Majority of Japanese Prefectures Support Revising U.S. Troop Agreement
According to a recent survey conducted by Kyodo News, 33 out of Japan's 47 prefectural governments have expressed support for revising the agreement that governs the presence of U.S. forces in Japan. This development highlights growing concerns regarding the U.S. military bases and the limitations imposed on Japanese authorities in investigating incidents involving U.S. personnel.
The survey, which took place during November and December, followed the appointment of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, a supporter of the first-ever amendments to the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), who took office in October. The findings demonstrate that apprehensions about the current SOFA are not confined to municipalities that host U.S. military facilities, as even 21 prefectures without such installations called for amendments.
Current provisions of the SOFA, established alongside the bilateral security treaty, have raised safety concerns, particularly regarding Japan's aeronautics regulations, which do not apply to U.S. military aircraft. This has led to worries about noise pollution and safety risks associated with low-altitude flights.
Among the 26 prefectures advocating for changes, Tokyo and Okinawa--home to a significant portion of U.S. military facilities--are included. A total of seven prefectures indicated that revisions would be necessary if given the option, while none stated that changes were unwarranted. Aichi Prefecture remains neutral, while 13 others assert that national security matters should solely be the responsibility of the central government.
The survey revealed that 19 prefectures cited residents' concerns about U.S. bases and the need for Japanese laws to apply to U.S. military personnel as key reasons for seeking amendments. Additionally, 16 prefectures deemed operational changes as inadequate, and 11 noted that SOFA's existing provisions do not align with current realities due to its lack of revisions.
Tokyo's administration called for a revision that addresses evolving social circumstances. Prefectures such as Okinawa, Kanagawa, and Shimane reported that their residents frequently feel the impact of U.S. military operations. Kanagawa is home to the Atsugi air base, which is shared by both the U.S. military and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, while Shimane residents have voiced concerns regarding low-altitude flights from U.S. aircraft based in nearby Iwakuni.
Many prefectures expressed worries about low-flying planes, and Toyama Prefecture highlighted safety risks involving potential falling debris from aircraft. Other reported issues include noise disturbances surrounding military bases and reduced tax revenue due to the U.S. military's exemptions from local vehicle taxes.
During his campaign for party leadership and the subsequent general election, Ishiba emphasized the need to amend the SOFA. Reflecting on a U.S. military helicopter crash at an Okinawa university in 2004, he questioned Japan's sovereignty when U.S. forces restricted access for local police investigations.
Despite these concerns, Ishiba has moderated his approach to revising the SOFA, which could strain the long-standing Japan-U.S. alliance. The local population in Okinawa, long opposed to the U.S. military presence due to previous incidents, has persistently advocated for changes to the SOFA. However, both the Japanese and U.S. governments have generally opted for operational adjustments rather than formal amendments.
