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Ex‑Sumitomo Worker Admits Repeated Fake‑ID Entries to U.S. Navy Base

Prosecutors say roughly 30 unlawful entries using forged IDs raised security concerns for U.S. bases in Japan.

Overview

  • Keiryu Mizuno, who pleaded guilty Wednesday at the Yokohama District Court, now faces a prosecution request for a 10‑month detention sentence with a verdict due June 18.
  • Prosecutors said he bought a fake U.S. military ID around 2021 and entered Yokosuka and other facilities about 30 times, using on‑base restaurants, lodging and rental cars.
  • They also said he purchased a forged card in his wife's name and at times went in with his wife and pet to use base services.
  • In court he said he acted out of long‑held admiration for the U.S. military after failing to join an Army officer program, and he apologized.
  • The charges draw on a special criminal law connected to the Japan–U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, and prosecutors argued the pattern of breaches endangered base security and could spur tighter entry checks.