TOKYO - Japan's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi on Thursday urged the US military to implement preventive measures regarding further sexual assaults following a recent incident involving a US Marine in Okinawa.
The latest case, in which the serviceman in his 30s is accused of sexually assaulting and injuring a woman in the southernmost Japan prefecture of Okinawa last November, has caused renewed concern among local residents, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi said.
"We will urge US forces in Japan to tighten discipline and fully implement preventive measures," Hayashi told a press conference.
Okinawa police referred the sexual assault case to prosecutors on Wednesday, the latest in a series of violent attacks on women on the island hosting the bulk of US military facilities.
The serviceman in his 30s, who is in US custody, is suspected of sexually assaulting and injuring an adult woman in Okinawa last November, Kyodo News reported, citing an investigative source.
Okinawa police notified the prefectural government of the referral on Wednesday. It is not clear whether the suspect has admitted to the allegation.
READ MORE: Another US soldier charged with sexual assault in Okinawa
The assault occurred in a building located in the central part of the main island of Okinawa. The two allegedly met for the first time that day, and the woman made a report to the local police immediately afterwards, the report said.
Police identified the man, including through security camera footage, and questioned him on a voluntary basis.
Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki expressed strong regret and anger over the latest revelation. "This is a matter of great concern to the people of Okinawa, and we demand a firm response," Tamaki said in a statement.
"There have been five serious and heinous crimes in around the past year that have disregarded the human rights and dignities of women," he said, adding "I believe there is a need to lodge strong protests with both the Japanese and US governments."
The island of Okinawa hosts 70 percent of all the US military bases in Japan while accounting for only 0.6 percent of the country's total land area. Crimes committed by US service members and nonmilitary personnel have been a constant source of grievance for locals.
READ MORE: Okinawa demands prevention of US troops’ crimes, abuses
Locals felt a renewed sense of anger last year after the Japanese central government was found to have failed to report to the local government two alleged sexual assault cases involving US military members.
