Thomas Novelly,Konstantin

A U.S. airman on Okinawa has been accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Japanese minor, echoing a notorious abduction committed in the 1990s and potentially stoking long-simmering divisions on the island. Senior Airman Brennon Washington, who was stationed at Kadena Air Base, was charged for the alleged crimes in March by Japanese authorities after allegedly taking the girl, who was under 16 years old, from a local park on Christmas Eve to his home. Washington’s rank and service record were confirmed by the Air Force. The air base said it could not provide additional information on the case due to an ongoing investigation. Service member crime has long been a problem for the U.S. military’s relationship with Okinawa, but a 1995 abduction and rape of a 12-year-old Japanese girl by three troops was particularly damaging. That crime triggered an effort to reduce the military’s footprint on the island that is still ongoing. Read Next: Soldiers Now Face Punishment for Sharing, Liking Extremist Content on Social Media Under New Army Policy The article focuses on a U.S. airman who has been accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Japanese minor in Okinawa, which brings attention to the long-standing issues between the U.S. military and the local community in Japan. The author provides context for the incident by mentioning similar crimes committed by U.S. service members in the past, as well as discussing how this case may strain diplomatic relationships between Japan and the United States. In addition to covering a current event, this article highlights ongoing issues related to U.S. military presence in Okinawa and its impact on local residents.