A U.S. Navy sailor stationed in Japan was arrested by local police on the 17th on suspicion of stealing a wallet and other items.

The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. local time (1:15 a.m. Beijing time) on the 17th. The suspect allegedly stole a paper bag containing a wallet, a smartphone, and other items valued at approximately 105,000 yen (about 4,503 yuan) from a taxi in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture. The taxi driver called the police, reporting that a man suddenly entered the taxi, argued with a woman inside, and then stole the paper bag.

The sailor is assigned to the U.S. Sasebo base and has denied some of the charges.

Sasebo City

Sasebo City, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, is a port city with a rich history as a major naval base for the Imperial Japanese Navy, established in the late 19th century. After World War II, it became a key facility for the United States Navy, which continues to operate there alongside Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force units. Today, Sasebo is known for its blend of military heritage, scenic harbor views, and local attractions like the Kujūku Islands.

Nagasaki Prefecture

Nagasaki Prefecture, located on the island of Kyushu, Japan, has a rich history as a major port and center for international trade during Japan’s period of national seclusion. It was the only gateway for European and Chinese merchants, notably through the artificial island of Dejima, and later became tragically known as the target of the second atomic bomb in World War II on August 9, 1945. Today, the prefecture is recognized for its cultural fusion, historic sites like the Glover Garden, and its role as a symbol of peace and resilience.

U.S. Sasebo base

The U.S. Sasebo Naval Base, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, is a major United States Navy installation that has been in operation since the end of World War II, when it was established to support American forces in the Pacific. Originally a Japanese Imperial Navy base, it was taken over by the U.S. in 1945 and has since served as a key strategic hub for forward-deployed naval assets, including amphibious ships and submarines. Today, it remains an important part of the U.S.-Japan security alliance, hosting thousands of military personnel and their families.

Sasebo City

Sasebo is a coastal city in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, historically significant as a major Imperial Japanese Navy base established in the late 19th century. After World War II, it became a key port for the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, shaping its modern identity. Today, Sasebo is known for its strategic military importance, scenic harbor, and cultural fusion, including local cuisine influenced by American and Japanese traditions.

Nagasaki Prefecture

Nagasaki Prefecture, located on the island of Kyushu, Japan, is known for its rich history as a center of foreign trade and cultural exchange during Japan’s period of national isolation. The city of Nagasaki was the only port open to Dutch and Chinese merchants from the 17th to the 19th centuries, and it later became tragically famous as the target of the second atomic bomb in 1945. Today, the prefecture is recognized for its unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European influences, as well as its beautiful coastal scenery and historic sites.

U.S. Sasebo base

The

Kujūku Islands

The Kujūku Islands, meaning “Ninety-Nine Islands,” is a scenic archipelago in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, consisting of over 200 small, densely forested islands. Historically, these islands were part of the Hirado Domain and served as a natural fortress during the Mongol invasions of Japan in the 13th century. Today, they are a protected part of the Saikai National Park, known for their emerald waters, diverse wildlife, and traditional fishing communities.

Dejima

Dejima is a small, fan-shaped artificial island in Nagasaki, Japan, built in 1634 to house Portuguese traders. After the Portuguese were expelled in 1639, it became the only window to the West during Japan’s period of national isolation, serving as a Dutch trading post for over 200 years. Today, it is a restored historical site that showcases the exchange of culture, science, and goods between Japan and Europe.

Glover Garden

Glover Garden is an open-air architectural museum in Nagasaki, Japan, featuring several Western-style homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The site is named after Thomas Glover, a Scottish merchant who played a key role in Japan’s industrialization, and includes his former residence, which is the oldest Western-style wooden building in the country. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved buildings and gardens while learning about Nagasaki’s history as a major port for foreign trade during the Meiji era.