US-Japan Base Negotiations to Impact Troops and Families in 2026
The United States and Japan are entering a critical phase of negotiations regarding the stationing, funding, and support of US forces in Japan. These discussions, centered around the Special Measures Agreement, will determine Japan's financial contributions to hosting US forces, which currently amount to approximately $1.9 billion annually. The agreement, set to expire in 2026, influences force posture, base operations, and family stability. The negotiations are significant due to their implications for regional deterrence, domestic politics in Japan, and the practical realities of military life overseas. The talks also address the long-standing issue of relocating Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, a matter complicated by local opposition and legal challenges.