Portland Woman Pleads Guilty to Harassing Japanese Diplomat

Prosecutor and defense lawyer will jointly recommend a 3-year probation sentence.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A 25-year-old Portland woman named Arissa Jean Minyonne Robinson has pleaded guilty to harassing a top Japanese diplomat, Yuzo Yoshioka, in an unprovoked attack in downtown Portland in 2023. Minyonne Robinson was released in November 2023 to live with her mother pending the outcome of the case after a judge found her mentally competent to proceed. She had previously been ordered to spend time at a federal medical center.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of balancing public safety and mental health concerns, as well as the importance of protecting foreign diplomats and officials from harassment and assault while they are serving in the United States.

The details

Minyonne Robinson pleaded guilty to a single count of harassing a foreign official, a misdemeanor. The prosecutor and defense lawyer will jointly recommend she be sentenced to three years of probation, noting she has already spent more than two years in custody. The prosecution dropped an earlier felony charge of assault on a foreign official. Yuzo Yoshioka, Japan's consul general in Portland at the time, was walking near Southwest Park Avenue and Oak Street on June 17, 2023, when Minyonne Robinson 'sprang up' from a planter where she was sitting and 'rushed at him, shoving him backward with two hands.' Yoshioka landed in the street next to a parked car and struck his head on the pavement. Minyonne Robinson 'stood menacingly' over Yoshioka and then returned to her seat before casually walking off, without saying anything during the attack. Yoshioka received six stitches to close a cut on the back of his head.

  • On June 17, 2023, the incident occurred in downtown Portland.
  • In November 2023, Minyonne Robinson was released to live with her mother pending the outcome of the case.
  • On February 18, 2026, Minyonne Robinson pleaded guilty to the charges.
  • On March 5, 2026, Minyonne Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced.

The players

Arissa Jean Minyonne Robinson

A 25-year-old Portland woman who pleaded guilty to harassing a top Japanese diplomat.

Yuzo Yoshioka

Japan's consul general in Portland at the time of the incident, who was the victim of the harassment.

Thomas Ratcliffe

The prosecutor in the case.

U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon

The judge overseeing the case.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of balancing public safety and mental health concerns, as well as the importance of protecting foreign diplomats and officials from harassment and assault while they are serving in the United States.