The news last week that U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Tyrone Hadnott had allegedly raped a 14-year-old schoolgirl in Okinawa sparked various degrees of condemnation from local citizens, politicians, the government and bloggers [ja], reigniting anger at the continued presence of American military bases in Japan's southernmost prefecture. While different in many ways from the current case, a famous gang rape by U.S. military personnel in 1995 remains fresh in the minds of many Okinawans, adding to feelings of frustration.
In describing cases of rape in Japan such as this one, media tend to avoid the word “rape” (強姦) in favor of the less direct expression “violence” (暴行). Freelance journalist and blogger Uesugi Takashi comments on this use of language, and on differences between local and national media in their coverage of the case:
また、米海兵隊員による性犯罪が発生しました。
『沖縄タイムズ』は号外を出し、比較的静かな本土との報道の差が気になります。
だいたい「少女暴行」とありますが、はっきり言って「未成年者への強姦」（レイプ）でしょう。
それを「暴行」と、言葉を緩める意味が果たしてあるのか？
「援助交際」とか「婦女暴行」とか、性犯罪用語を曖昧にする日本の報道は、被害者への配慮というよりも、加害者への贖罪意識の軽減につながってしまっているようです。
こうした性犯罪は、絶対許さないという姿勢で報じるように変えていくべきでしょう。
I sense the difference between the “Okinawa Times”, which put out an extra edition, and the relatively quiet mainland reporting on this.
[Mainland reporting] refers to it as something like an “violence against a young woman” (少女暴行), but speaking frankly, this is “rape of a minor” (未成年者への強姦).
Is there even any point in softening these words and referring to it as “violence” (暴行)?
In using terminology like “compensated dating” and “violence against young women” for sex crimes, Japanese reporting, more than considering the victim, tends to reduce the sense of atonement of the assailant.
There should be a change in attitude to one that absolutely does not put up with this kind of sex crime.
While there was considerable hostility voiced at the U.S. military presence, on Internet bulletin boards the incident also attracted heavy criticism targeted at the high-school girl herself [ja] for (allegedly) not being careful enough and allowing this incident to happen. One blogger, for example, wrote of the girl's “frivolousness”:
沖縄の米兵による中学生暴行事件
よく聞いたら
バイクに乗せて家まで送ってあげると言われて
バイクに乗ってしまったのが原因だとか
バカか・・・・
そんなの、暴行してくださいとお願いしてるようなもんよ
軽薄な行動が呼んだ事件としか言いようがない
この女の子の軽薄さに腹が立つ
If you listen carefully:
She was asked if she would like a lift home by motorbike,
And she actually got on the bike, that was the cause.
So stupid…
That kind of thing, it's just like asking: assault me please.
No way to describe this but as frivolous actions just asking for something to happen.
This girl's frivolousness really makes me angry.
Blogger VcCS expressed a similar sentiment:
沖縄県で、またもや米兵による強姦事件が発生！
女子中学生を乗用車に乗せ、車内で暴行をしたという。こういう事件を見ると、結果的には米兵の罪が問われるのだが、そこに至る経緯も気になる。決して、暴行に及んだ米兵をかばうつもりはない。
だけど、被害にあった女子学生は、米兵から声をかけられ、その誘いを受けたことで、こうした事件を招いている。それが知り合いであれば事情が変わったのかもしれないが、見知らぬ人からの誘いを受ける方にも問題があるように思えてならない。
沖縄という土地柄、米兵による強姦事件は後を絶たない。
だからこそ、その土地の女性はもっと用心すべきだ！それにもまして、親はもっと子供に責任を持つべきではないか？
過去に起こった事件から学び、もう少し責任ある行動を取ってもらいたい。
加害者がどんな裁きを受けようとも、被害者の傷跡は消すことが出来ないから
A girl in junior high school got into a car, and was assaulted inside. The American military should ultimately be held responsible for this crime, but I also wonder about the process that led up to it.
I absolutely do not want to defend the American soldier who called her [into the car].
But the high school girl who was victimized, the American soldier called out to her, and she accepted this invitation, so she asked for this incident [to happen]. It would be different if this was an acquaintance of hers, but I cannot help feeling that there is a problem with a person who accepts an invitation from someone they don't even know.
In the local character of Okinawa [*], these cases of rape by American military personnel are never-ending.
And that's exactly why girls in those places should be more careful! Even more than that, shouldn't parents take more responsibility for their children?
I want them to learn from past incidents and act a little more responsibility.
Because however the assailant ends up being charged, there is no way to erase the victims scars!
[*] Referring to the fact that Okinawa has many U.S. army bases.
For more about this story, see also this English-language post and a long set of comments responding to it.
You write this as if you’re excusing the rapist.
Yes women should not trust US service men, and yes they should not go near them, but as this does shows that this does not happen then maybe they should do something about the service men how commit rape.
Hi Casper,
Thanks for your comment.
Actually I don’t excuse the rapist at all, these are views expressed by bloggers and in online bulletin boards (which is why I used the word “allegedly” and put scare quotes around “frivolousness”). Whether you agree with the view or not, it seems to be pretty widely-held. What I’m trying to do here is give a sense of what is being talked about, not what I personally think.
Hope that helps.
[...] More information on the reaction to the recent events in Okinawa can be found in this Mainichi article and this Global Voices post. [...]
Well in this one case this is totally bogus! I know of the girl in question! She was with her 2 friends and the American asked her if she wanted get it on. She said yes and climbed on the back of his bike. When they got to HIS HOUSE she changed her mind and he gave her a ride home in his car. He tried to kiss her and she freaked out. Then she went over to her friends house and pretended to cry about it for sympathy. That would have been fine but her friends made her (or they did themselves I’m not sure yet) call the cops.
And that’s it.
Come on people!!! you don’t take a girl you intend to rape to your house and you don’t give them a ride home either! And if you saw this girl you would all think she was 17 or 18 easy! And not all that good looking either.
This whole thing is BS!
Now, there have been cases in the past that were NOT BS but this one clearly is!
Crazy stuff in Okinawa. Reports of a rape of a Philippino girl just breaking, rumours of an armed forces guy and his wife being set upon by a big group of people last weekend in the evening (don’t look for that one to be reported in the J-media).
Have been writing extensively on this topic on my site and it’s pretty messed up. The lockdown is going to harm local businesses and the local economy, and is already frustrating the SOFA-status personnel here. Hopefully it will be lifted in the very near future
The thing I need to point out is that many people keep saying this marine raped this young girl. Being on the island myself I am hearing up-to-date information as it comes out. Is the rape kit back? Is it proved that he has actually raped her. Rumor has it, as of last night, that the Marine was released due to the rape kit coming back negative. So is it fair to keeping talking as if this person is already guilty of rape. He is certainly guilty of misconduct and acting inappropriately for which he deserves to be punished but if he is not guilty of rape is it fair to accuse and bash Americans so badly. I have enjoyed my time here on the island but lets be honest the minute that a service member does something bad we are all crucified like we the Americans are some inhumane awful people. Lets not forget everything the military does for surronding communities. It is our servicemembers who go to orphanages or to the senior citizens facilities, clean the beaches and preform community services. Let’s not forget about the festivals we have on base to invite Okinawans on base for cultural exchanges. There are many many good things that the Americans and services members/military do on this island but it seems to be quickly forgotten or is unappreciated when something like this happens. I understand the severity of the incident and feel that if found to be guilty this Marine should pay but it is automatically being assumed that it was done and now the military and all Americans are getting trashed.
What needs to be realized is that incidents like this happen and these types of incidents don’t just happen with Americans, but it is the Americans that are scrutinized terribly when isolated incidents do happen. Is it fair to categorize the whole American community or the military as being bad because of the actions of ignoranant people such as this Marine and the isolated incidents that take place?
Rachel,
I believe that you need not to be so sensitive. I don’t think anti-american feelings have risen up at the national level. And as you know, all the okinawans are not anti-GIs and many deplore the decrease of sales in local business. Some media are trying to use this case to pursue their agenda in vain.
I add that this case is not reported in japanese by using the word “rape”, but “violence”. I don’t have any judgement, but many think it mqy be difficult to prove this guy is guilty of rape.
I think it will be very difficult to prove this guy is guilty of rape. But whether he will be charged with it and found guilty is probably another matter completely.
Blame-the-victim game…
Global Voices Online article “Reactions to alleged Okinawa rape” (February 17th, 2008) focuses on Japanese bloggers’ remarks about the recent rape case which took place on February 10th in Okinawa. US Marine Staff Sgt. Tyrone Luther Hadnott is all…
I just wanted to say…
the way we Okinawans (especially the young ones)
think or TRUST another human being is totally
different from the way the majority of the western
people or even mainland Japanese people think.
We trust, trust and trust. Some might call it brainless
but that´s the way it has been. There was no need for us
to be doubtful and fearful, however it´s changing.
I had my money stolen by an American person whom
I considered as a friend when I was 19.
My friend who lent some money to her new friend from Tokyo never saw her money back when she was 20.
We learn only then NOT TO TRUST people.
Lucky it was only money for us.
Some comments made by bloggers above sounded like
they judged the 14 year old girl without being aware
of the values and common sense we have here in Okinawa.
I wish one day we all could accept, understand others
and stop judging each other.
Hi Maki,
I know that. But if you are referring to me all I can say is that “intent” in this case NEEDS to be examined! Actually the way American courts work “intent” is almost everything. I think it’s quite clear that his intent was not rape.
I also think every Japanese girl older than 16 or 15 who hangs around with gaijin or who hangs out in the gaijin areas knows exactly what the score is. In fact the vast majority of them are there for boy-hunting and making sex-friends. The military has been there for about 60 years now. The past 15 years have been the same as it is now for the most part. Although I will say that 20 and 30 years ago it was very very different and Americans acted with MUCH more respect!
No offense to us military, but what are you supposed to do when they are in the army and they can’t go the hooker places as they could back in US or in Japan. Obviously any rape is against the law regardless of what the situation is and who rapes who. Whats important is that nobody is gonna change anything based on who rapes who. This is not important and these kind of stuff never gets in the way politically, or very little effect. You can say that the girl want to be raped or idiot, but Quote “Even more than that, shouldn’t parents take more responsibility for their children?” I don’t know what’s the situation there cause I am not from that part of the world. But what’s parents supposed to do when there is rapist all over the neighborhood. All of the above holds personal opinions and has no direct attacks on anyone.
The marine was wrong and should be punished, thank God it doesn’t seem to have been rape.
That being said, the hue and cry from the Japanese public every 8 or 10 years when one of hundreds of thousands of GI’s commits a crime is ridiculous. As if young Japanese men never commit these crimes! I think we should bring ALL of our military home and let them live and shop from US taxpaying businesses. THEN you will hear some REAL whining from Okinawans.
As for Japanese schoolgirls, it is the Japanese culture itself that sexualizes schoolgirls in a way I’ve never seen anywhere else. It borders on a fetish.
Well, Hadnott has been released without charge this evening after the girl’s parents have withdrawn any criminal charges.
Have they been paid compensation or was there no case at all?
Walkerny,
I have to agree with what you said. THis is becoming extremely irrating. Going on 12th day of restriction it is really starting to irratate me. We obviously know now that this was NOT A CASE OF RAPE and the way the press publicized it automatically making it sound as if this guy was guilty I think made the out cry from the Okinawan community greater thus leading to such harsh restrictions for all the military on the island. We know now that obviously this girl has issues. Will there be any reprecussions for her!!
I agree there will be bad people with bad intentions among every nationality. But when it is the Americans we are made out to be so bad. We are all now restricted to the base with not enough facilities or services to accomodate service members plus their families let alone allowing nationals to still come onto the base and participate in base activities. THis seems quite un-fair to me. My children can’t even walk home from the bus or play outside in their yard (live off base) because of this. Going on base is awful now because it is so crowded every where.
The American’s that come over here are sacrafising. Our service men and women are protecting not only the American Nations but lets be frank they are protecting the entire Pacific from other communist countries in the area that are potential threats. This not only benefits Americans but the Japanese as well. The families that come here are leaving their families and homes in the United States to come to a complete and foreign nation were there are biases.
The same thing is going to happen when we leave here that happened in the Phillipines. The Phillipines wanted US Forces to leave so we did and now they wish we had stayed. When our troops leave this island the economy is going to plumet and I really think the Japanese government will regret the decision of US Forces leaving.
It may seem that I have gone off on a rant but lets be fair about this. 99% of the American community here is good! They have come here tried to embrace the culture and be productive citizens, myself included. I have enjoyed by almost three years here. But frankly it is quite frustrating to hear the community crying that we are so bad when we have given so much and try to do so much.
I’m relieved to hear it wasn’t rape but sad to know
her family and she couldn’t stand for it all the way.
I’ve been following this incident from both Japanese and English sources. So much misunderstanding from both sides.
It’s easy to blame others and feel sorry for your situation.
Tessy,
The comment I made before was actually referring to the bit of the main topic below;
…the high school girl who was victimized, the American soldier called out to her, and she accepted this invitation, so she asked for this incident [to happen]…
Nothing to do with your previous comment. I don’t know the girl
or the guy and don’t really get you point of mentioning the rest.
While I understand you guys’ frustration by feeling misunderstood or generalized, I might be able to help you understand why Okinawans are so sensitive to this matter.
Due to CHIIKYOUTEI(unfair laws/extraterritorial rights for the US force to hold alleged criminals since 1960) Okinawan police cannot arrest alleged criminals from military bases until they are prosecuted, it has often delayed or distracted police investigation.
Especially in the past, lots of serious criminals and alledged criminals just took off and have never been punished. The worst Some repeated the same crimes in another country.
Even now some cases are not to be judged by Japanese courts even though it’s happening in Japan!!!
(Tessy, thanks for giving me a lesson on American courts by the way;)
I believe Okinawa will be a better and healthier place once we
break out of this dependent relationship with American force, and
the same thing could be said for a lot of places in the world.
Its is really disheartening that even after 60 years Uncle Sammers tend to think they are doing everyone else a favor by stopping the commies.
Oh yes and lets remove Castro for not allowing good old Maccas and the other saturated fat in. If that happened how could Cubans afford to accomodate their ever increasingly large behinds in anything less that Hummers or bigger SUVs by working at AW or Starbucks?
Thank goodness that hasnt happened yet. Otherwise they´d be listening to Britney, Eminancy, Timberlame and other white heartless noise.
The American Bases there have lawns as far as the eye can see taking up the best beach locations and Homes that resemble upper class American suburbs. Many have beautiful golf courses where Okinawans not part of the base arent allowed. Where is the sacrifice?
The Okinawan people have a culture and ways that 99 per cent of Westeners will never appreciate. They are easy going, simple people that through history mediated with their surrounding neighbors with ease (China, Thailand and other countries) unlike the Japanese. So when unemployable western youngsters come with attitude and ruin it for the rest of the higher ranked puppets then why should they be treated with just a slap on the wrist?
Most criminals from the states have never been prosecuted while Japanese criminals rarely escape incarceration.
Even after 60 years not one iota of common sense and cultural sensitivity exists. Maybe it was different in the day when Martin Luther King was assassinated but that is ancient history and double the age of the recruits. Today countless ¨Y¨ number plated cars on the island hoon around without consequences while Okinawans drive commenting ¨ah G-I desu¨ with a sigh or just under their breath. They just bite their tongue and accept it mostly.
Imagine living in America with Japanese Marines doing what they liked all over the place and you had to put up with it as if they are untouchable? Countless families with victims just accepting the injustice.
Most of the Americans arent there to protect Asia, they are there to protect unethical Capitalist Corporations and their so called Free Enterprises without knowing it. They are there because they want some idea of a working holiday abroad with the same surroundings and businesses as America (but safer naturally). Some are there because its better than working at Walmart. Some are there because its better than unemployment back home.
Some are there because they are stationed there before they are sent to unsettle another country with civil war for the price of oil or American business interests.
All in all the money made will secure a mortage back in ol U-S or A with a nice green lawn, swimming pool, 3.5 offspring, 4 SUVs and a Giant shopping complex for their only social outing and sense of culture.
If 30 per cent of the land was returned from the unethical occupancy the Okinawan economy would blossom with tourism and community/local businesses. Why doesnt the occupancy go and pollute their own beautiful beaches with ammunition and other useless junk for the sake of protecting ¨your way of life¨?
If America leaves please dont forget to take all that SPAM back home (just drop it off at Hawaii) so I and others can get back to eating real food and enjoying the simple life these people once had. That way Okinawan´s world famous longevity can return and their communal spirit thrive throughout the Island.
I no longer live in Okinawa but I did for three years and I feel for the young woman and military personnel. My opinion is this. You have thousands of service members packed on a small Island. Out of those thousands of people from different cultures one person is going to make a bad choice. Anything from drinking and getting behind the wheel of a car to persuading a 14 year old to take a ride with you when you are 38. This type of incident will happen again in my opinion. It happens everywhere but is that a reason for the locals to live in fear of U.S. Service members? I think not. NO! The Americans guys are not just a bunch of walking cases of potential rape. In addition to giving the local economy a huge boost and providing many public services, A great number of those servicemen and women have children on the island and would be just as angry if it happened to there own kid. I in no way support the conduct of the accused but I also know that a 14 year old is adult enough to gauge the intentions of a complete stranger when they seem so obvious. Maybe her curiosity for what it might be like to be with an American became too much of a reality. A simple “no thanks” could have saved alot of heartache. If it is Okinawan to teach “trust” then maybe it’s time to change that teaching to something like, “think it over”. One the other hand, Americans are constantly under the microscope when serving overseas. They should keep that in mind while they go about there daily lives. What you do today can be headlines tomorrow. I loved Okinawa and made many great friends there but I grew sick of having to suffer for another persons screw up. I hope relations between the locals and military smooth out so that the Island can be enjoyable again.
You honestly believe the Okinawan economy would boom with local business? Is that why Koza Music City (think that’s the right name) had been a big flop as no mainland companies want to invest in it? And how about the military housing off-base that some people are paying upwards of $3,000 per month on: do you think Okinawans will rush to take over these properties with the average salaries they get?
Most Okinawans realise that even though they may not love having the US military presence here, the economy would be in tatters here if they left.
Okinawans never had an issue with the economy before the war. They lived happily and long without the affluence you feel and I felt I needed to be happy. Its not all about the economy. Since you have asked you just have to look at the off base rental funds only going to the Landlord, if a few landlords get rich from rent then it doesnt affect the economy on a larger scale. With 90 per cent of things imported and funds going back to the US is clearly not a good economy. It happens all over the world where the US have landed. The occupied countries grow sugar cane and other useless crops that never feed the people but are sold for peanuts. Generally the US imposed economy is detrimental for Okinawa and just a poor facade. There are no laws that will stop the way the military treats their land including their oceans and how it will return it. This is where Okinawans will lose the most. Their land is ruined with the useless war games.
Also Okinawans shouldnt have to change their easy going nature because some GIs are frustated. Americans there should respect their way of life as they are visitors.
No one said every western man is a rapist, there are plenty of prostitutes in Okinawa and if disciplined men need to mess around they are available to them.
Its not the number of crimes but the fact that the Military is supposed to represent Discipline, Justice and the upper most level of conduct. The power and freedom they possess is scary and painful for many Okinawans especially when crimes go unpunished.
As for the lass that thinks that at the Bases you have such good festivals. I cant think of anything more Tacky than watching a display of American and Japanese Taxpayers money as killing machines, wasting expensive fossil fuels while the crowd porks on shredded spam filled pizzas and blurts out ¨wow¨ ¨cool¨ with Billy Ray Cyrus blaring away in the background.
There is more soul, life, integrity and taste buds exercised in the local Okinawans festivals.
Here is some information on the unfair agreement that I talked about between Japan and the US since 1960.
You can also find the content of the agreement somewhere on the Internet. Please look it up and read carefully.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S.-Japan_Status_of_Forces_Agreement
Just like Truth said, this kind of incident will keep happening
and if something has to be changed, it’s this old agreement.
As long as there is a law to favour military personnel over locals,
Okinawans have no choice but to speak out for our rights.
Putting up ‘Off limits’ everywhere and punishing everyone for one man’s bad behavior is such an ineffective way to prevent further crimes and everyone knows that including Okinawans,
it’s just a useless pose.
(But I suppose that’s the way military works
as you cannot afford one person’s mistake in wars.)
Many Okinawans and I’ve written letters to both Japanese and the US authorities demanding to review and change the laws.
I would like you guys to read through and make a positive and responsible action to change this situation.
Maki,
If that is the way you feel then ASK US TO LEAVE. PLEASE DO, most Americans do not want our troops in Japan if they aren’t wanted by the Japanese people. But please don’t ask for 1 dollar in local economic aid when we leave.
By the way, look at the history of the human race, you will find few examples of victors picking up a people they’ve defeated and putting them on their feet, like we did with Japan and Germany. Your welcome!
David
You give away your anti US bias rather blatantly. I suspect on any issue you choose to fault the US and bash Americans. I suspect you have never been to Okinawa know much more than what you’ve read. You just seize these opportunities as you find them.
David - “Spam-filled pizzas”??? In over 4 years of being in Okinawa and dining at Okinawan restaurants I have yet to see a “spam-filled pizza”. Maybe you could enlighten me as to where you dine!
Walkerny, you are the reason Americans are loathed.
Ignorance and arrogance is a particularly bad combination. I live in Kochinda in Okinawa by the way.
Many Americans, I hold dear in my heart but not the ones who bully the weak by taking their land and polluting their environment. (Henoko ring a bell?) leave it alone before its too late for the Dugongs!
Surely you know you are only here for the money and yet you try and still hide behind the lies?
Okinawan people dont deserve what you have done to them. Its best you move back home or to Kyushu after all the Japanese mainlanders are the ones who should give up their land for you to ruin. In WW2 They forced Okinawans with fear to leave their farms and protect their families, yet many ran away and hid in caves where the Japanese bullied them out and to become casualties.
The Japanese tried to remove this part from history hence last years protest by Okinawans.
Its obvious that the Japanese deserve your presence to make sure their corruption doesnt continue.
Okinawans should be left alone and their beaches and environment returned. What part is so hard for you to understand? You are bullying the wrong people.
Alternatively how about moving to Taiwan? since they are pouring trillions of dollars on your missile technology.
Dave,
My Jewish/American friend joked how he preferred to eat the shredded ham pizzas on one of your Bases than listening to Billy Ray Cystoid. I dont blame him. As for Okinawans restaurants have you tried Goya Champuru? Probably not since the spam would be the only thing on you palette.
Give Okinawa back to Okinawans.
I take it you are a Brit or an Australian? How about specializing on your own countries crimes. You obviously specialize in anti Americanism. The base on Okinawa makes ZERO money for the US. We grow no ‘worthless crops’ there. It is a forward base to help contain first the Soviets, and now North Korean and Chinese aggression. I’m sure you feel these are peace loving people compared to Americans.
We probably agree more than you know. I WOULD remove American troops from Korea, Okinawa, all of Japan, indeed most place. The FACT remains that those countries ask for our continued presence. Myself, I’d let them maintain their own defence, and the next time whatever country you come from is threatened by an aggressor, I’m all for letting what happens happen. I’m sure you suffer from some sort of inferiority complex and view every action by America as aggression. Go ahead, your type is never convinced, regardless of which way America acts. Whatever country you are from, please fund fully in treasure and blood your self defense. Time does pass and the next danger will surface. Don’t call us.
David - so you think I am American and/or live on base? Sorry - way off there! And I had goya champuru on Tuesday for my lunch actually. Nice, although I have to confess I do prefer yaki soba.
Do you still call it Kochinda BTW? I thought it combined into Yaese cho around the same time places like Uruma City were created.
Hi Walkerney,
Please LEAVE. Please take a real action and ask your government
to withdraw all the soldiers from Okinawa.
If ＜most Americans do not want our troops in Japan＞ this is the case, please get together with the most Americans and do something, demonstrations, creating posters, writing letters, going on strike, whatever.
We are doing whatever we can do to change this situation.
If both sides ask for the same thing, the result will come quicker.
My knowledge on the human history says victors expanded their market shares and turned losers into dependent consumers.
You might have called this helping in the 20th century;<
Just like David said, money doesn’t bring us real richness in life. Watch a documentary called ‘Power of Community’ and see how Cuban culture is thriving with such little stuff and how they are evolving as a human race. It’s really happening everywhere in the world.
People are tired of being just consumers, we’ve started to look for a real sustainable way of life based on a community level.
Also if you haven’t watched, watch this great documentary called ‘The Corporations’ filmed in 2004 by American directors.
I love these smart Americans with real courage.
By the way, did you read the agreement? If you did, let me know your opinion.
One question to be raised about this though is: could the Japanese afford the added cost of providing an adequate defence force if the US military withdrew from Japan? Japan doesn’t have much money left in their budget in the first and you would think the added expense of a fully fledged military (even a single B2 bomber costs billions of dolars) could be crippling. And I sincerely doubt hey could do without a military. Japan is trying to become the next permanent member of the Security Council and one of the reasons it is not so successful in its bid is because of a lack of military and its inability to conduct anything other than civil or self-defensive operations.
LOL!!! So that’s it then? The US soldier guy has been proven innocent of any bad intent what-so-ever and the people here on this forum still have to have their opinions and defend them to the point where they begin to fight each other?
LOL!!! I though internet users were supposed to be a bit brighter than average? Heh! Another urban legend busted. :(
LOL!! So that’s it then? The US soldier guy has been proven innocent of any bad intent what-so-ever and the people here on this forum still have to have their opinions and defend them to the point where they begin to fight each other?
LOL!! I though internet users were supposed to be a bit brighter than average? Heh! Another urban legend busted. :( Awesome!
Dave, the locals prefer Kochinda regardless of current labelling by councils. Yaki soba is just mainlander junk food so not really adventurous on the palette but not surprising.
As for your idea of Japan not having a budget. Way off, you seem to have no idea on economics and military technology. If you just had an iota on what the Japanese could build and at what cost financially.
You also have no idea of the limits placed upon them since their complete surrender. Im n ot complaining they dont deserve it its just that Okinawans dont deserve the Yanks insidious occupation they spread like the weeds and all the pests theyve brought in.
Wal, Im not surprised but it would be a matter of interest to you if you read what someone else recommended you read on the “official agreement”.
As for anti american, I cant think of more anti american than the pests that cant get a job in their homeland and yet drain their hardworking taxpayers to support pencil pushing corrupt politicians. You are the reason Yanks are so loathed worldwide. Personally I love many American things that you probably wouldnt.
Wrong again with the particular bad combination of ignorance and assumption. Neither a Brit or Aussie.
Also about the Commies? Have you stopped them building the natural gas platforms on china/japan sea border?
You are just protecting your pockets so stop with your deceit. Oh and what next? I would be speaking German if it wasnt for the Americans saving the world? please.
You gain financially from living here unwanted regardless and also the Japanese pay for your supposed protection. You are not protecting the world just your country`s corporate interests. Simply go and bully the Japanese not the Okinawans. Please be a nice Jimbob and work for Walmart or Starbucks.
Tessy you are insulting insulting Americans and the locals with your lame statements and incorrect observations. 1. he is not innocent 2. Internet users are just internet users not gifted with better IQ as you have proven.
Well at least you’re consistent in claiming I’m American, despite having said that I’m not!
If that guy wasn’t innocent (I’m assuming you’re meaning the rape charge), then how come he wasn’t charged? Is it a case of innocent until proven guilty unless you have round eyes?
Dave,
I wouldn’t worry about it. david is just here to impress himself, be “the expert” and put everyone else in their place. As should be obvious by his message. I read people like this all the time - don’t expect anything he says to be factual, considerate, or meaningful. I know that sounds harsh but some people are just like that and david fits the bill to a tee.
David, I must point out some of the comments you have left on this conversation. Being in the Air Force and just coming back from Oki, I’ll prove you right on one point by saying I prefer my current job than working at Wal-Mart in my small town. As for your comment on how American servicemen are living on the island, we definitely do not live in any state of luxury! New housing has just gone up and none of them have a decent sized lawn for me to look at. Never was my tour there anything like a “working holiday”. If you think working 12+hour shifts for six days a week is lax than I don’t know what to think of you. The cola is not bad, but then it’s not great and the falling of the value of the US dollar in the Japanese economy further worsens the matter. And 99% of all Americans on the island DO EMBRACE the Okinawan culture, and I’d like to know where you got your observations on that. It seems that if you have a problem with seeing oh so many bad “military yanks” on Oki than take your fight elsewhere, not to the many members like myself and families who make great personal sacrifices to help ensure stability in the Pacific for both American and Japanese-Okinawan interests. Let this sit with you: the American military is going to be on Okinawa and Japan for many, many years to come, and even if your beliefs are shared by others, turn it into serious action or your statements posted here are nothing more than cheap, whiny comments that I’ve heard a lot of times before!
Tessy, you fit a more dangerous “common” bill to a tee yourself as proven by your observation on internet users.
Dave, good luck with your americanised taste buds.
If you could read japanese youd read the local papers and see that the A-wipe in question has agreed to illegal conduct. The family could see the further stress on their 14 year old put through the court system and only to have no support from Japan.
Yet the A-wipe would have the full support with convenient and internal dealings sealing any further staining of your presence here.
You just have to look at the past and see how many criminal activities by GIs have gone unprosecuted thanks to internal dealings, lax laws and bailing back to the US.
Youll be here for many many years and so will I along with local Okinawans voicing our distate for the allied American-Japanese insidious military invasion of the island.
Newsflash: Taxi driver in Yokosuka, Kanagawa prefecture Japan found dead and missing suspect an Amercan GI leaving his credit card behind. At least its in Japan this time as a few days ago an Okinawan Taxi driver was beaten up for a measly 8000 yen by three plain clothed Americans near a base.
What are you talking about tastebuds for? David - you seriously don’t know who this is? I live in the same small town as you and know of you quite well!
Re: the newsflash. You say “at least it’s (sic) in Japan this time”, but isn’t Okinawa also in Japan?
BTW, I do read the Ryukyu Shimpo daily as it comes to my workplace. The Okinawa Times, not so much as the quality of writing is not up to the Shimpo’s writing IMO. Although I am a little biased as a couple of my friends are RS writers.
Dave
“I apologise for that comment on reading as it was aimed at Tessy.
Also there is more than one David in Kochinda please be careful of assumptions as Ive made clear to others.
I dont know why you think Ive been focusing on you as being american as its not the point. Just that by claiming that no one refers to Kochinda these days as simply Kochinda is ignorant. Also claiming that without America, Japan wouldnt be able to protect itself is another delusional statement and I suggested you shouldnt be be so proud to be versatile in Okinawan cuisine by claiming a favorite local dish is Japanese Yaki soba.
The main issue is that Okinawa is not protected correctly from the criminal activities of American GIs and their occupation has only brought on environmental destruction and a decrease in Okinawan longevity due to the inferior diet and the stress suffered.
They have to put up with the sins from mainland Japan and the capitalists interests of America.
Okinawa is under Japan as it was invaded by the Japanese and America at one stage. In a recent survey 95 per cent of Okinawans do not consider themselves as Japanese but Okinawans. The figures speak loudly the evidence is everywhere.”
To the heroic and proud GIs not working for Walmart:)
Its the same argument over and over again with the falicies of American GIs and its allies claiming they are protecting the world. Give yourselves a break and just say you are filling your pockets for your own interests and gain (the word has been out for a long time if you havent noticed). Please dont say you are hard working heroes or anything close because its quite commical.
Please consider in building your new bases in Mainland Japan. Im sure the Mainland will be more welcoming due to their immense adoption of the western culture and the power America has since Japans unconditional surrender.
Imagine the Baseball games that can be organised with real baseball afficionados? Also imagine how more rewarding it will for high ranking Americans to be able to mingle more often with real Japanese businessmen living a stone throw away? Then it will be more likely they will adopt a similar multi-trillion anti Chinese missile defense system like Taiwan has committed itself to. It will be a win-win situation for the American military and the Japanese as there will be more contact with the Japanese that matter.
Okinawans are suffering greatly due to the unfair assimilation path set by mainland Japan and the large loss of land to American military bases. They are simple people that dont deserve the worst America and Japan has to offer.
There are plenty of intelligent Americans that understand the issues Okinawans face. Im sure they agree with many of the problems Okinawans suffer and would look forward to new bases in mainland Japan and freeing the land belonging to Okinawans.
best regards, just another foreigner commonly named David.
David,
Looks like there was some misunderstanding who you thought you were responding to, and I hope you have it straightened out. Maybe you should talk with some actual servicemen and ask them how their work life is like and what they think of the pay we get. If I wanted to line my pockets with hordes of cash than I am in the wrong career field. Do you even notice any positive contributions the military has made to the local communities or are you so blinded by what you see are nothing but atrocities? Granted I am not excusing the recent act of the Marine you describe as an A-wipe for picking up a 14 year old girl, and such incidents, even ones of a less serious nature, do nothing but fuel the firestorm for anti-base sympathizers and block out all the hard work we’ve done to keep our ties with the locals positive. Hey, untill all the Marines are moved elsewhere and more bases are built on the mainland, we will still be on Oki for the time being. And we do this so you can voice your opinion in knocking unfairly at the many Americans who show positive influence to the locals and work hard to preserve that. You want Okinawa to be free of the US military? Go down to the Philippines and see how worse they’re off now after we left.
Douglas,
You cant compare the Phillipinos with Okinawans.
Its like apples and carrots.
As for the Phillipinos they have been fighting foreign invasion for almost 400 years so in time they will find a way out of the present sacrifice since their economy was massaged to suit the bases and intruders of the past.
You have to understand that the Okinawan people have and can survive without the bases. Some that have made their living based on the occupation will struggle but many wont once tourism increases thanks to your departure.
There are alot of great people everywhere and also on the bases its just that for starters at least the laws have to be changed to stop and reduce many issues that are unfair.
That should start with the rights of women Okinawan, Japanese, Australian, American or wherever they are from.
For many years, many service men have gone unpunished for rape, murder and abuse.
If justice prevailed more often then there wouldnt be so much hatred towards the bases.
Other laws need to be changed as well like for example any death like driving someone down on an Okinawan road is acceptable if under duty.
Even little things to you like paying a third of what Okinawans pay for car registration.
Also registration in local councils of servicemen just like any other foreigner.
The following quote if from someone on your side
A Former U.S. Air Force Capt. Dorothy Mackey.
who due to her injustice now runs a group in the U.S. called Survivors Take Action Against Abuse by Military Personnel. Stated that “standard operating procedure” for the U.S. government and military “to hide, destroy or ignore evidence and protect its own military criminal members.”
Now for anyone who thinks Im having fun complaining about criminal acts please be weary that you will only add fuel to the fire.
The unfairness exists regardless of the many service personnel who believe they are making a difference.
Please help to take the steps required at least for real Justice and Fairness.
sincere regards, David.
KENMINTAIKAI (Demo) was held in Chatan last Sunday.
I was there along with my friends, many Okinawans, Japanese and some foreigners.
Once again we asked both governments three basic things;
1. Review and improve ‘U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement’, which gives extra-territorial rights for the US force.
2. Effective prevention of continuing human rights violation by American military personnel
3. Reduce and Remove American bases and militaly force from Okinawa
For more details, please read the local newspaper and
listen to the voices of Okinawa.
David,
I see where you’re getting at. There are problems in our own military system and I remember the Navy Tailhook scandal that occured in Las Vegas. I just hope for those asking for changes dealing with the American occupation of Oki will see those in the near future since this kind of issue has been brought up ever since the Sept 1995 incident. I still stand for the folks who interact positively with the locals and help them out in any way, even if that number of folks is small. It still speaks large of what we Americans are about. Justice should not be regulated to just one body of people and I trust Okinawa will be awarded should more stronger measures be calculated and acted upon.
Just some food for thought. I found this graph from another post.
http://www3.pref.okinawa.jp/site/view/contview.jsp?cateid=14&id=666&page=1
It contains the number of crimes committed by SOFA status personnel from 1972 to 2001 and the percentage of those crimes with total crimes committed by locals on Okinawa. Seems to me that these numbers are small compared to how the media in Japan treats it and sometimes blows it out of proportion. I’ve visited many protest sites and they don’t even post this kind of info.
This is for everyone to take a look at if you wish and it still tells me the vast number of military on Oki want nothing but good to come to the community.
Sincerely,
Douglas
Hehehehe is david still here and being a butthead? LOL I think that guy will never give up…
im a US servicememeber on camp lester in okinawa. and even after it came out that the staff sergeant didnt rape anyone, i still get the overwhelming feeling of being universaly hated every time i walk out into chatan. they see a big white guy with a close haircut and assume they should be afraid of me…wich i guess is ok. nobody will mess with me. but at the same time, its unnecissary. i know my limits. i know the rules and i abide by them. plus, i follow a code of honor set in place by the military and i follow my own christian belief system. there is no reason to fear or hate 99% of the people on this island.
how about we start crackin down on those kids in the “scooter gangs” who rev their scooter moters at all hours of the night?
i understand its a serious situation…both parties in question acted immature and stupid. here’s a fact…people are stupid. they will do dumb things by nature. i admit that im an idiot on occasion.
so lets drop this. no harm no foul.
lets move on.
Well said Billy!
I want to say two things tho. 1) I want you to know that when you get the overwhelming feeling of being universally hated every time you walk out into chatan, that allot of it is in your own mind. You can sooth your nerves a bit by believing the good things you said above and know that most other reasonable people believe them too! and 2) The bosozoku (scooter kids) making the noise… don’t “crack down” down on them or recommend it. Think of it as a release valve that if tightened down will only cause more serious problems in other areas. Japan isn’t the USA and they don’t want to put 20% of their population in jail or prison - thank goodness! I like the way they handle it here actually.
Anyway I’m with you! “…no harm no foul. lets move on.”!
Tessy wrote:
¨LOL!! So that’s it then? The US soldier guy has been proven innocent of any bad intent what-so-ever and the people here on this forum still have to have their opinions and defend them to the point where they begin to fight each other?
LOL!! I though internet users were supposed to be a bit brighter than average? Heh! Another urban legend busted. :( Awesome!¨
Tessy, your mentality is scary and a genuine unfortunate reason why Americans from all walks of life get a bad name.
The 2 parties are:
1. An older late thirties male with a supposedly code of honor and employed by taxpayers to protect and serve.
2. A fourteen year old girl which in general means just a gullible child.
As for being an idiot, is rape and sexual abuse of a minor considered just an everyday idiotic or dumb thing? now that is surely scarier than your average crew cut.
Tyrone Hadnot, he will serve three years in jail.
The charges against him were:
1. Rape of a child under 16.
2. Abusive sexual conduct.
3. Making false official statements (Lying to authorities)
4. Kidnapping by inveigling or manipulation
He struck a deal by admitting number 2 so he wont get charged for 1,3 and 4. Lucky fella a mere slap on the wrist compared to what a local would get for the same charges.
Ad for the chart, the matter is like previously stated is that for the majority of criminals that are guilty American or local, the latter are dealt with the law and don´t get away by hiding in the military or skipping the country.
T.H. should be registered as a child sex offender but a little justice has prevailed to scare possible future offenders.
A small step in the right direction for the Military.