In response to recent sexual assault cases involving U.S. servicemen in Okinawa, Japan and the U.S. will conduct a joint patrol. This initiative, proposed by the U.S., aims to address local concerns stemming from the large U.S. military presence in Okinawa Prefecture. The joint patrol will cover populated areas during nighttime hours. The move follows long-standing frustrations among Okinawan residents regarding the conduct of U.S. personnel.
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Japan expressed keen interest in joining NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission based in Germany, signifying a significant strengthening of Japan-NATO ties. This participation, focusing on training and support rather than combat, would allow Japan to learn from the Ukraine conflict and deepen security cooperation with NATO. The move comes amidst growing concerns about China’s military expansion and the increasingly interconnected security challenges in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. NATO Secretary General Rutte emphasized the need for collaborative action against these threats, highlighting the importance of strengthened partnerships with Japan and other Indo-Pacific nations.
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In a landmark decision, the Osaka High Court ruled that Japan’s refusal to legally recognize same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, aligning with four previous high court rulings. The court found that this violates the constitutional right to equality and the principle of individual dignity. While upholding the lower court’s denial of damages, the decision emphasizes the significant disadvantages faced by same-sex couples due to the current legal framework. This ruling, rejecting the Osaka District Court’s differing opinion, is expected to significantly influence future legal revisions regarding same-sex marriage.
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Seven Japanese men, aged 30-50, were arrested for raping their daughters or stepdaughters and sharing the resulting videos within a dedicated online chat group. Four men directly abused their children (aged 6-14), while three possessed child pornography. The group’s activities, which began around December 2023, were uncovered following the November 2024 arrest of one member. The men face charges of penetrative sexual assault and violations of child pornography and prostitution laws.
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A U.S. service member from Sasebo Naval Base was arrested in Fukuoka, Japan, after allegedly striking a 19-year-old man with a mug following an incident at a bar. The Navy sailor, whose name is being withheld pending charges, was apprehended approximately 35 minutes after the Saturday morning assault. While the victim sustained no injuries, the base spokesman confirmed cooperation with Japanese authorities in the ongoing investigation under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). The Navy stated it takes such infractions seriously.
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Expanding its humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Japan’s Ministry of Defense will add the National Defense Medical College hospital to its program providing medical treatment for wounded Ukrainian service members, starting mid-March 2025. This expansion complements existing treatment at the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, initiated in June 2023, marking Japan’s unprecedented medical support for foreign military personnel. This medical assistance coincides with a separate $58 million Japanese grant for Ukrainian reconstruction projects, further demonstrating Japan’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
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Following President Trump’s decision to eliminate exemptions and increase tariffs on steel (to 25%) and aluminum (to 25%) imports, the Japanese government formally requested an exclusion from these tariffs. This request, made through its Washington embassy, follows the removal of previous duty-free quotas—under which Japan exported 1.18 million tons of steel to the U.S. in 2024. The tariffs represent a significant shift in U.S. trade policy and pose a potential threat to Japan’s $2 billion in steel exports to the U.S. Japan indicated it will actively pursue an exemption before the tariffs take effect.
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Highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks have been confirmed at seven poultry farms across Aichi and Chiba prefectures, necessitating the culling of approximately 1.44 million birds. Three affected farms are located in Aichi Prefecture (two in Handa, one in Tokoname, and one quail farm in Agui), while three additional farms are situated in Chiba’s Choshi and Asahi cities. This brings the nationwide total of confirmed bird flu cases this season to 39. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries established response headquarters in both prefectures to coordinate eradication efforts and prevent further spread.
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The Japanese government launched a compensation program for victims of forced sterilizations and abortions under the now-repealed eugenics law, offering 15 million yen to sterilization victims and 2 million yen to those forced to undergo abortions. This action follows a 2024 Supreme Court ruling deeming the law unconstitutional and aims to compensate those not involved in existing lawsuits. The program, with applications open until January 16, 2030, provides significantly higher compensation than previous state benefits and includes free legal assistance for applicants. The government publicly apologized for its role in these past human rights violations.
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Leaked Russian military documents reveal 160 prioritized targets in Japan and South Korea, including both military and civilian infrastructure. These targets, detailed in training materials from 2008-2014, range from airfields and naval bases to nuclear power plants and transportation networks. Targeting civilian infrastructure in this manner would constitute a war crime. While the documents are dated, an expert suggests the core strategic elements likely remain relevant to current Russian planning.
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John Q. Hosedrinker