Young residents in Okinawa and Tokyo have taken to the streets in a powerful display of solidarity and anger. Protesters gathered on Thursday to denounce repeated sexual assaults allegedly committed by U.S. servicemen stationed in Okinawa, with chants and signs that clearly demanded, "Never tolerate sexual violence."
In Okinawa, about 30 locals stood silently in front of the prefectural government building, holding flowers and placards as a solemn tribute to the victims. One protester, Megumi Kamiya, expressed her deep frustration: "When I saw the news, I felt extremely angry, thinking, 'Not again?'" 😡
The situation gained even more urgency as Okinawa prefectural police referred two U.S. Marines in their 20s to prosecutors on suspicion of separate sexual assaults on women. Despite recent joint patrols by U.S. military and local police in the entertainment districts of Okinawa, many believe these measures have been little more than a performance.
Meanwhile, in Tokyo, around 30 supporters rallied in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With signs reading "Stop the U.S. military's crimes" and "Listen to the Voice of Okinawa," they echoed the demands for real accountability. Organizer Masayuki Oku questioned the integrity of the Japan-U.S. security framework, asking, "How can we call this security when the number of sexual violence cases continues to increase?"
These protests come at a time when Okinawa, despite occupying only 0.6% of Japan's land area, hosts 70% of U.S. military bases in the country. With allegations of sexual crimes stretching back to June last year—including reports of three U.S. service members being indicted—the issue remains one of the most heated and persistent concerns for the local community.
The events highlight how deeply young people care about safety, justice, and effective measures to protect their communities. As the call for change grows louder, residents are determined to make sure their voices are heard and that meaningful actions replace symbolic gestures.
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Rallies against sexual assaults by U.S. servicemen held in Japan
cgtn.com
