U.S. Marine Accused of Sexual Assault in Okinawa

A U.S. Marine in Okinawa, Japan, has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in November 2024, marking the fourth such case involving military personnel in the past year. The alleged assault occurred in an undisclosed building on Camp Foster, and the Marine is currently in U.S. custody. Okinawa Prefectural Police have referred the case to prosecutors, who are considering charges, following an investigation that included security camera footage and interviews. Governor Denny Tamaki expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for a strong response due to the recurring nature of such crimes in the region. This latest allegation has reignited discussions about the implications of the U.S. military presence on the safety of women in Okinawa. The Marine Corps stated that they are cooperating with local authorities and that the alleged behavior does not reflect the values of the military.