Pros and cons for keeping United States Forces in Japan (USFJ)

Abstract

This paper examines pros and cons for keeping United States Forces in Japan (USFJ) for both the United States and Japan. What are the disadvantages and advantages to keep USFJ for the United States? Why does the United States need her bases in Japan after the end of the Cold War? What are the disadvantages and advantages to keep USFJ for Japan? Why does Japan wish to maintain the United States-Japan Security Treaty (hereafter referred to as the Security Treaty) and allow the United States to keep USFJ? Many people point out that there is a growing concern about the Chinese economic and military power among the leaders of the United States and Japan. How should the two countries deal with the Chinese power? These are some questions that the paper tries to answer. In conclusion, the paper recommends that Japan negotiate with the United States to reduce the United States bases in Japan, to revise Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), and to abolish the Host Nation Support (HNS) or OMOIYARIYOSAN (a sympathy budget). Japan should eventually abolish the Security Treaty and establish a neutral Japan.