Tensions are rising in Tokyo after a bomb threat was made against one of the most vital US military hubs in Japan. On Thursday, a chilling message was sent through the Fussa city website, threatening a bomb attack unless a ransom of approximately $120,000 was paid. The threat was specifically named Yokota Air Base, home to the headquarters of US Forces Japan (USFJ), and demanded the payment be made by Sunday or Monday.
This wasn’t the first threat of its kind, just days earlier, a similar warning was issued to 32 US military installations on Okinawa, also demanding the same sum of money. These threats, sent via anonymous emails to local government websites, have raised serious concerns about security at US bases across Japan.
An Alarming Trend
Yokota’s gates were swiftly closed for about half an hour on Thursday afternoon, while police and military officials sprang into action. Fussa police, in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Defence, began a full investigation into the threat, conducting searches near the base and notifying US officials about the situation.
Although details are scarce, authorities have confirmed that the ransom demand and the timing of the threat suggest a deliberate escalation. Police have refused to comment on the identity of any suspects or how the ransom would be transferred, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Okinawa Threats Spark Growing Concern
The bomb threat to Yokota follows closely on the heels of a similar warning issued to Okinawa, where a set of anonymous emails targeted multiple US bases. The consistent use of the same ransom figure, $120,000, suggests the possibility of a coordinated effort or a pattern of threats against US military installations across Japan.
These incidents highlight growing concerns over security at key military locations. It’s not the first time Yokota has been targeted, just last year, a bomb threat in June led to evacuations across multiple buildings, including critical command centres and the base exchange.
What’s Being Done?
In response to these threats, the military and local law enforcement are working together to ensure the safety of personnel at Yokota and across US installations in Japan. While details remain limited, US officials are closely monitoring the situation, with both US Forces Japan and Yokota Air Base providing assistance in the investigation.
The repeated nature of these threats calls into question the ongoing security measures in place, and authorities are under growing pressure to ensure the safety of personnel at US military bases in Japan.
