People enjoy Zushi Beach, not far from Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on Monday, June 26, 2023. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — The Navy on Monday reminded its service members and civilians in Japan to be “good ambassadors” on beaches in Kanagawa prefecture, where authorities allege a U.S. sailor injured several people at a Zushi city beach last year.
The city itself is on guard this summer as thousands more visitors are expected now that COVID-19 restrictions have ended.
Just 8 miles from the homeport of the U.S. 7th Fleet, Zushi has one of 22 separate beaches in Kanagawa prefecture and remains a popular destination for sailors and dependents. More than 250,000 people visited Zushi’s beach last year, out of 2.3 million who sunned and swam on Sagami Bay beaches across Kanagawa, according to the prefecture’s website.
Beach season in Kanagawa begins Friday and runs through Sept. 3, and the prefecture expects a “larger turnout” than last year, according to a spokesman for the prefecture’s Community Health Division.
People enjoy Zushi Beach, not far from Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on Monday, June 26, 2023. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)
A surge in attendance bodes well for the economy, but the city is increasing security measures in a manner similar to last year when Japanese police alleged U.S. sailor Daniel Krieger charged into a group of people, injuring several.
Those measures include security cameras, on-site interpreters during holidays and weekends, security patrols and a request for the base to remind everyone to follow the rules, a spokesman from the city Finance and Tourism Division told Stars and Stripes by phone Monday. The same request was made to area factories, which employ many foreigners, he said.
Many Japanese government spokespeople are required to speak to the media on condition of anonymity.
"It will be the first time in four years that we will open the beaches without COVID restrictions,” he said. “We will keep working hard to maintain our reputation as a safe and secure beach for families.”
Kanagawa prefecture itself will not be taking any special security measures, the spokesman said.
Krieger was charged with bodily injury of four people on Nov. 10. Prosecutors allege he body slammed a group of five people from behind and knocked them down on July 9, 2022.
According to an indictment, Krieger allegedly kicked a 33-year-old man in the back, knocked another 33-year-old down and kicked them in the face and knocked a 58-year-old woman down. The victims’ injuries included spinal sprains, abrasions and broken bones, according to the indictment.
Yokosuka Naval Base spokesman Randall Baucom declined to identify Krieger’s rank, but said in a Monday email that the sailor is awaiting a trial date.
No additional charges have been levied and a court date has not been set, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor’s office said by phone Monday.
The Navy reminded sailors and civilians from Yokosuka to be “good ambassadors and follow the local beach guidelines,” Baucom said. General rules include no barbecues, no loud music, no consumption of alcoholic beverages and tattoos covered appropriately.
“Make sure you are picking up your trash. It's always a good idea to keep a trash bag handy as most beaches don't have trash cans,” Baucom said. “An important part of our mission here in Japan is to maintain and build positive relationships so please keep this in mind and help keep the local beaches a welcoming place for everyone.”
