Former Japanese Soldiers Found Guilty in Landmark Sexual Assault Case

Victim Rina Gonoi's Public Accusations Prompted Military-Wide Investigation into Sexual Assault

Three former Japanese soldiers have been found guilty of sexually assaulting their colleague, Rina Gonoi, in a landmark case that has drawn international attention.
Gonoi, who experienced daily harassment after joining the Self-Defense Forces in 2020, went public with her accusations in 2022 after an internal military investigation was dropped.
The case prompted a widespread investigation by Japan's defense ministry into sexual assault in the military, leading to the dismissal and punishment of several men connected to the incident.
Gonoi's decision to speak out publicly challenged societal taboos in Japan, where speaking out against sexual violence is often met with criticism and backlash.
Gonoi has also lodged a civil case against her former peers and the government, seeking damages for the alleged assault and the subsequent inaction despite her complaints.