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70% of prefectures back revising pact governing U.S. troops in Japan

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There are no further restrictions that make sense. Perhaps some education for Japanese that Japanese law already applies to US service members when off base is in order.

5 ( +21 / -16 )

Don’t forget all the PFAS which the bases spray and allow to pollute the local water ways and land!

-9 ( +14 / -23 )

do countries other than japan with u.s. military sofa agreements have special auto requirements, such as no local driver licensing or special tag requirements? does anyone know?

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Get them out, all of them. Start by ripping down the bases in Okinawa.

-11 ( +15 / -26 )

Doesn't hurt to revisit agreements and follow through on what the locals decide. Their country, their choice. Just know that when the US military leaves, there will be a mess of toxic chemicals to clean up. Bill military means big mess. Also, if the US isn't there, disaster response aid won't be as available.

But only the Japanese people can decide if the US Military being in Japan is a net-gain or a net-loss.

8 ( +14 / -6 )

Just class the bases are a fret to the prefecture sercuity and them kick out. It is names the bilateral security treaty, What good for them must be good for us. So just kick them out.

-12 ( +7 / -19 )

Check and balance in Japan, local govt vs central govt, seem works.

-16 ( +2 / -18 )

The US military personnels in Japan were above law and they believes they were entitled to be treated as very special people. Using the myth of Chinese military threat and North Korea phobia they are free to roll over Japan regardless of consequences. For 80 years the Japanese government collaboration to make Japan as a vassal state !

-25 ( +9 / -34 )

If the U.S.A. wants bases on Japanese land, they should pay the same ground rent as Japanese would and they should be subject to the same laws. They should pay their way or get out.

-15 ( +6 / -21 )

Maybe the Trumpeter will decide that the USA needs Okinawa for national security. The SOFA issue could be solved in one fell swoop.

-13 ( +3 / -16 )

Australia recently expanded US bases and personnel in the Northern Territory and Queensland. These areas by comparison with Japan are sparsely populated. Havent read of any serious incidents .

But I can imagine the big Japanese cities might have a different perspective.

I did speak with a US Airforce pilot ...good fellow by the way....who said they fly the big air troop carriers...used to be called "Hercules ".... low over the Izu peninsular to admire the view.

Hmmm....quite noticeable sound pollution

1 ( +7 / -6 )

send them home-problem solved.

they may be more useful in California now.

-11 ( +9 / -20 )

Great news!

For sure their presence is only useful to take advantage of Japanese government, and committing crimes (see latest in Okinawa) which go unpunished. A clear sign that public opinion and regular citizens are tired of this constant warmongering propaganda of the US administration, while they realize the only objective for Washington is to increase the profits of the American weapons manufacturers, hence the historical records in Wall Street. Please return to your country and let's start peace and diplomacy with Japan's neighbors, no wars.

-12 ( +6 / -18 )

Remember the tragedy of Rina Shimabukuro.Her death was extremely tragedy and surprisingly the perpetrator was sentenced for life imprisonment instead of a gallow although he has done with sheer cruelty to her !

-13 ( +4 / -17 )

Peter NeilToday  07:02 am JST

do countries other than japan with u.s. military sofa agreements have special auto requirements, such as no local driver licensing or special tag requirements? does anyone know?

Don't know about every country. But in Germany US Service members do not require a German Drivers License. However, they must obtain a US Forces Certificate of License issued by the U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR). Obtaining it requires passing a written exam based on German traffic laws and regulations, which is administered through military installations. The process ensures that drivers are familiar with German traffic laws, road signs, and driving customs.

In Japan, a similar procedure is in place. Under SOFA, US sevicemembers in Japan do not require a Japanese D/L. However, they must obtain a SOFA License issued by the US military. To do so, in addition to already holding a vaklid US D/L, applicants must attend a driving safety briefing and pass a written test covering Japanese road signs, laws, and customs conducted on base.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

The word Sovereignty has resonance.

-11 ( +4 / -15 )

Despite the many valid issues between the US and Japan which must be resolved with the SOFA, it's interesting to see that the only posts here demanding US forces be kicked out of Japan come from China supporters. Of course their country has the most to gain if the largest obstacle to regional domination were removed from Japan.

15 ( +21 / -6 )

This article and the survey results really highlights how little the Japanese government publicizes and informs the public about the Security Treaty and SOFA...here's a prime example...

Sixteen prefectures said addressing issues through operational change is "insufficient," followed by 11 prefectures that thought SOFA "does not fit the reality because it has never been revised."

I've sat in Joint Committee meetings and was part of bilateral working groups that have revised the SOFA in a variety of topics and issues...

Recalling a U.S. military helicopter crash on an Okinawa university campus in 2004 when he was defense chief, Ishiba said he wondered at the time whether Japan was "a sovereign state" as U.S. forces sealed off access to the site to retrieve the wreckage with local police unable to conduct their own investigation.

And this was one - the US admitted it had exceeded its authority under the SOFA when the Marines sealed off the area initially. The working group I was a member of developed new, updated procedures for emergency response to accidents and investigations. The US and Japanese senior reps now control access into the area jointly. These new procedures were amended to the SOFA.

The issues of SOFA revision is one that sounds good when mentioned, but gets tricky when asked for specifics...i.e. what specifically in the SOFA do you want changed?

13 ( +15 / -2 )

Don’t forget all the PFAS which the bases spray and allow to pollute the local water ways and land!

Every civilian fire department uses fire fighting foams. It is not confined to the military. Every see a fire truck hosing down a burning car on the highway with foam? There are your PFAS. PFAS are ubiquitous in industrial applications having originally been developed to allow Teflon coatings to be applied to cookwear like the pots in those wondeful Zojirushi rice cookers without clumping. It is used in textiles and aerospace and automotive coatings.

15 ( +17 / -2 )

do countries other than japan with u.s. military sofa agreements have special auto requirements, such as no local driver licensing or special tag requirements? does anyone know?

Foreign tourists can rent cars and motorcycles and drive in most nations simply by going to an agency in their home country that issues an "International Drivinf Permit". That document basically translates your home country driver's license into multiple languages so cops abroad can read it. In the US it costs about $20 to obtain through the Auto Club. I bought one, shipped my US registered motorcycle over to Europe and quite legally drove all over western Europe. No tests or anything involved. I had to figure out usually straightforward but occasionally unscrutable European highway signs on my own on the fly in multiple languages and guess at the rules of the road. Monkey see, monkey do. I survived. Got popped on German speed radar twice but the tickets never found me. If the US is making their service members go through a test to obtain permission to drive in a host country they are requiring more of their members than is required of tourists.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

International driving permits are only valid for the first year. After that, American troops need a Japanese driving test.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

An International Drivers Permit (I've used them countless times) are acceptable in host countries but because they are ony valid for 1 year they are not enough for longer term assignments.

Germany: A SOFA driver’s license is mandatory for military personnel and their families.

Japan: SOFA members are issued a Japanese SOFA driver’s license through military channels; an IDP is not sufficient for long-term use.

Italy: Military members usually need a SOFA license or a locally issued Italian license.

South Korea: A SOFA license issued by U.S. Forces Korea is required.

UK: A valid US D/L alone is valid for up to 12 months. After that a SOFA license is required.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

A stupid time to bring this matter up. Trying to renegotiate while Trump is in charge will only see Japan paying more to host US troops that protect it from further Chinese incursions.

If the US leaves Japan the first move China makes is to build on the Senkaku islands and put pressure on Okinawa.

Japan should wait four years and bring it up with the next Democrat President.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

@P14 Prime Minister Ishiba wants to discuss possible changes to SOFA. That you find this a "stupid time" for the discussion initiated by the host country is certainly an interesting take.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Peter14Today  12:50 pm JST

A stupid time to bring this matter up. Trying to renegotiate while Trump is in charge will only see Japan paying more to host US troops that protect it from further Chinese incursions.

The value of US bases in Japan and the Mutual Defense Treaty to the United States far exceeds any differences in SOFA terms. The US isn't going to leave over it.

During Trump's previous term he made demands on both Japan and South Korea to pay more. South Korea ultimately increased their contribution in 2019 by an 8.2% increase over the previous year. In the case of Japan despite Trump's efforts no agreement was reached and no increase was implemented.

A lot of what Trump says doesn't actually pan out. I'm still waiting for that wall that Mexico will pay for.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

The only value of the US military basis are for the investors in Wall Street, mainly the American lobbies who have all the economic interests to push the ongoing manipulated narrative on how threatening is China in the continent. Based on no factual evidence. Just think of all the money which could go to social issues in Japan and, as a matter of fact, enrich instead the US weapons manufacturers

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

People don’t know their history.

The USA has bases in Japan because it lost the war that it trigerred.

Japan should be very happy like Germany to have been ever able to develop economically and become a economic superpower.

Don’t tease the one you harassed before and learn your lesson.

Of course SOFA needs revision with time and this is being done on a regular basis. Case closed.

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

Better for Japan to get alone with its neighbors, rather than continue to be the puppet of the world's greatest warmonger.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

Jonathan Prin

And I suppose Germany should be grateful to Washington that now a clear stop has been put in place with the gas supply from Russia, after the surprising sabotage of North Stream pipeline, and another ‘not so cheap’ LNG alternative has been found from Texas, by coincidence, sending the country to economic downturn. 

Sure we should know history but also put things in the right context.

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

If Japan truly is a sovereign democratic country then the will of the people should be honored.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

If you kill a Japanese citizen, even if it was an accident, five to seven years in prison is too light. If you don't hand him over to the Japanese judiciary and put him on trial, the American judiciary is too lenient. It's only natural that the people involved and residents are raising their voices in anger.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Agent_NeoToday 05:28 pm JST

If you kill a Japanese citizen, even if it was an accident, five to seven years in prison is too light. If you don't hand him over to the Japanese judiciary and put him on trial, the American judiciary is too lenient. It's only natural that the people involved and residents are raising their voices in anger.

It's an accidental homicide. Seven years is too much to be in isolation. Maybe Japan needs actual civil courts to sue people for damages.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Jonathan PrinToday  02:22 pm JST

People don’t know their history.

The USA has bases in Japan because it lost the war that it trigerred.

Starting with yourself. The US has bases in Japan, Germany, Italy and even WWII allied nations to deter a Soviet invasion. Not simply because they "lost the war".

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Is cute to think any of this will make a difference in the end.

Japanese People forget that Japan lost The War, and it is under limits USA occupation over the past 80 years. They also completely forgot that the USA rebuild their whole country, especially the cities such Tokyo, Okinawa, Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Since they lost the war, they no longer dictate the terms and conditions. Not sure what history those children are learning, but this is the hard, rough truth.

-12 ( +2 / -14 )

Japan lost the war, and Russia wouldn't give the Northern Islands back to Japan neither

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Agreement regarding the Status of United States Armed Forces in Japan

Japan and the United States of America, pursuant to Article VI of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United States of America signed at Washington on January 19, 1960, have entered into this Agreement in terms as set forth below:

https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/n-america/us/q&a/ref/2.html

The Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United States of America is vitrail for for the national security of Japan, its people security safety welfare.

Pretty please review this Treaty.

There is a number of issues, however none are insurmountable with sensitive cooperation.

Any suggestion that such a Treaty be "withdrawn" terminated, that US bases be asked to leave is biased, poisonous politically motivated propaganda instigated by the government of China.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

America did not rebuild Japanese cities at all.

It merely lent money to Japan through the GARIOA and EROIA funds.

Japan was obligated to repay the money afterwards, and of course it has paid it back in full.

If America wants to say it rebuilt Japan, they should say so after providing tens of trillions of yen in grant aid.

In the first place, just because you lost the war does not mean you have to accept everything unconditionally.

If they did that, no country would surrender.

And in the first place, isn't it because America is a democratic country that there is a forum for negotiations? Is America itself denying that? lol

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

It was the rapid transition to full blown market driven economy, its Industries, the abolition of controls prices distribution.

Establishing Export Bank of Japan (EBJ), Japan Development Bank (JDB), 1950/1, plus the Investment and Loan Program, 1948.

Enterprise Rationalization Promotion Law in 1952, brought f tax relief was introduced Enterprise Rationalization Promotion Law in 1952, the lowering of corporation tax.

All turbo charging significant change in industrial policy,

Japan simply took US market philosophy then ruthlessly "fashioned" to "rebuild" after such devastation from the years of war.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

What Japan should do is to take the specific issues that these prefectures are raising and negotiate them at the bilateral Joint Committee so that they can be solved in praxi by changing the way U.S. Forces operate and behave differently under the existing SOFA. Opening up the entire SOFA to a comprehensive revision will completely disrupt the successful and effective application of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty (which many of you PRC cheerleaders would undoubtedly applaud), and a revision will undoubtedly end unfavorably for Japan, i.e. it will come out the other end benefitting less from the bilateral relationship and the multilateral relationships that the U.S. enables, especially during a Trump presidency. Ishiba would be a fool if he pursues this seriously.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Yep most pro US military types here when push comes to shove obviously do not honor and respect Japan as a democratic country reflecting the sovereign will of the people but rather an entity that should adapt itself to the dictates of US policy, in other words they do not believe the Japanese people know what is in their own best interests.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@P14 Prime Minister Ishiba wants to discuss possible changes to SOFA. That you find this a "stupid time" for the discussion initiated by the host country is certainly an interesting take.

I tend to agree with Peter14. This is not the kind of President with which you want to initiate any discussion that could end up with Jupiter demanding a metric buttload of money from you or other concessions less the petulant big baby throw a tantrum and take all his toys home with him. Engaging Jupiter on such a subject is going to open a big gnarley messy can of worms.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

USNinJapan2. Good post.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Starting with yourself. The US has bases in Japan, Germany, Italy and even WWII allied nations to deter a Soviet invasion. Not simply because they "lost the war".

Italy is an interesting case because in August 1943 their Parliament voted to leave the Axis and join the Allies. Mussolini and the Germans of course knew this was coming and the very next day the German Army invaded Italy while Mussolini fled Rome only to be captured by pro-Allied partisans and later rescued by the Germans.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Desert TortoiseToday  08:22 am JST

Starting with yourself. The US has bases in Japan, Germany, Italy and even WWII allied nations to deter a Soviet invasion. Not simply because they "lost the war".

Italy is an interesting case because in August 1943 their Parliament voted to leave the Axis and join the Allies. Mussolini and the Germans of course knew this was coming and the very next day the German Army invaded Italy while Mussolini fled Rome only to be captured by pro-Allied partisans and later rescued by the Germans.

Reminded me of the interesting case of an Italian submarine (Comandante Cappellini) that sailed when Italy was an ally of Japan, but when it arrived it had become an enemy country. Instead of being welcomed in Japan as the crew expected they were held as POWs. The Comandante Cappelini was handed over to the Germans who renamed her UIT-24. Then when Germanny surrendered the Japanese took over the sub and renamed it I-503 and ultimately scuttled by the Allies.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Japan should come to the reality that Okinawa was given back only in name, to avoid the scrutiny of US lawmakers.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

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