An unsurprising article in the Okinawan media about Hadnott’s release
This article came out yesterday on the Japan Update website, but I thought it’s worth looking at. I’ve highlighted a few of the parts in bold type.
Local mayors demand full investigation of Marine
Date Posted: 2008-03-02
Women’s groups and central Okinawa mayors are displeased with the Japanese government decision to drop charges against a Marine accused of raping a young teenager last month, and are demanding more answers from the U.S. military.
The mayor of Okinawa City, where the alleged rape incident began February 10th near the Baskin-Robbins at Kola Music Town says she is sorry “I couldn’t protect the girl from having her privacy invaded”. Mitsuko Tomon isn’t happy with the government move, adding “My heart is painful for the girl.” The mayor of Chatan Town, where the alleged rape occurred, is angry, demanding to know “Why was he released?” Masaharu Noguni says “The offense report was presented from the victim to police, and there should have been more investigation.”
Tokujitsu Miyagi, Kadena Town’s mayor, warns “we need to care about the girl, and at the same time watch how the American military is going to take care of the suspect.” Miyagi says “we have to watch and follow what is going on, but at the same time we must remember there is a human rights problem here.” The mayor of Nakagusuku Village does not want to let the incident die, insisting “we need to let people outside Okinawa know about our angry minds, and show up to appeal (the decision to drop charges).” Seitoku Arakaki says “we don’t want this scandal to go up in smoke. American reform should be requested with everybody.”
Leaders of Okinawa Prefecture Women’s Union, who have been spearheading plans for a March 23rd protest demonstration against the U.S. military, say they “understand about the girl’s mind and her family,” and say the Friday night decision to release the Marine staff sergeant accused in the case back to American military control “is really confusing.” Haruko Kowatari says “our minds are the same as before, and we will strongly conduct the protest about this scandal.”
The women’s groups had been deciding whether to go forward with the demonstration, particularly after the ruling Liberal Democracy Party and its allies in the Okinawa Prefecture Assembly announced they would not support the rally. That decision effectively removes any participation by Governor Hirokazu Nakaima or Prefecture officials. A union member unhappy with the prefecture decision says “we need to appeal about the scandal by military men, not only in this case, but for cases in the future too.”
“We can never forgive the Americans,” says Representative Suzuyo Takazato. “We couldn’t support the girl at all. Surely her heart is broken, so we must make an official system to protect victims, or provide indemnity against damage.” Takazato noted if the government doesn’t adopt an effective program, “victims are going to choose silence more than asking punishment for crimes.”
Okinawa City residents, who are at the heart of the firestorm of protest, have mixed views about what should happen now. “I think the girl became very disturbed that the scandal became such big news,” said one businessman. “Both governments got involved and top people from both sides apologized and newspapers made it a big story.”
Okinawa City itself has become a virtual ghost town, with businesses feeling the pinch from the military-directed lockdown of its personnel that confines all GI’s, government civilians and family members to the bases and their residences. Gate 2 Street, noted one businessman, is “very silent, even on the weekend.” A taxi driver says “sales went down so much, we want the lockout action stopped now. Otherwise, we can’t make a living at all.” Taxi drivers point out that a taxi stand on Gate 2 Street, which usually has 10 or more taxis awaiting customers, are now sitting idle.
Koza Music Town says young people are avoiding the location, despite its having a lot of live music programs. A spokesman says “tourists are not even coming” to Koza Music Town, and “there are only a few people listening.” The spokesman says the “economic situation is kind of shaky.”
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I’m sure if you like in Okinawa and have just read this, you will be pretty speechless. So while you calm down a little, let’s go through these quotes in turn, shall we? “Why was he released?” Well, my guess is any, some, or all of the following reasons. Firstly, the police had absolutely no evidence to convict him of rape, sexual assault or any offence at all. Secondly, compensation was paid to the family by either Hadnott or another party (am turning against this idea as I don’t think any compensation would dissuade them from sticking to a charge like this). And thirdly, the girl was involved with him (either in a relationship or he was a “client” of hers), and didn’t want this coming out.
“The offense report was presented from the victim to police, and there should have been more investigation”. This links in with the point above. Hadnott was in custody for around 27 days, eating fish heads and rice while the police tried to find something they could charge him with. I doubt more investigation would find anything else other than maybe a parking ticket or something.
“we must remember there is a human rights problem here”. Ash… an excellent one here. I assume the human rights violation they are talking about is Hadnott being charged, tried, convicted and hanged by the media and public as soon as he was arrested; also the fact that a single incident like this has turned many Okinawans against the military, who see the unwashed barbarians as savages who rampage through their land, raping and pillaging at will. Or maybe I’m mistaken…
“say the Friday night decision to release the Marine staff sergeant accused in the case back to American military control “is really confusing.”" Quick one to look at, as the answer is the same as that of the first quote. It’s not confusing as they had nothing they could charge him with and the girl’s family withdrew all criminal complaint.
And finally, “tourists are not even coming” to Kola Music Town, and “there are only a few people listening.” The spokesman says the “economic situation is kind of shaky.”" This isn’t surprising. Kola Music Town was built and they expected lots of mainland companies to invest in it and make it a huge success. But they haven’t for a number of reasons. Firstly, there just isn’t that much money for mainland companies to make in Okinawa. And secondly, tourists aren’t going to that place because it’s in the middle of a very seedy district of Okinawa City. As someone said, “if anybody walks down that street it’s like juicy bar, dive bar, fake Korean clothes store, juicy bar,dive bar…”, which pretty much sums it up.
Maybe you guys out there have comments you’d like to make on this article. If so, please post them up here. Until next time, stay safe.
or Discuss this Article
soldave,
I just wanted to thank you for your balanced insights and letting us know what is really going on down there. I post all the time on the Japan Times website news discussion group, and have tangled more times than I can count with pretentious biased posters that aren’t military who’s hatred for anything U.S Military borders on downright racism.
I found your blog while doing research on Hadnott and it was refreshing to see a non-biased tell it like it really is from a civilian living in Okinawa that has a good dose of common sense. When I take a position on the other website I try to aviod using Military related bloggers as references to back my opinions as I don’t wont to to give the bias crowd any excuse to say that I’m not being fair and balanced when I make a point.
You fit the bill! Again just wanted to thank you and keep up the good work.
Sailwind
Sailwind - I have read many of your comments over on Japan Today I believe. Thank you for your kind words on my blog. I do try to keep looking at the story from all sides, offering an alternative to the anti-US military vibe that the Japanese media and a lot of others give out. Some civilians don’t like that as they feel I should have joined them in condemning Hadnott as soon as he was arrested and saying he should hang for raping the girl. Turns out I was right to have a few suspicions about the story.
Thanks again for your comments. Would be great to hear more from you