A 🇺🇸 US soldier has been charged with the kidnapping and rape of a teenage girl in Okinawa, a Japanese island chain that hosts the region's largest American military base.

The case is likely to stoke the long-standing local opposition to US military presence - the islands are home to more than half of the 54,000 US soldiers serving in Japan.

The anger has also been fuelled by sexual assault cases - one of the most high-profile was in 1995, when a 12-year-old girl was raped by three US service personnel, sparking months-long protests.
The latest allegation also involves a minor, who is younger than 16, the age of consent in Japan.

The 25-year-old Air Force man allegedly assaulted her on 24 December and he was identified through security camera footage after the girls' family reported it, local media said.

He was charged in late March and has been in the custody of Japanese authorities since then, government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Tuesday when he revealed the charges to the public.

“We will continue to request the US side to prevent such incidents at every opportunity,” Mr Hayashi said, adding that US officials were cooperating fully with investigators.

He also said Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a complaint with the US Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emmanuel. He added that the first hearing in the case is scheduled for 12 July.

BBC News || Japan Today

100millionGoal:
If he was black or Arab they would have posted his pictures everywhere

MhisterJay:
The US has a military base in Japan too?

Why? How?

OkpaNsukkaisBae:
Japan went from being an imperial power, Asian leader to being occupied by US troops. And you want to tell me they're a sovereign nation? Nope

ElevationD:



Japan is a sovereign nation and is considered a regional power in Asia. It has the largest economy in Asia and is a major player in regional affairs, exerting significant political, economic, and cultural influence. Japan's military is also one of the most advanced and capable in the region, with a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific.

Until the second world war destruction of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the Japanese were militarily very powerful. Nothing has diminished, except abiding by the agreements ending the second world war.

Japan's regional power status is reflected in its:

- Economic influence: Japan is a leading trade partner and investor in many Asian countries.
- Political leadership: Japan plays a key role in regional organizations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the East Asia Summit (EAS).
- Military capabilities: Japan's Self-Defense Forces are a formidable military power in the region.
- Cultural influence: Japanese culture, technology, and innovation have a significant impact on the region.

However, Japan's regional power status is also subject to challenges and limitations, including:

- Rivalry with China: Japan's relationship with China is complex and often tense, with competing interests and territorial disputes.
- North Korean threat: Japan is vulnerable to North Korea's military provocations and nuclear threats.
- Dependence on US alliance: Japan's security relies heavily on its alliance with the United States.

Overall, Japan's regional power status is significant, but it must navigate complex regional dynamics to maintain its influence and security.

Namaster:
Sovereign countries, especially First World countries, who allow the US to establish a military presence in their country are just DUMB.

Allowing up to 54,000 foreign soldiers PERMANENTLY on your home soil.is STUPID.

MhisterJay:
The US has a military base in Japan too?

Why? How?

WrriterNg:


China has the largest economy in Asia.



Bigger than Japan and the others combined.