Why it's time to revise agreement on US forces in Japan

The Covid-19 outbreaks at US bases are among many controversies. Changes to Sofa will strengthen the alliance at a time when more is being asked of Japan in supporting American security interests.

- James D.J. Brown

Recent clusters of Covid-19 cases in prefectures with United States military bases have rekindled Japanese anger with the Status of Forces Agreement (Sofa) that provides the legal standing for American military personnel stationed in Japan.

While the Covid-19 outbreak has given new ammunition to opponents of the US presence, it also offers an opportunity for defenders of the alliance to support much needed revisions.

As the Omicron variant began to spread internationally late last year, the Japanese government scrambled to keep it out. The ban on new foreign entrants was reintroduced hurriedly, even though it had just been eased. Meanwhile, returnees to Japan were subjected to lengthy stays in government-approved facilities.

There was, however, one notable crack in this protective screen. For several weeks, US military personnel continued to be able to enter Japan without being tested for Covid-19 either prior to or after arrival. Also, instead of the strict quarantine mandated by Japanese regulations, US personnel were able to freely circulate within their bases during the 10 days after arrival and were not required to wear masks.

When infection numbers began to surge in areas close to US bases, including in the prefectures of Yamaguchi and Okinawa, fingers were unsurprisingly pointed at the US. Okinawan Governor Denny Tamaki was especially blunt, declaring on Jan 6 that “US military bases are one of the major causes of the spread of infections”. The US did voluntarily introduce some restrictions on Jan 10. The damage, however, had been done.