The Japanese ex-soldier who has declared war on sexual abuse

Gonoi, a former member of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force, was sexually assaulted by colleagues. Photos: AFP

From childhood, Rina Gonoi dreamed of joining Japan’s military. But as an adult, she has gone to war against the institution over sexual abuse she was subjected to by fellow soldiers.

It’s not the life the slight 23-year-old imagined, but the decision to go public with her experience and battle the military for justice has been explosive.