Photo/Illutration The Okinawa prefectural assembly unanimously passes a resolution on May 9 calling for more effective means to end sex crimes by U.S. military personnel. (Satsuki Tanahashi)

NAHA--The Okinawa prefectural assembly unanimously passed a resolution May 9 calling on the government and U.S. Forces Japan to come up with specific and effective measures to end sex crimes by U.S. military personnel.

The move follows a resolution passed last July by the Okinawa assembly calling for immediate measures to stop sex crimes by U.S. military personnel.

The latest action said the fact that sex crimes continue to occur in Okinawa shows that not enough has been done.

In late April, a U.S. Marine was indicted in two separate cases involving nonconsensual sex and assault.

A forum to discuss such issues held its first meeting on May 9 and brought together representatives from the central and Okinawa prefectural and city governments as well as the U.S. military and consulate.

In July 2024, U.S. Forces Japan proposed establishing the forum. But it took 10 months for the first meeting at Camp Zukeran on May 9 to be held.

Even Masahito Tamari, a senior aide to Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki, was forced to admit that various issues might have been dealt with sooner had the forum begun meeting earlier.

According to Tamari, the U.S. military representative told the meeting that the contents of an orientation session held for U.S. military personnel coming to Okinawa for the first time would be updated.

The Okinawa forum will continue to be held at least once a year.

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