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Mattis called for the strengthening of Japan’s defense capability in a series of meetings. The government plans to increase defense budgets and expand the Self-Defense Forces’ roles based on the security-related laws.
The government shares the related costs for the realignment of U.S. forces, in addition to those for stationing U.S. forces in Japan. They total about ¥760 billion per year, the largest among U.S. allies.
According to a Defense Ministry estimate, the government shoulders 53.7 percent of the expenditure related to U.S. forces in Japan.
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0003504008
Comments
"...Say, 'GOD is sufficient for me.' In Him the trusters shall trust." (Quran 39:38)
"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."
"...Say, 'GOD is sufficient for me.' In Him the trusters shall trust." (Quran 39:38)
Japan is essentially renting the US military, and the Americans are happy to continue the relationship because it gives them a strategic headquarters in the Pacific region. Most Japanese people are also content with the current relationship (something like 75% of people asked), although this is less-so in Okinawa where the bulk of American bases are located. Of course, Okinawans are "Japanese" in the way that the Iroquois living in the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario are "Canadian" - they never really had a choice in the matter.
Prime Minister Abe would prefer to change the constitution to allow Japan to have a proper military again, and some of his voters agree with him (although not all). Kicking the Americans out is probably part of that, even if he won't say it outright. Of course, Abe wants Japan to return to Pre-WWII Imperial glory as well, so his goals don't really line up with those of general Japanese people.
I *believe* that American bases in Japan are also considered US soil, for all but citizenship purposes (which means a child born on base is not made a citizen in the same way that any child born on American soil is automatically American). Although the Americans agree to cooperate with Japanese police, for example, the police are not always able to get access to American soldiers who are involved in criminal matters. I think they can be turned away at the gates if the situation warrants it.
"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."