A US soldier stationed in Okinawa, Japan, has been charged with the kidnapping and rape of a teenage girl, reigniting local opposition to the American military presence on the island chain.
The soldier, a 25-year-old Air Force member whose identity has not been disclosed, allegedly assaulted the girl, who is younger than 16 years old, on December 24. The incident came to light after the girl’s family reported it, and the soldier was identified through security camera footage, according to local media reports.
Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed on Tuesday that the soldier was charged in late March and has been in Japanese custody since then. He assured the public that US officials are cooperating fully with the investigation.
“We will continue to request the US side to prevent such incidents at every opportunity,” Hayashi stated, adding that Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a complaint with US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emmanuel. The soldier’s first hearing is scheduled for July 12.
The case has sparked condemnation and distrust among Okinawan officials and residents. Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki described the incident as not only disturbing but also a violation of the girl’s dignity.
Reports indicate that the soldier was off duty when he allegedly approached the girl at a park, asking her to accompany him in his car under the pretext of conversation. Subsequently, he reportedly took her to his residence where the assault occurred.
Okinawa, a key strategic location due to its proximity to Taiwan, hosts a significant portion of the US military presence in Japan, with approximately 30,000 American soldiers stationed across the island chain. The bases, a legacy from World War Two, have been a source of ongoing tension and protests among locals who perceive the concentration of US forces as unfair.
While accidents and crimes involving Japanese victims have historically strained relations between local communities and the US military, the alliance between Tokyo and Washington remains crucial.
Efforts to relocate US bases to less populated areas of Okinawa have been met with local resistance, reflecting deep-seated concerns over security, sovereignty, and the impact of military presence on daily life.
The upcoming legal proceedings are expected to draw attention both domestically and internationally, highlighting broader issues of jurisdiction and accountability within the context of the US military presence in Japan.
