Today the US Ambassador to Japan offered personal apology. He expressed deep regret for the alleged rape of a 14 year old Japanese girl by a US Marine. The Ambassador brought along the commander of US forces in Japan. The Marine in question denies the rape allegation although he admits to forcibly kissing the girl. This case has provoked anger throughout Japan. Okinawa’s governor said the incident was an act of evil and called in unforgettable. The case has rekindled the memory of a rape of a 12 year old girl by three US servicemen back in 1995. That attack prompted massive protests on Okinawa, the island which stations most of the 50,000 US troops stationed in Japan and is a critical component of the US military presence in Asia.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!