politics

Japan agrees to raise host-nation spending for U.S. military

28 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2015.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

28 Comments
Login to comment

Here's a thought: Make friends with your neighbors. That way, the Yanks can pack up and go home. Then take care of your own security with a much smaller and less expensive military.

6 ( +13 / -7 )

If the U.S. is supposedly going to reduce the number of troops and dependents on Okinawa and close some facilities then why do they need Japan to increase host nation spending to support fewer troops and less facilities. I wish that every Japanese Taxpayer could come to Okinawa and go inside these bases and see what their tax money has been spent on. I think they would be surprised at the facilities that have been built in the name of defense for Japan but have very little to do with defense. Japan has built thousands of Central Air Conditioned Housing Units for the U.S. Military, they have built better Dependent Schools for Military Children than they have for Japanese Children, they have built golf courses and then the U.S. Military turns around and violates the SOFA Agreement by allowing Japanese Nationals to play on base golf courses and charge them a lot more money than they do SOFA Status Personnel, they have built Military Cubs that the Military run as businesses and generate revenue and allow Japanese Nations to eat, drink and play the U.S. style slot machines that are not legal locally and the Japanese Taxpayers pay the wages for the Japanese Employees and part of the Utility Bills. The main reason the U.S. does not want to leave Okinawa is because this is the last overseas location where thy can do whatever they want and they have a Host Govt. that will give them whatever they want. And for all you people who are always saying that Japan could ask the U.S. Military to leave at any time if they don`t want them here, do you really think the J-Govt. would be able to tell the U.S. to leave when they are not even able to negotiate a decrease in Host Nation Support even when it is justified.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

It has been 70 years since WWII. Although I tend to flip-flop on this issue, I think it is time for the U.S. military to close up shop in Japan, for the good of the U.S. and the good of Japan.

The U.S. would be better off if it did, the U.S. taxpayer would be better off, our service members would be better off, and even more, Japan would be better off.

Having the U.S. military in Japan creates a moral hazard with respect to the Japanese government in that it allows hawkish politicians to take irresponsible risks that harm relations with its neighbors. Also, Japan now faces the risk of suddenly finding itself in a much less favorable position if presidential elections result in a government that is less accommodating of Japan. Over-reliance on a foreign government never ends well.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Such a waste of money! Poor Japanese people.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

AsianGaijinYesWeExist,

You put it so beautifully, I wanted to repeat what you wrote:

Here's a thought: Make friends with your neighbors. That way, the Yanks can pack up and go home. Then take care of your own security with a much smaller and less expensive military.

That would be the rational, logical way to conduct affairs. The US doesn't do it that way. And with weeds like Abe at the helm, Japan does what the US wants,

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Here's a thought: Make friends with your neighbors.

Thats all fine and dandy but reality is we know this will never happen. The chinese and koreans will always have some sort of resentment towards japan and vise versa.

I think they would be surprised at the facilities that have been built in the name of defense for Japan but have very little to do with defense

The quality of life is important to (United States Armed Forces Japan) USAFJ's morale and well being. They'll be the ones catching the 1st bullets, not them boy scout SDF.

Japan has built thousands of Central Air Conditioned Housing Units for the U.S. Military

We (Americans) despise those "kerosene" heaters. And AC is vital during the hot & humid summer months.

Over-reliance on a foreign government never ends well.

This is why I support the enacted "security laws." It's a step in the right direction for Japan. Change article #9 too. Funny how all those pacifist and protesters against the security laws are the probably the same "tax payers" who would want the USAFJ to go home. . . . and when they leave- I'm gone too.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

@ Bertue Japan will do what the US wants regardless who is at the helm.

@ Asian Gaijin Its hard to imagine that US forces are stationed in Japanese bases strictly for the sake of being hired muscle to protect against what Japan perceives to be threats to their country.

@Wc626 Actually the pact is such that 1st bullet will definitely be taken by SDF, which then opens the door for USAFJ to strike back. But having said that Japan is obligated to pay for upholding comfortable living standards for their overlord's minions.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

This will increase anti-USA sentiment.

-5 ( +5 / -10 )

More money taxed for building up armies and less for the people to live, make sense...not.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Here's a thought: Make friends with your neighbors. That way, the Yanks can pack up and go home. Then take care of your own security with a much smaller and less expensive military.

I don't think you get it. Abe doesn't want "the Yanks" to go home. (You may want it, but Abe doesn't). Abe doesn't want a smaller military. In fact Abe wants a bigger Japanese military AND continued US military support. Abe is literally spending more money for the express purpose of keeping the US military here. As for "just make friends with your neighbors" - good luck with that.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

So.. we need to increase the consumption tax to cover welfare costs (but it's not enough, so some welfare will be cut regardless)... but we have plenty of money to give increasing amounts to the US military, with enough left over to squander on overpriced sports stadiums and 'research' whale slaughter? And we're ready to put domestic self-defence personnel in harm's way overseas to protect US interests?

This will increase anti-USA sentiment.

Hopefully it will increase anti-Abe sentiment and the slug gets thrown out on his ear at the next election.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Abe doesn't want "the Yanks" to go home. (You may want it, but Abe doesn't). Abe doesn't want a smaller military. In fact Abe wants a bigger Japanese military AND continued US military support.

@Triumvere

Everything you say is spot on, and it is hard to imagine that there is anyone who would disagree (if anybody does disagree, I would certainly like to hear your rationale).

What's more, this is partially where the moral hazard lies — Machiavellianism. There is far too much incentive NOT to be "friends with neighbors." The Japanese government's aims to keep U.S. forces here provides them with ample incentive for Abe to blatantly do and say things that keep tensions in the region high, rather than trying to mend fences.

Likewise, the leaders of China and South Korea also have plenty of incentive to fuel animosity against Japan because it helps them stay in power by diverting attention away from problems at home toward an external enemy. Trilateral tensions benefit rulers of all three countries, but are detrimental to the citizens of those nations.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I find it amusing how people have their theories that Japan does everything the US asks. I can tell they have either no connection to a US military facility and talk out of their arse like they know whats going on, or if they did have access to one it is very obvious they are not part of the "in the know" group.

I assume some people think all this money is going into the bases gold coffers? Man, you guys are way off the mark. Do you have any idea how many local nationals the base hires for the various functions to keep the base running? The US could do like China and hire all the workers from stateside but no, lets create some jobs for the community instead. All the money the US gets from Japan goes to hire Japanese nationals to do a job on the base, and they get paid at US rates not Japanese (women get paid the same as men for the same job!!! what a concept) and the job does not force them to stay overtime and do mandatory fun (nomikai). The money earned by the locals then gets used outside of base and all this money Japan infused is flushed around the community. That's not including the pitiful wages service members make but they still spend it out in town. I have yet to see a low ranking member roll around a base in a new luxury car, at best they have a 10 year old bucket to move around in.

I have met many Japanese who have tried on multiple times to compete for a spot to work on a base, be it a cleaning lady or a commanders secretary. Cant fault them for wanting to be paid and treated like a human instead of a machine. Why so many haters want to take their livelihood is beyond me, actually no its not, just a lot of ignorant sheep who think they know whats going on and whats best for Japan. If you really had a clue you wouldn't be an armchair politician ranting about how thej-gov has no clue what its doing.

Hai hai you pay taxes, all pay that for the govt to give you services such as protection from other countries, how it does that is the govt's business not yours. Be a good little sheep and keep eating your grass.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Hopefully it will increase anti-Abe sentiment and the slug gets thrown out on his ear at the next election.

PM who don't listen to US are short lived. US controls Japan's bureaucrats.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

@Psyops: I have been on Okinawa since before reversion and I have been inside all of the bases and seen most of the facilities that the GOJ has built. While it is true that a large portion of host nation support goes to pay MLC and IHA workers, it is also true that the GOJ has built, pays Japanese employees and pays utilities for facilities that are operated by AAFES, MWR and MCCS that make money that does go into base coffers. The U.S. Military allows local nationals to play golf at on-base courses and charges them considerably more money than they charge SOFA personnel. Military Clubs also allow local nationals to eat, drink and even play the U.S. style slot machines. On base places like Anthony`s Pizza, Burger Kings etc. allow local nationals to eat there and even pay in Japanese yen. On base facilities like I have mentioned make a lot of money off of local nationals and this money goes to the base not the local communities. The Japanese Taxpayers should not have to pay for facilities, Japanese Employees and Utilities for AAFES, MWR and MCCS because those facilities have nothing to do with the defense of Japan. By the way there are a lot of Military Dependents and U.S. Civilians who work on the bases on Okinawa also.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Here's a thought: Make friends with your neighbors. That way, the Yanks can pack up and go home

I've long considered that. China gets to portray Japan as the "enemy" due to Japan's historical revisionism. If that was to end, one might see improved ties between the two nations - and the end of needing a US military presence

1 ( +3 / -2 )

The total sum Japan has paid to the U.S. coffer in the name of "host nation support" (called "sympathy budget" in Japan for legitimate reasons) since 1978 when this program started amounts to more than $35 billion. This year's bilateral agreement stipulates that Japan must pay an average $1.56 billion per year for the next five years starting April 2016. Consider, on top of that, Japan must shoulder the cost of the planned Futenma-to-Henoko relocation, estimated to be well over $10 billion, and share several billion dollars for the most active Marine units to relocate from Okinawa to Guam.

We often hear from some quarter of U.S. Congress that Japan cannot enjoy a free ride on the Japan-U.S. Mutual Security Treaty. U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, in fact, told his audience at an Iowa gathering that the Japan-U.S. alliance was not fair because "it obligates the U.S. to protect Japan while Japan is not obligated to protect the U.S."

Are U.S. forces in Japan (USFJ) really for the defense of Japan only? If so, why are the 4,900 most active elements of the Marines to move from Okinawa to Guam? What countries are riding a free ride on this system, forcing the most of physical sacrifice on Okinawa?

The Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation signed this April stipulate that primary responsibilities for Japan's defense rest with the SDF. To quote it in part: "The Self Defense Forces will have primary responsibility for conducting operations to check and repel such invasions." The USFJ plays only a supporting role for the SDF in all cases.

The U.S. government cannot blackmail Japanese taxpayers to pay "host nation support" by saying the U.S. troops stationed in Japan are always ready to sacrifice their life to defend Japan.

The U.S.-favored term, "host nation support", is a euphemism camouflaging its true nature. It's like protection money extorted by a crime syndicate pretending to be safeguarding the properties of turf residents when in reality they are guarding their own interests.

Can one imagine a situation where a foreign firm operating in the U.S. brazenly demands that Washington pay their employees' salaries and the firm's operating costs such as rents, repairs and utilities? Or a situation where the firm further demands, when asked to move out, that a new office building be built at a nearby location?

Absurdity is what characterizes Japan-U.S. relations, especially in the area of defense and security. Governor Takeshi Onaga of Okinawa Prefecture says his efforts to prevent a new base from being constructed in Henoko, Nago City, is partly motivated to call the nation's attention to this disgusting state of affairs - a vassal status of post-war Japan under U.S. domination.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Considering the negative response to American bases in Japan, I can see no better argument for my growing Isolationism. Close all US bases and bring our military home! negotiate a seperate treaty with China establishing the US and Chinese spheres of economic influence and free trade and let Japan and the ASEAN countries do likewise. Everyone on their own and let the cards fall where they may.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The US is not interested in "protecting" Japan, it's interested in projecting its own interests. No other country would allow so much of an American footprint on their soil.

No one is going to attack Japan because Japan has nothing any country would want. There are no resources and nothing to gain. It's shallow to fall for the line that the US is "protecting" Japan.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Can one imagine a situation where a foreign firm operating in the U.S. brazenly demands that Washington pay their employees' salaries and the firm's operating costs such as rents, repairs and utilities?

Sure. If the firm is providing peace and security in the region, going on 71 years, then whats the big deal? Japan will never see droves of young men dropping out of college to fight. The americans will do it. Japanese know this.

I don't think Japan would be able to provide for its national defense in the future without the US. But if the US ever left for whatever reason, I'd like to see how it would work out for them.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@cleo, you said it all, and so succinctly! Spending on the capability for war and ignoring the needs of your people is what dictatorships are all about. Hate to think of Japan that way, but in this case, the appearances don't deceive.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@Wc626: Japan has the 4th largest military budget and can defend itself. It is also a few screwdriver turns away from having a nuclear defence capability.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Wc626: Japan has the 4th largest military budget and can defend itself.

China's is the second though. Its not even about the $. It's all about the leadership, morale and strategy. When was the last time they were tested?

Do you really think that if China and Japan went to war today (toe to toe, with no 3rd country intervention), Japan would win?

LoL. Did you know only like like 11% of japanese are willing to fight for japan? For the chinese, its like 70-80% Put the screwdriver away & go figure that one out.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

@tina. I'm not trying to make you P.O. I just call it as I see it. Of course I wouldn't want china & japan go to war.

I'm just saying the chinese are serious. 11% tells me Japan is not serious and they're willing to rely on USAFJ forever. Yet, they complain about the extra taxes and "paying" for the quality of life for USAFJ and other things which are not "defense" related.

First step. Support the security laws. Don't protest them unless you've read the terms and conditions and understand how SDF will be supporting US forces.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

And we're ready to put domestic self-defence personnel in harm's way overseas to protect US interests?

You mean Japan's interest. Foremost which is freedom of the seas. Which US military might upholds. For a trading nation like Japan it is lifeblood. The US protects Japan's trading empires.

Oh, yeah, there is this little thing called China.

And did I forget Japan's oil supply...?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Wc626 (Dec. 17, 2015 - 10:58PM JST ):

Sure. If the firm is providing peace and security in the region, going on 71 years, then whats the big deal?

But suppose that the firm you talk about is providing thousands of jobs to Americans, thus contributing to the U.S. economy tremendously? It's not a big "if" but a hard fact. So, according to your theory also, the firm could have every right to demand for such preposterous benefits as I stated.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@voice. I see your point. Guess it boils down to "who is benefiting the most as a result of USAFJ being here?" Japan or the US?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Wc626

You ask: "... who is benefiting the most as a result of USAFJ being here, Japan or the US?"

USAFJ is not at issue here. At issue are the USFJ that include the Marines Okinawa. You seem to think their presence benefits Japan the most. But the USFJ are carry-overs from the erstwhile Occupation Forces. So your question is like asking: Who is benefitting the most, Japan still being occupied or the U.S. still occupying Japan? An absurd question, isn’t it?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites