U.S. Military 'Feared' in Japan
U.S. military presence in Japan unwelcome by many.
TOKYO, Feb. 22, 2008 — -- The U.S. military in Okinawa has restricted its troops to their home bases for a "Day of Reflection" today after a series of crimes by American soldiers, including the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl that has roiled relations with the islanders.
Japanese and U.S. officials also announced new measures to be more selective of military personnel allowed to leave their bases and to have joint Japanese-American police patrols.
Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura said 44,963 U.S. military servicemen and related personnel live in Okinawa and 10,748 of them reside off base.
The Japanese government will also provide support to local authorities should they feel the need to install surveillance cameras in public places in order to ensure security.
"Will these measures stop any future crimes by U.S. military personnel? I cannot say they will with certainty," Komura said. "We will have to keep working on those measures on a long-term basis to prevent any recurrences."
Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba also said today that further crimes committed by U.S. troops could hurt the alliance between the United States and Japan. Ishiba also called for concrete and tighter prevention plans by the United States, including toughening the criteria for the military personnel living off base.
The arrest of a 38-year-old U.S. Marine Feb. 11 for the alleged rape of a 14-year-old junior high school student sparked protests and demands for tighter discipline on U.S. military personnel.
Staff Sgt. Tyrone Luther Hadnott has been questioned by Japanese authorities, but not charged with a crime.
Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda condemned the alleged incident as "unforgivable."
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