Since more than half of the 54,000 US soldiers stationed in Japan originate from the islands, the case is likely to strengthen the long-standing local resistance to the US military presence.
Sexual assault instances have also contributed to the resentment; in 1995, three US service personnel sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl, setting up months-long protests. This incident was one of the most well-publicized.
The most recent accusation likewise concerns a minor, defined as someone under the legal age of consent in Japan of sixteen.
Government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Tuesday when he made the charges public that he was charged in late March and has since been held by Japanese officials.
In addition to stating that US authorities were fully assisting investigators, Mr. Hayashi stated, “We will continue to request the US side to prevent such incidents at every opportunity.”
