U.S. Military and Okinawa Forge New Safety Forum After Assault Allegations

Dialogue Begins to Address Community Concerns and Strengthen Ties Amidst Rising Tensions

In a significant step towards addressing community concerns, representatives from the U.S. forces in Japan and Okinawa authorities convened their inaugural meeting on Friday under a newly established forum focused on joint safety measures. This initiative follows a period of heightened scrutiny and safety anxieties prompted by alleged sexual assault cases involving American service members in the southern island prefecture.

The meeting, held in closed-door talks at the U.S. Marine Corps' Camp Foster, saw the U.S. military present its existing preventive measures. Crucially, both sides agreed to collaborate on regular joint community patrols, building upon the success of a pilot program conducted in April within the city of Okinawa, with plans to expand the patrols to other areas of the prefecture, according to a local government official.

The "Okinawa Community Partnership Forum," launched by U.S. Forces Japan in July of the previous year, represents a proactive response to the safety concerns ignited by alleged sexual assault incidents in June. This initiative underscores the ongoing challenges and sensitivities surrounding the U.S. military presence in Okinawa, which hosts a significant portion of U.S. military installations in Japan.

Anti-base sentiment remains a persistent issue in Okinawa, fueled by concerns related to aircraft noise, pollution, and past incidents involving American service members. The first meeting of the new forum brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Okinawa prefectural government, the city of Okinawa, local police, the U.S. forces on Okinawa, and the U.S. Consulate General Naha. Officials from Japan's foreign and defense ministries were also in attendance.

The forum is slated to convene approximately once a year going forward. Notably, specific assault cases were not discussed during this initial meeting, according to the local government official.

"Establishing an avenue for each organization to propose measures to prevent incidents involving U.S. military is of great significance," stated Masahito Tamari, director general of the Okinawa governor's office, in comments to reporters after the meeting.

The U.S. military, in its statement, emphasized that the talks "highlighted the importance of ongoing communication and collaboration between USFJ and the Okinawa community." The statement added that "Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to fostering a positive and mutually beneficial relationship based on trust and respect."