Japan: 3 Ex-Soldiers Found Guilty of Sexual Assault
The Facts
On Tuesday, a Japanese court convicted three former soldiers of sexually assaulting a female colleague. Authorities had initially dismissed the case until the victim demanded it be reopened.
Rina Gonoi, a former member of Japan's Self-Defense Forces, reported that in 2021, three of her male colleagues forcibly simulated sexual acts on her.
The Spin
Narrative A
This landmark verdict takes a strong stance against sexual violence in Japan and is the first step in proving that the nation's recent amendments to its sexual crime laws is making concrete progress. This is a win not only for Gonoi but for all victims of sexual violence. These efforts should be celebrated.
Narrative B
This verdict is a good start, but much more needs to be done to promote gender equality in Japan and to lift the taboo around speaking out about sexual violence. Gonoi should have been taken seriously from the beginning, and the misconduct of the soldiers involved should never have been considered acceptable. The culture itself is what needs an overhaul.
