US ambassador expresses regret for sex assaults by military in Okinawa

In a recent development, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel expressed regret for the mishandling of two cases of sexual assaults allegedly committed by American military personnel stationed in Okinawa. The incidents involved a U.S. Air Force member charged with kidnapping and sexual assault of a teenager in March, and a U.S. Marine arrested for attempted rape resulting in injury in May. Details about the victims were not disclosed, with Okinawa police citing privacy concerns. The cases have reignited resentment towards the heavy U.S. troop presence on the island, which hosts a significant portion of American military bases in Japan. Emanuel acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that the current standards and training protocols within the U.S. military were inadequate. He hinted at proposing measures to enhance training and transparency during upcoming U.S.-Japan security talks in Tokyo. The Japanese government also pledged to ensure prompt disclosure of alleged crimes involving U.S. military personnel in Okinawa while safeguarding victims' privacy. The incidents could potentially strain the defense relationship, especially as Okinawa's strategic importance grows amid escalating tensions with China. The situation has historical context, as a 1996 agreement between Tokyo and Washington aimed to close a key U.S. air base in Okinawa, a plan repeatedly delayed due to protests. The ambassador's visit to Fukushima, where he highlighted the safety of local seafood amid concerns over radioactive water discharges, underscored broader regional issues. China's ban on Japanese seafood due to the Fukushima incident drew criticism from Emanuel, adding another layer to the complex dynamics in the region. With approximately 50,000 U.S. troops deployed in Japan under a bilateral security pact, half of them stationed in Okinawa, residents have long voiced grievances about the American military presence. The recent cases of sexual assault have once again brought these concerns to the forefront, prompting calls for improved accountability and transparency to address the underlying issues affecting the local community and the broader U.S.-Japan defense relationship.