„Wie viele Frauen müssen noch getötet werden, bevor Sie das Abkommen über den Status der Streitkräfte zwischen den USA und Japan überarbeiten?“ Catherine Fisher, die in Yokosuka von einem US-Soldaten vergewaltigt wurde, schreibt einen Brief an Premierminister Takaichi.

All US bases operate under two infuriating rules-

Base Sanctuary- Personnel fleeing to a base can’t be arrested by local police without a slow court order, allowing criminals to escape to US.

Usually Japan holds the right to arrest US troops for local off-duty crimes but the military base will deny entry very often and use the excuse of even „off-duty“ acts (like visiting love hotels) count as official duty, as a justification to prevent the police from entering, claiming only US military law apply’s here, Police can’t obviously enter the base without a court order. This is a delay tactic.

The US military will naturally protect their own with lightest sentences. Before the court order comes they will either fly the criminal to another country or try to clean up as much evidence as they can.

This effectively grants foreign troops diplomatic immunity while they live off local land and infrastructure, infuriating Okinawans.

Why doesn’t the U.S. act?
Making exceptions like allowing immediate arrest for murder would trigger a global domino effect, as every other nation hosting US military base would demand the same rights.

Why doesn’t Japan act?
Tokyo tolerates this because it relies entirely on US protection and nuclear umbrella against Russia, North Korea, and China.

Okinawan’s deep anger stems from the grim realization that the Japanese government views their suffering as an „acceptable loss“ for national defense.

Yokosuka is not an enjoyable place to go drinking as a woman. Tried it once when a friend suggested it. Never again. The military guys are rabid.