Another allegation of rape by American servicemen in Okinawa on Tuesday has reignited anti-U.S. protests by Okinawans and resentment throughout Japan. Okinawa Gov. Kazuhiro Nakaima called for more severe measures than in the past. Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto noted the severity of the allegation. Vice Foreign Minister Shuji Kira lodged a protest with U.S. Ambassador John Roos, who promised cooperation and renewed effort "to earn the trust of the Okinawan people and the people of Japan."
Earning that trust will not be easy. Okinawans are already angry over the deployment of Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, citing concerns about safety. Another sexual assault case involving a U.S. serviceman and a Japanese woman in August has kept resentment and anger at a high level in Okinawa. Some newspaper reports have noted an allegation of premeditation for this attack against the woman, which, if proven, will make the situation even worse.
Okinawans may start calling for the complete removal of the United States military presence. The majority of American servicemen behave in a disciplined manner and are dedicated to the security and stability of East Asia. Unfortunately, however, sexual assault cases continue to be a problem.