In a landmark ruling that challenges Japan’s traditional, male-dominated society, three former Japanese soldiers were found guilty of sexually assaulting a female colleague. The Fukushima district court’s verdict on Tuesday marks a significant victory for the victim, 24-year-old former Self-Defense Forces member Rina Gonoi, whose case has drawn international attention.
Gonoi, who enlisted in the army in 2020, alleged she was assaulted by three male colleagues in 2021. The incident involved the men pinning her down, pulling her legs apart, and simulating a sex act against her. Despite reporting the harassment to her superiors, no immediate action was taken, leading Gonoi to leave the army. It was only after she publicly disclosed the incident in 2022 that the defense ministry took notice, resulting in an apology and disciplinary actions against nine men.
The court handed each defendant a two-year suspended sentence, acknowledging the severity of their actions. In response to the verdict, Gonoi expressed relief and emphasized the importance of the ruling in acknowledging the criminality of such behavior, “It shows that it’s not OK to do things for a laugh, that such acts are an actual crime.”
The case has prompted the Japanese defense ministry to conduct a comprehensive survey on sexual assault within the military, highlighting the need for systemic change in handling such issues. Gonoi’s brave fight for justice is not just a personal victory but a significant step towards challenging deep-rooted societal norms and advocating for safer environments for women in the military.
