The Japanese ex-soldier who declared war on sexual abuse

"I was prepared for defamation, but it's tough," she said. "There's something wrong with Japan -- people attack victims instead of perpetrators."

Sadly not a uniquely Japanese failing. As we will see.

From childhood, Rina Gonoi dreamed of joining Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF).

Japan is male or even old male dominated country, going to military it just won't make things better for gender equality. I hope she found way for her future.

She reported the incident, but an internal probe concluded there was not enough evidence to proceed.

Japanese way in handling problem, just masquerade the problem.

Fight the good fight! Best wishes!

 "There's something wrong with Japan -- people attack victims instead of perpetrators."

Let me guess- the net uyoku called her a Japan basher.

Japanese way in handling problem, just masquerade the problem.

Exactly. SOP here.

Good for her.

As soon as her cowardly abusers are found guilty, they should all be instantly fired and forfeit any benefits accrued. (Of course on top of criminal punishment).

In my homecountry (Spain) happened the same.

It's very sad knowing that less than 10% of the victims of rape and/or similar cases of sexual abuse and/or assault dare to sue. I hope this changes soon...

Good luck my friend and much respect to you.

Japan needs people like you not like the silver-spooned OBs who keep getting voted back in ad infitinum.

Good luck and stay strong Rina. Sadly I don't see much changing in the nearvterm though.

Didn't we read here just a week or so ago about a major Japanese corporation only demoting those workers guilty of sexual harassment?

Also this following story last week was truly shameful..

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230221/p2a/00m/0na/006000c

She says she experienced harassment daily after joining the SDF in 2020.

But

She reported the incident, but an internal probe concluded there was not enough evidence to proceed

What, did the investigators just asked around if someone assaulted her and nobody admitted?

"There's something wrong with Japan -- people attack victims instead of perpetrators."

Most notably the police will blame the victim, mishandle potential evidence, if they even collect any, and just as bad in my opinion, is force the accused to prove their innocence far too many times.

Meaning that you are damned if you do, and damned if you dont.

Stay strong, my friend. Lie will never become truth, whatever the social outcome these people already have their punishment in store for their deeds. And got a future filled with happiness and meaning.

*you got

Good for Ms. Gonoi. The courage to fight, even against the odds is not limited to when wearing BDUs and carrying a rifle.

Aly RustomToday  04:46 pm JST

 "There's something wrong with Japan -- people attack victims instead of perpetrators."

Let me guess- the net uyoku called her a Japan basher.

-1( +9 / -10 )

Well put, net uyoku. Back in my day they were called gate keepers.

And I laugh at terms like, hater or basher. It's so lame. When people try to pull that crap on me I say I'm a truther and you just hate the truth.

With such a lack of discipline in an army of so called peace keepers, Japans SDF should not be sent overseas until it puts it's house in order. If SDF personnel behave this way towards it's own colleagues and comrades how will they have towards others overseas. Let's not forget Nanking.

Alan HarrisonToday  08:31 pm JST

With such a lack of discipline in an army of so called peace keepers, Japans SDF should not be sent overseas until it puts it's house in order.

This is a common problem that plagues all militaries around the world. Not just Japan.

With such a lack of discipline in an army of so called peace keepers, Japans SDF should not be sent overseas until it puts it's house in order.

This is a common problem that plagues all militaries around the world. Not just Japan.

Maybe it does. But a professional military (such as in my native country) have proper disciplinary procedures to investigate such incidents, whether internal or external. Japans SDF would seem to mirror Japan's civilian legal system, ie. Not fit for purpose. One thing I have always noticed about Japan. When faced with a new unprecedented situation, there is an appalling lack of self control.

This is a common problem that plagues all militaries around the world.

I never heard of this problem in Sweden.

the people would rather talk about trivial things than a real crime like this!

This stupidity is world over, but I did not expect this from a cultured nation like Japan who set an example where ever they go. I still remember about clean stadium news after football matches in Brazil world cup. How could you do such horrible stuff to your own ladies? I know the young armymen anywhere are desperate for sex, but forcing your wishes on somebody is not even going to be enjoyed by the perpetrators themselves. Please, start a programme in their training for teaching that rules for sexual advancement in the army are no different than outside society.

Her fellow men soldiers should have stood up for her then and now.

She has more courage than them. Imagine how pathetic they’d be in combat.

I wish her all the best. This is one of the ugly sides of Japan that needs to be addressed!

Really feel for her, and more power to her. She did the right thing. People must not fear the mean, nationalistic, misogynistic cowardly internet trolls who would anonymously try to shame and discredit someone like her.

@ian Feb. 27 05:34 pm JST

What, did the investigators just asked around if someone assaulted her and nobody admitted?

So what are they supposed to do. Just take the accuser's word for it? These incidents don't exactly happen in public, and it is often one on one.

@YubaruFeb. 27 05:35 pm JST

is force the accused to prove their innocence far too many times.

Which, if you value "beyond reasonable doubt", is a process that has to happen. You can't get rid of the doubts, you either have to lower standards or acquit him.

God Bless Ms. Gonoi: Keep fighting the good fight. That's what good soldier's do!!!