US Marine Accused of Sexual Assault in Okinawa, Japan

A U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan, has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman. This incident marks the fourth such case in the past year, further straining relations between the U.S. and Japanese governments.

Okinawa Prefectural Police referred the case to the Naha Public Prosecutors Office on Wednesday, January 9, 2025. The alleged assault occurred in November at Camp Foster in Ginowan City, involving a woman over 20 years old. The suspect, believed to be in his 30s, remains in U.S. military custody. Whether he has admitted to the allegation is unknown.

The III Marine Expeditionary Force confirmed awareness of the allegations. Their spokesperson stated that the Marine Corps is cooperating with local authorities. Authorities initiated their investigation by reviewing security footage and interviewing individuals.

Crucially, the alleged victim immediately reported the incident to police. While the precise location of the assault remains undisclosed, sources indicate the victim and the suspect met for the first time on the day of the alleged assault.

The alleged behavior, according to the Marine Corps, does not reflect the values of the U.S. Military. Okinawa Prefecture Governor Denny Tamaki expressed concern and demanded a decisive response.

This incident follows a series of similar cases. These cases, including a December 2023 incident involving a Senior Airman and a 15-year-old girl at Kadena Air Base, underscore the complexities of the U.S. military presence in Okinawa, where approximately 30,000 active-duty troops are stationed.

Earlier this year, Marine Lance Corporal Michael Hofmaster was charged with injuring a woman during a sexual assault, and Lance Corporal Jamel Clayton was indicted on charges of attempted sexual assault resulting in injury. Hofmaster maintained his innocence.

Despite the return of Okinawa to Japanese ownership in 1972, the U.S. military maintains a significant presence on the island. These ongoing allegations underscore the challenges related to the maintenance of a robust U.S.-Japanese alliance.