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.
Read More
The Fukuoka High Court’s ruling declared Japan’s prohibition on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, citing violations of Articles 13 and 14 of the Constitution, which guarantee the pursuit of happiness and equality under the law, respectively. This marks the third high court to reach this conclusion, strengthening the momentum for legislative change. While the court upheld the lower court’s dismissal of plaintiffs’ damage claims, the decision significantly advances the legal recognition of same-sex relationships. The ruling contrasts with previous lower court decisions, some of which deemed the law to be in a “state of unconstitutionality,” highlighting the ongoing legal battle for marriage equality in Japan.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker