Gonoi Rina, a former member of Japan’s Self Defense Force, reached a settlement with the government on January 26 on a sexual violence case within the Ground Self-Defense Force unit she belonged to.

The former Ground Self-Defense Force member filed the lawsuit against five former male SDF members and the state in 2023, seeking a total of 7.5 million yen in damages. She stated she suffered mental distress due to sexual harassment and sexual violence within the Ground Self-Defense Force.

Gonoi, who had previously reached settlements with four of the abusers, said on January 26 that the settlement with the fifth member and the government was reached.

Gonoi Rina / Over the past four and a half years, I have learned firsthand the heavy burden  of speaking out. Today marks a milestone in the civil lawsuit. This is not the end. I see it as the start of finally walking my own path in life.

Gonoi will receive 1.6 million yen from the Japanese government. However, she did not receive a formal apology from the former colleague.

The settlement marks the end of Gonoi's civil lawsuit against the five abusers and the government in a case that has drawn international attention.