Former Japan Self-Defense Forces member given U.S. award for her fight against sexual harassment

Good for her. How Ms. Gonoi was able to endure about one year of daily abuse from these scum is beyond me.

Hopefully the five convicted criminals who physically and sexually assaulted her are now permanently unemployable because of their records. It's the very least they deserve.

She has a tough road ahead. There will be a lot of hardship in Japan as a social reformer.

It's a shame the US awarded her instead of Japan.

Good luck to her.

Japan is in desperate need of such people.

The old 'elite' and spoon-in-the-mouth hereditary politicians Japan has have run the country deep into the ground.

Change is really needed.

I wonder if this will make the news headlines in Japan in the wake of Ohtani's marriage.

I swear I got the same jacket.

She didn't get any award from Japan? That's strange, she contribute for well being for woman in Japanese military.

ToddToday  04:45 pm JST

It's a shame the US awarded her instead of Japan.

It;s good that the US awarded Ms Gonoi,

But why didn't the US award Ms Michelle Johnson (USN) as well? I'm sure there are many others.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/07/23/sexual-assaults-continue-to-plague-military/2577995/

I would have liked Ms Gonoi to have politely declined the award, saying there are a lot of brave Americans fighting injustice in the US and who deserve awards from their own government, so please mind your own business.

Well deserved Ms. Gonoi, congratulations.

Agree, Japan should have recognised her bravery. If they are to have any hope of encouraging men or women to join the military they need to actively and publicly destroy this disgusting culture of harassment and sexual abuse. Serious consequences for and zero tolerance very publicly enforced is the only effective route

But why didn't the US award Ms Michelle Johnson (USN) as well? I'm sure there are many others.

Because it's an international award given out by the US State Dept.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Women_of_Courage_Award

MeiyouwentiToday  07:32 pm JST

I would have liked Ms Gonoi to have politely declined the award

How Japanese!

Bravo Ms. Gonoi! You girls have to speak up when something like that happens. Nobody else gives you respect and freedom but for yourself.

MeiyouwentiMar. 2 07:32 pm JST

I would have liked Ms Gonoi to have politely declined the award, saying there are a lot of brave Americans fighting injustice in the US and who deserve awards from their own government, so please mind your own business.

Yes, promoting anti-Americanism and xenophobia is more important than fighting sexual harassment.

I would have liked Ms Gonoi to have politely declined the award, saying there are a lot of brave Americans fighting injustice in the US and who deserve awards from their own government, so please mind your own business.

Excellent comment!!!..

I would have liked Ms Gonoi to have politely declined the award, saying there are a lot of brave Americans fighting injustice in the US and who deserve awards from their own government, so please mind your own business.

The ignorance people here are showing about this award is amazing. This award is specifically for people who live in countries other than the US, to recognize women from around the world who show courage in standing up for their beliefs.

There are numerous other awards for courage that are awarded in the United States FOR US citizens.

One example is the Profile in Courage Award from the  John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

Ya'll, in your rush to point fingers and criticize here, are showing your lack of information and knowledge about just what she was being recognized for and the purpose behind the award.

She deserved it, and it's also a point to show the Japanese people that there is guano going on HERE that people need to get their heads out of the sand, and do something about.

I would have liked for you to take your own advice " please mind your own business." until you know what you are talking about!

YubaruToday  05:45 am JST..................Great comment, thank you.

I wish the people here read the article properly, it clearly states that this was The United States International Women of Courage Award and congratulations to them for awarding Ms Gonoi this well deserved accolade. Whet she did took a lot of courage in speaking out about what happened to her, and but for her bravery the Japanese military would have swept it under the carpet, as I have no doubt they have done so before.

 Japanese military would have swept it under the carpet, as I have no doubt they have done so before.

And sadly I fear will continue to do so as long as no light is shown on the problem! Awards like these need to be broadcast high and wide here IN Japan to keep the light on in the dark!