Okinawa Rallies Against U.S. Military Sexual Assaults Amid Ongoing Tensions

Over 2,500 people gathered in Okinawa City on Sunday to protest against sexual assaults by U.S. servicemen stationed in Okinawa Prefecture. The demonstrators demanded apologies and compensation for victims, prompt disclosure of information on such incidents, and revisions to the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which governs U.S. military personnel in Japan.

"Sexual violence that tramples on the dignity of women and children should never occur," stated Junko Iraha, head of a local citizens' group and part of the rally's organizing committee. Participants wore yellow clothing and ribbons symbolizing the mimosa flower, which represents International Women’s Day. The event was broadcast live to other venues, including Ishigaki and Miyakojima, and streamed online.

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki expressed the need for stronger opposition to the continued presence of U.S. military bases, stating, "Many residents of the prefecture are forced to coexist with U.S. military bases amid anxiety."

The protests were reignited following the indictment of Brennon Washington, a U.S. Air Force member stationed at Kadena Base, on charges of sexually assaulting a girl earlier this year. The case, revealed in June, along with other incidents, has intensified public outrage in Okinawa.

Sorane Sakihama, a 22-year-old college student, voiced concerns about the impact of the military bases on young Okinawans, asking, "Do we have to be deprived of our youth because we were born in Okinawa and there are bases?"

Okinawa has a history of protests against crimes involving U.S. military personnel. In 1995, outrage erupted after three U.S. servicemen abducted and sexually assaulted a schoolgirl, with the U.S. military initially refusing to hand over the suspects under SOFA terms. That incident led to a rally attended by around 85,000 people. Similarly, a 2016 case involving the rape and murder of a 20-year-old office worker by a U.S. military contractor spurred a rally with 65,000 participants.

Protests have also extended to issues like the relocation of Futenma Air Station to Henoko in Nago and the deployment of U.S. Osprey transport aircraft.

Keiko Itokazu, co-chair of the civic group All Okinawa and a speaker at the 1995 rally, emphasized the importance of such gatherings to convey public sentiment and foster unity. However, she expressed frustration over the lack of change, saying, “Nothing has changed. How many more times must we protest?”

The ongoing rallies highlight the tension between Okinawa residents and the U.S. military presence, which remains a contentious issue in the prefecture.