Historic Settlement for Japanese Ex-Soldier in Landmark Sex Abuse Case

Mon Feb 02 2026 17:39:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Rina Gonoi, a former member of Japan's Self-Defense Forces, has reached a significant settlement after enduring sexual assault and a prolonged legal battle, marking a pivotal moment for advocacy against sexual violence in Japan.

Rina Gonoi, a former soldier in Japan's Self-Defense Forces, has settled with the government and her alleged assailant in a landmark case that has reignited discussions about sexual violence in Japan. She will receive 1.6 million yen from the state but no apology from her ex-colleague. Gonoi's case has highlighted the challenges faced by victims in speaking out about such offenses, leading to increased public awareness and investigations into sexual harassment within the military.

Rina Gonoi, the former soldier who was sexually assaulted while serving in Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF), has reached a settlement with two remaining defendants - the state and an ex-colleague.

Her attorney said on Monday that Gonoi will receive 1.6 million yen ($10,400; £7,600) from the Japanese government, but no compensation or apology from the former colleague.

This marks the end of Gonoi's civil lawsuit against five ex-soldiers and the government in a case that has drawn international attention. She reached settlements with four of the five previously.

A 2023 ruling in a separate criminal case found three of the ex-soldiers guilty of sexual assault.

Gonoi's case is significant in Japan, where victims of sexual violence rarely speak out. She shared her story on YouTube in 2022, prompting a wider societal discussion.

Recent high-profile cases have encouraged increased public dialogue surrounding sexual violence, including journalist Shiori Ito's court battle and the fallout from allegations against J-pop producer Johnny Kitagawa.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Gonoi reflected on the emotional toll since she decided to come forward. During these 4.5 years, I came to understand first-hand just how heavy the weight of speaking up is, she said. Even so, I did not regret speaking out.

She initially sought 5.5 million yen ($40,000; £32,000) in damages, citing emotional distress caused by her experiences, and an additional 2 million yen from the state for failing to protect her from abuse.

Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of sexual assault.

Gonoi's allegations revealed that in 2021, she was pinned down and sexually assaulted by three male colleagues, with her complaints being dismissed by superiors. Her story sparked a petition that garnered over 100,000 signatures, calling for an investigation into her claims.

This case has led to a broader investigation within the SDF, with officials uncovering over 1,000 additional reports of sexual harassment. While her attackers were convicted and sentenced to two years in prison, their sentences were suspended for four years, meaning they would not serve jail time.