In a landmark verdict, a Japanese court has found three former soldiers guilty of sexually assaulting their female colleague, Rina Gonoi, whose story gained international attention after she shared it on YouTube in 2022. The Fukushima prosecutors, prompted by public outcry, reversed their initial decision and brought charges against the three men in March. Speaking out against sexual violence in Japan remains rare and taboo, but Gonoi’s courageous revelation sparked a national conversation.
The incident occurred in August 2021 when three male colleagues pinned Gonoi to a bed, forcibly spread her legs, and pressed their crotches against her. Despite around a dozen other colleagues being present, no one intervened. Gonoi reported the incident to her superiors, but her complaint was initially dismissed due to a lack of witness testimony. The three men were later referred to prosecutors on suspicion of indecent assault by the Ground Self-Defence Force police unit, but the case was dropped.
Gonoi’s YouTube video went viral, garnering over 100,000 signatures for a petition urging the defence ministry to investigate. The ministry apologised to her and launched an investigation that revealed over 100 other harassment complaints within the ministry. Despite her bravery, Gonoi faced online abuse and death threats.
This verdict marks the first major decision on sexual assault in Japan since June, when the country revised its sex crime laws, redefining rape and raising the age of consent. Activists see this ruling as a positive sign that survivors’ voices will not go unheard. Gonoi has also filed a civil lawsuit against the perpetrators and the Japanese government, seeking damages for mental distress and holding the state accountable for its failure to prevent abuse.
The overhaul of sex crime laws in June broadened the definition of rape to “non-consensual sexual intercourse” and explicitly outlined scenarios where victims may find it difficult to consent. Gonoi’s case has been instrumental in shedding light on the pervasive issue of sexual harassment and assault in Japan, challenging societal norms and contributing to legal reforms.
Kiki Garba
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