Photo/Illutration Rina Gonoi went public with the sexual abuse and harassment she suffered while in the Ground Self-Defense Force (Midori Iki)

Five men were kicked out of the Ground Self-Defense Force and four officers were suspended or given verbal cautions over sexual abuse committed against a female member, the Defense Ministry said Dec. 15.

Four of the five discharged members were in their 20s and 30s with ranks of sergeant and sergeant 1st class. The fifth one, a master sergeant in his 40s, was found to have ordered the four others to carry out the sexual abuse.

Rina Gonoi, 23, went public in June about what she had endured while at the GSDF’s Camp Koriyama in Fukushima Prefecture.

According to the Defense Ministry announcement, Gonoi was groped and forced to the ground where the male members pressed their hips against her body during meals in June and August 2021.

She was also the target of repeated sexual harassment.

Three of the five abusers were also found to have sexually harassed other female members at the camp.

A second lieutenant in his 30s who made sexual remarks to Gonoi and other female members was admonished.

The captain who as company commander ignored Gonoi’s pleas for an investigation was suspended for six months.

The lieutenant colonel who headed the battalion and the colonel in charge of the regiment were also cautioned for not being aware of the sexual harassment.

All nine admitted to what was uncovered by the ministry investigation.

After going public with her case, Gonoi gathered 110,000 signatures over the internet asking the Defense Ministry to investigate.

The ministry in September recognized that sexual abuse and harassment had taken place. The following month, the four members who were directly involved met and apologized to Gonoi.

The Defense Ministry has also started a special inspection of sexual harassment covering all SDF members. The ministry is now compiling reports of harassment submitted by members.

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