Government accepts responsibility after ex-soldier’s rape claim sparks nationwide outrage
Tokyo, Japan | Web Desk: In a landmark case highlighting sexual abuse within the military, Japan’s government has agreed to pay compensation to former Ground Self-Defense Force member Rina Gonoi, who was gang-raped by fellow soldiers during a training exercise in 2021.
According to international media reports, Gonoi stated that three male colleagues sexually assaulted her during official drills. Despite filing a formal complaint, she alleged that senior officials initially ignored the matter.
The case gained national and global attention in 2022 after Gonoi released a video on YouTube detailing the assault, triggering widespread public support and protests. A petition demanding justice gathered over 100,000 signatures online.
Under mounting public pressure, criminal proceedings were launched, and in 2023, three soldiers were convicted of sexual assault. However, they received suspended sentences, meaning no actual jail time was served.
Dissatisfied with the outcome, Gonoi filed a civil lawsuit against the perpetrators and the Government of Japan, holding the state accountable for institutional failure. The Japanese government later acknowledged its responsibility and proposed a settlement.
To avoid further damage to the country’s military image, Gonoi accepted the settlement and signed a reconciliation agreement in civil court. Under the deal, the government will pay her 1.6 million yen (approximately $10,400) as compensation.
The accused soldiers will neither apologize nor pay damages; the compensation will be fully covered by the state, bringing the civil case to a close. Gonoi, who has since left the Ground Self-Defense Force, described the decision as a “historic milestone” for victims seeking justice within Japan’s military system.
