Some news from Okinawa to add context
As I seem to be talking a lot about this alleged rape and its consequences, I thought it would be best to add some context, by showing you what is making the Okinawan news headlines this morning.
Okinawans arrested on rape, molestation charges
Date Posted: 2008-02-26
A 13-year-old junior high school girl is the latest rape victim, and Okinawa Prefecture Police have arrested the suspect.
The accused, Yoshitaka Oshiro, has confessed, and was arrested on suspicion of rape under provisions of the youth protection measures. Oshiro told police investigators gI knew she was 13 years oldh. Police say Oshiro admitted taking the girl to an Okinawa City hotel Friday night at 10:40 p.m., and staying with her until 12:30 a.m.
Oshiro, who told police he met the girl through a cell phone meeting site last October, gand since then I have been keeping contact with the girl.h Police say he admitted to committing immoral acts in the hotel room.
Ginowan City Police, meanwhile, have arrested a 74-year-old man on charges he molested a young girl Saturday. Police say the man spotted the girl near his house, and convinced the girl to come inside by telling her gI can give you some pocket money if you come with me to my house.h
That incident occurred about 10:45 a.m. Saturday, according to police, who say they received the report after the girl escaped after being touched. The parents immediately called police, who went to the house. gYes, I did touch the girlfs body,h the man confessed to police. He is now in jail.
Source: Japan Update
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PTA finds Chatan Town has problems not caused by Americans
Date Posted: 2008-02-26
A weekend research gathering by 20 members of the Chatan Town PTA turned up information about their youngsters that shocked them.
Allegations against an American Marine accused in the rape of a 14-year-old schoolgirl earlier this month in Chatan Town set the PTA Union into action to survey what was happening in their community. PTA Union Chairman Yasuo Nakachi led the group, comprised of advisory council committee members from the townfs elementary and junior high school, on a Saturday and Sunday visit to dozens of locations frequented by youngsters.
Visits to game centers, the business zone and popular restaurants prompted questions like gAre there a lot of Americans visiting here?h gDo Americans come to your shop?h and gAre there any junior high school kids around here?h The answers were eyesf to kids frequently the areas, and fewer about Americans. More worrisome to the survey teams was discovery that gthere were many kids smoking in this area, and there were places with blind corners around parks and schools.h
Other on the team reported gschools and even public toilets had many cigarette butts, and walls were scrawled with various phrases.h The members also heard reports that many parents actually bring their young children to the dark areas late at night, leading them to the conclusion Americans are not the only ones with problems, but Okinawan families as well.
gParents and children should talk more, and parents should be protecting their children,h Nakachi says. gParents should not let children go out late at night.h A team member added gwe need to patrol daily, and take much more time to check dangerous places, make safety maps for children, and then give them to families. Everyone needs to have the map to protect the children.h
Source: Japan Update
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Firstly, I love the shocked tone of the 2nd news story. It’s as if they are truly surprised that bad things are happening that are not caused by foreigners! I especially like the quote, “leading them to the conclusion Americans are not the only ones with problems, but Okinawan families as well”. I think the only major problems that the Americans (or at least those with SOFA) status have at the moment is that they are no longer allowed to go off base, and that they are being subject to abuse from Okinawans! And regarding the first story, I wonder if the government will respond by forcing all Okinawans to have a “period of reflection” and confine them to their houses for a week! I’ll be the only person allowed out - I’ll have a great time on the roads!!!
Meanwhile, someone on an Okinawan forum gave us something to ponder:
Okinawa has had the WORSE DUI record and alcohol related incidents in Japan since Japan started keeping records. Hmmmm…… what would happen if the submoronic local government were to say: “Since we Okinawans have a serious problem with drinking, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be curtailed for a week and the operation of all private vehicles will be prohibited unless you are traveling to or from work. Furthermore, all private businesses that sale alcoholic beverages have to close during this time of reflection. Alcohol can be consumed in private residences BUT only by the people who actually reside in that particular domicile.”
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