Image Credits : PBS
Leading candidates in Japan’s opposition Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) have expressed support for a review of the Japan-U.S. Status-of-Forces Agreement (SOFA). As the race for the party’s leadership intensifies, revisiting the decades-old pact has emerged as a key issue, reflecting growing public concern over the presence and conduct of U.S. military personnel in Japan.
SOFA, which has been in place since 1960, governs the legal status of U.S. military forces stationed in Japan, granting certain legal privileges to American service members. This agreement has been a source of tension for years, particularly in Okinawa, which hosts the majority of U.S. military bases. Residents have long criticised SOFA for limiting Japan’s legal authority over American personnel, especially in cases involving criminal activities.
The candidates vying for leadership of the CDP have signalled their intention to challenge the pact, aligning with public sentiment that Japan should have greater jurisdiction over U.S. military operations. In recent debates, CDP contenders have emphasised the need for Japan to assert more control over its sovereignty and ensure that U.S. forces respect Japanese laws and regulations.
Other candidates have echoed similar sentiments, with several advocating for amendments that would allow Japan to prosecute U.S. military personnel for crimes committed off-base. Currently, SOFA grants the U.S. military jurisdiction over its personnel in many cases, leading to frustration and protests in areas heavily affected by U.S. troop presence.
While the issue of revising SOFA has been raised in the past, it has gained renewed traction as Japan navigates its security relationship with the U.S. amid regional tensions. The U.S.-Japan alliance remains a cornerstone of Japan’s defence policy, but the growing calls for SOFA reform reflect a desire among some Japanese lawmakers to recalibrate the terms of the partnership.