Japanese Government to Revise Information Sharing on US Military Sexual Assault Cases… Providing Information to Okinawa Prefecture

The Japanese government is reconsidering its method of information sharing regarding sexual assault incidents committed by US military personnel that were not previously conveyed to Okinawa Prefecture. Five incidents since last year were not passed on to Okinawa Prefecture, and it has been revealed that information regarding incidents in December last year and May this year was withheld by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that they did not relay the information, following the police's decision not to publicize it, considering the victim's privacy. However, the government decided to change this practice from the 5th, and will now share information with Okinawa Prefecture to the extent possible, even if the police do not disclose it.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Yoshimasa stated, "After the investigation agencies have properly concluded their handling of the case, the relevant local governments will be informed." Information will be relayed from investigative agencies to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then to the Ministry of Defense, and finally to Okinawa Prefecture.

Tamaki Denny, the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, who had directly protested to the government about the inability to alert Okinawa residents, positively assessed this announcement. He said, "I believe that the review of information-sharing operations is a step forward."

The Okinawa Prefectural Police, who had also failed to convey the same information, have also presented a solution. Governor Tamaki stated, "I have received an explanation from the Okinawa Prefectural Police Chief that they will provide information to Okinawa Prefecture when an arrest or referral to the public prosecutor's office occurs." The Okinawa Prefectural Police will provide information at the stage of arresting the suspect or referring them to the public prosecutor's office. Governor Tamaki stated, "Through close consultation with the Okinawa Prefectural Police, we will inform residents of matters that require alerting them and demand that the US side establish strong discipline."

Meanwhile, the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo) is actively working to resolve the issue of US military bases in Japan by demanding the reduction and downsizing of US military bases within Japan and a fundamental review of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

Throughout Japan, there are over 130 US military facilities, including bases. Most of the US military bases in Japan, such as Yokota Air Base (Tokyo), Atsugi Naval Air Facility (Kanagawa), and Futenma Air Station (Okinawa), are located near densely populated areas, leading to serious issues like noise pollution and accidents.

Rengo, along with the All-US Forces Labor Union (Zen Churyu-gun Rodo Kumiai), which comprises workers at major US military bases in 15 prefectures, initiated the review in 2003 and decided on the "Rengo Demand for a Fundamental Review of the Status of Forces Agreement" on January 16, 2004.

Rengo presented a review proposal with the goal of "ensuring that Japan's sovereignty and laws are upheld." It includes three core points: "safety," "environment," and "rights," and five items: "clarification of the participation of relevant local governments," "clarification of environmental protection (responsibility of the party responsible for contamination within the base, obligation to restore the original state)," "clarification of employment, labor conditions, and rights relations," "jurisdiction and civil claims (damages)," and "compliance with domestic law and equal application."

Recognizing that the issues related to the SOFA cannot be ignored, Rengo continues its ongoing efforts. Okinawa Prefecture, in particular, though comprising only 0.6% of Japan's total land area, accommodates 70% of the US military's exclusive facilities. Residents' lives, human rights, and property are routinely jeopardized due to incidents and accidents involving US military personnel.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan in 2012, Rengo conducted a signature campaign demanding a "fundamental review of the Status of Forces Agreement, the reduction and downsizing of US military bases in Japan, and alleviation of the burden on Okinawa." They collected 4,755 signatures.

Rengo intends to continue its efforts to resolve the issue of US military bases in Japan.