Story perspectives

Ex-Soldier Wins Settlement, Sparks Military Harassment Outcry

1/26/2026

48 4

Summary

Story summary

Rina Gonoi, a former soldier in Japan's Self-Defense Forces, reached a government settlement of 1.6 million yen ($10,400) after a lengthy legal battle.
In 2023, three ex-colleagues were convicted of sexual assault and received suspended sentences.
Gonoi's story on YouTube spurred public discussion and more than 100,000 petition signatures urging a military investigation, while the Defense Ministry later uncovered over 1,000 additional harassment reports in the Self-Defense Forces.

1 of 1

Story summary

Rina Gonoi, a former soldier in Japan's Self-Defense Forces, reached a government settlement of 1.6 million yen ($10,400) after a lengthy legal battle.
In 2023, three ex-colleagues were convicted of sexual assault and received suspended sentences.
Gonoi's story on YouTube spurred public discussion and more than 100,000 petition signatures urging a military investigation, while the Defense Ministry later uncovered over 1,000 additional harassment reports in the Self-Defense Forces.