Two U.S. Airmen Charged with Separate Sexual Assaults in Japan, Sparking Outrage

Japanese authorities have charged two U.S. Air Force personnel based in Okinawa with sexual assault in two separate incidents occurring five months apart. One of the cases involves a minor, leading to widespread condemnation and heightened tensions between the local community and the U.S. military presence on the island.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced at a press conference on Friday that an unidentified U.S. airman is set to stand trial for an alleged sexual assault that took place in May. The suspect faces charges of non-consensual sexual intercourse and causing bodily injuries, and will appear at the Naha District Court at an unspecified date.

The second case involves another U.S. airman accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl. Okinawa’s Vice Governor Takekuni Ikeda expressed strong condemnation, stating, "Such inhuman and vile crimes by U.S. soldiers are a serious and malicious violation of women’s human rights and are absolutely unforgivable. We are filled with strong anger."

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki echoed this sentiment, telling reporters, "I’m at a total loss of words. I’m just filled with anger."

Local newspaper Ryuku Shimpo reported that the 25-year-old U.S. airman was indicted on March 27 for allegedly abducting and engaging in non-consensual sexual intercourse with the minor in December. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi confirmed that the indictment followed a thorough investigation by police and prosecutors.

“The fact that such an incident had taken place is extremely regrettable,” Hayashi said. “Incidents and accidents involving U.S. military personnel cause great concern to local residents and must never happen.”

Masataka Okano, Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, conveyed Japan’s regret over both incidents to U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel. Hayashi noted that the U.S. has responded by expressing serious concern and pledging full cooperation with local authorities.

It remains unclear whether both suspects have secured legal representation. The Air Force’s 18th Wing, which oversees Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, has yet to comment.

In response to the December case, Vice Governor Ikeda met with Brig. Gen. Nicholas Evans, commander of the 18th Wing, to formally lodge a complaint. Ikeda remarked that the incident had created “strong anxiety among the residents of this prefecture who are forced to live side by side with these bases.”