four letter word, then why put yourself at risk being out after curfew.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

gosh, major stress or terribly bored with their jobs i guess....

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It's very unlikely that Awamori was the culprit.

Yep. Finger on the mouse was quicker than the brain. It's not the first time. But he must have been on some pretty strong sauce.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Interesting that there are four times the number of JSDF personnel in this country, but you never see reports of them misbehaving.

True. I guess it's not considered news when it's Japanese that are offending.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Readers, no further reference to the alleged rape please. That is not what this particular story is about.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Readers, no further reference to the alleged rape please. That is not what this particular story is about.

Excuse me, if you don't want people to comment about it then keep the following comments out of the article because by keeping them there you, by your own rules, keep the story in play because it IS a part of the particular story.

The sailor is believed to have violated a night-time curfew imposed by the U.S. military on all its servicemen in Japan after two sailors were arrested on charges of raping a woman in Okinawa in October.

Since you included the rape, it makes it fair game.

Moderator: You are not permitted to challenging moderating decisions.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

bokuwamo-san,

The US military personnel are having discipline problems all over the world where there are bases.

I noticed this too.

A brief search on the Internet turns up scores of cases.

It's not confined to Okinawa.

A business man getting drunk in Okinawa or Tokyo and doing something to get arrested just is not news that makes the Japan Today list. Japanese people doing similar drunken things don't make the posting either.

True. Maybe it's because they are not military.

A drunken salaryman isn't much danger to anyone.

But lack of discipline in a military unit is rather like a germ-infested hospital.

Not something you would want to have anything to do with.

I do notice that there are no similar problems with JSDF personnel and there are far more of them in Japan than US military servicemen.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Stay tuned , another was arrested today in Yokohama station , took 4 or 5 police officers to cuff him.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

On the contrary, Japanese are mostly remarkably tolerant. There is a lot of pro-American sentiment here.

They just don't like the huge US military installations.

Then perhaps they should stop electing governments that support a continued US military presence in Japan and instead elect parties that would support major revision to or ending of the US-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

The Alliance as it stands is supported by the current PM and his government, the two largest political parties (LDP and DPJ), and is broadly supported by the public in opinion polls. While there are occasional disagreements on certain aspects of implementation (most notably base location), reduction or removal of US Military stationed in Japan has not been supported by any government in the past 50 years and has not been a major issue in recent elections. So there's little basis to argue that there is broad support in Japan for ending the Alliance and removing US Military personnel.

In any case, decisions about national security and bilateral alliances tend not to be made because an involved party rang someone's doorbell in the middle of the night and ran off.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This is one of those moments where I am embarrassed to be American. Especially when we're dealing with a group minded race like the Japanese.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

It's time to cancel LIBERTY.....for single sailors

0 ( +4 / -4 )

The US military arent in here as guests, theyre here to contribute to the defense of Japan. Theyve been sent to do a job. It's unrealistic to think young lads are never going to get out of line and it's unfair to confine them to camp. Of course punish those that commit crimes but it's time the public eye came off the majority that just want a bit of fun. You can't create an international incident from every bit of nonsense they get up to.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

@Swiss, not guests? Should the J-gov ever decide they don't want/need US bases on their land they have every liberty to request the US to leave and the US would be obligated to do it. The Philipines did. The only reason why Japan hasn't is for strategic defense assistance as you mentioned and they do pay for it.

Unfortunately as tough as it sounds, all US military personnel based in Japan (or maybe just that particular region of Japan) will repeatedly lose privileges as long as this keeps happening. Surely those who on the straight and narrow will get tired of the idiots making things difficult for them and will take measures to stop it as well so they can get those privileges back and not lose them in the first place. All it takes is ONE bad thing to happen and it WILL always be seen as a reflection on the rest no matter how minor it is. This isn't a, "boys will be boys" situation, these are repeated diplomatic situations between 2 completely separate nations and their governments. No kid gloves in these kinds of situations. That only happened back in elementary-high school.

Every single time this situation gets out of line it becomes an international incident that results in constant diplomatic measures between the US and Japan (Juggling the different laws between both countries). That doesn't make the US government happy, let alone the Japanese government who has to attempt to show that they're doing SOMETHING to prevent FURTHER incidents like this.

As Bored just said this kind of crap gets handled on the US bases. And for the US bases in the US, I've yet to hear any "drunken US military personnel" invading someone's home off base because either they'll get shot in self defense (hello make my day/home defense laws).

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The facts are that pre curfew, even though the majority of "folks" were under control, there were a few that were totally OUT of control. Violence, rape, drunk driving leading to fatal accidents actually happened. Fact. Since the curfew, the offences have been very minor. Fact.

Fact...the curfew is not what prevented any of the incidents. Totally out of control I think not and I think you need to check a dictionary on just what it means for a Marine or any US Servicemember to be TOTALLY out of control.

Fact...YOU are not aware that there were other incidents not reported on the news. And not so minor.

Fact....with or without the curfew there will be incidents, minor or otherwise.

Fact: For now and the near future the US Military is here to stay in Japan.

Fact: The curfew will be dropped soon, as it was started over what appears to be FALSE accusations.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Erik Rick, I'm on the base. If this crap happened, I'd (or somebody I know) would hear about it. If you're here too, you know how small this base is, and how fast word travels. Obviously, things do happen on base, I'm not saying they don't. But not these TYPES of things. From reading these articles, you'd think it's natural for Americans to just go wandering into peoples houses. Like I said, they do this crap in places they won't get beat down or killed for doing it. They KNOW what they're doing.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

You know what is funny? The fact that this story has mroe comments on it than the other crime stories posted here on Japan Times, much more henious crimes.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Oops "...more..."

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Bored ToTears, yes I am stationed in Japan. Which base are you at? Even on a little base like White Beach there are things that happen that not everyone knows about (of course some stuff goes through the rumor mill at the speed of light even on a big base).

I have specifically heard of a service member walking into and passing out on the couch of a senior Officer in Sasebo... Can't remember if it was a CO or a Chief of Staff... I want to say it was the base CO... This was quite a few years ago though.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This is getting absurd! I know some will say that it is only trespassing and nothing more. However, as a veteran, I know that the military is held to a higher standard. We are ambasador's to our country and our actions reflect on other military members as well as the U.S. His actions, along with the other incidents, will bring tougher restrictions on the innocent and reflect poorly on his shipmates and his country. When I was in Yokosuka, there were so many military members that did not want to come here. I knew several people who wanted to come but couldn't get orders. When people do not want to be here and are actively expressing that, then the military should wise up and send someone else! Also I knew people who wanted to stay but were not allowed while others who wanted to leave had to stay. There needs to be change done now. If the base CO cannot control his people (and yes they are his responsibility) then maybe he should be replaced!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Jack there has been some changes for Navy as far as the ability to stay in Japan. The screening process for remaining in Japan has gotten simpler, and no longer has an arbitrary limit of 7 years in Japan. I am not sure how much it has changed for the other services though.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

You know this is one thing but I am getting more than a little tired of reading the rape incident in Okinawa every single time another military person steps out of line.

Maybe you shouldn't click on the next article when it's up, about the arrest of yet another sailor out drunk during curfew - a curfew brought in following the rape.

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

claiming he entered the property because he was called in by a police officer

Whoaaa. Maybe lay off the awamori for a while.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Doesn't matter about what anyone is being charged with in regards to seriousness of the infraction. The fact of the matter is ...it's being demonstrated that USA navel personnel can't be controlled once they leave the base they are assigned to.

Restrict privileges ! Anyone who hasn't put the time in cant access anything off base. They signed the dotted line, you a$$ belongs to the USA navy or military ! You have no say !

If a prisoner goes to jail does he or she get to step outside the institution they have given themselves to ??? No ! When you signed your A$$ over to "the greater power" you gave up your means to making a singular decision and have to follow the rules set out that you agreed to follow under.

Keep the "socially inept" on their front law where they belong. It's not a question of what they did, it's a statement of "where" they are doing it. THIS IS NOT THE USA !!! Don't like it then resign ! It's a better choice than getting a dishonorable discharge and making your fellow service men bare the embarrassment you caused !

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

This is really funny and pathetic both at same time, many people drink alcohol but leaving army base and play nuts is not normal stuff that everyone does. How many more are these kinda jerks inside US army bases??? Lets have a big party and gates open with no curfew so we will have all these morons out of the base, hence no more such news. Fed up of this news again n again.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I hate to say that "I told you so." Would've had the problem problem-solved in 30-days. Just a matter of time before another breaks the curfew again.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I hope JapanToday will post this kind of news again and again if it happens... in this way we will get a better idea of what kind of military personell we have here in Japan.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

More were present but I'm sure those details won't come to light.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Stop. Doing. This.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Other countries have military personnel problems as well as America, they are not making the news reports posted here on Japan Today.

Do you really think so? How much do you know about level of discipline in units of military personnel of "other countries" ?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I ama sure Grandma would have let him in if he asked her nicely..haaha

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

We'll always see the exact same equation in these issues. US military personnel+young adult/teen+drunk+intrusion. Obviously they need to stop allowing the gits to drink off base, any and all times. And if they do, there needs to be designated MPs on duty/ or a bus/transportation to pick them up at a specific time and if they're not on that bus by that time, penalize them as AWOL or something. Enough already with the hundreds if not thousands of these situations.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@HomestDictator Yes I understand this, that is why I am not upset. All I'm saying is everybody makes mistakes, that's what makes us human...

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

SwissToni,

The US military arent in here as guests, theyre here to contribute to the defense of Japan.

You would assume so, but this is not the reason they are here.

They are here to serve their own interests, pure and simple.

They need bases from where they can attack China and Japan is conveniently located.

I can see Honestdictator's point of view. In a sense, they are guests here and, just as you wouldn't want a house guest busting up the furniture, breaking crockery and so on, the Japanese are unhappy with huge (for them) and very fit military types getting slarmied and going on a rampage.

It's interesting to note that US citizens feel the same way about hosting huge bases full of servicemen. Guam and Hawaii strongly oppose any relocation of these bases to their land.

Which brings us to why they are here.

No one else wants them.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Daijoboots-san,

Whoaaa. Maybe lay off the awamori for a while.

It's very unlikely that Awamori was the culprit.

If you read the article, this incident took place in Yokosuka.

One of the few places apart from Okinawa where US military are kept.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Wax man you aren't the only one. Think of all the responsible servicemen/women that are subjected to this needless scrutiny. This country unfortunately doesn't look at foreign people in a singular fashion. One bad service member ...they all are bad ....one bad immigrant or visitor ...they all are bad in many nationalistic minds. "Gaijin" applies to all races color or creed. The reason many (japanese) travel abroad is about equivalent to going to the local zoo or aquarium ... To most of the people here that are nationalistic or prejudiced it is the rest of the world that's messed up ..not here.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Thunderbird2-san,

Until and unless the base commanders can keep their men under control I think the curfew needs to stay. All it takes is one drunken racist redneck in a uniform (and don't tell me there aren't any... ) to burst into someone's house and go mad.

Exactly.

Who knows what would have happened if the curfew hadn't been enforced!

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Yubaru,

A fact is what happened.

A chance is what might happen.

The facts are that pre curfew, even though the majority of "folks" were under control, there were a few that were totally OUT of control. Violence, rape, drunk driving leading to fatal accidents actually happened. Fact. Since the curfew, the offences have been very minor. Fact.

Ergo, it seems wise to continue it.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Why should sailors not drink? Because all an invader would have to do is wait until they were all drunk...

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Like brother Yubaru, I too am getting fed up with reading these reports of misbehaving US military personnel.

It seems there is no discipline in the US military.

Which makes one wonder why so many of them are stationed in Japan on non-US soil.

-14 ( +2 / -16 )

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