Press Releases

Signing of the New Special Measures Agreement (SMA)

January 7, 2022

Background
Since 1987, Japan has borne part of the costs, which the United States is obliged to bear under the provision of Article XXIV of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), by concluding SMAs as special measures relating to the SOFA, noting situations involving both countries, and with a view to ensuring the effective operations of U.S. Forces in Japan (USFJ).

In light of the fact that the current SMA remains in force until March 31, 2022, the Government of Japan (GOJ) and the Government of the United States of America (USG) had discussions regarding the SMA. As a result, H.E. Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Raymond F. Greene, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Embassy of U.S.A. in Japan, signed the new SMA on January 7th in Tokyo.

As the security environment surrounding Japan has become increasingly severe, Host Nation Support by Japan based on the new SMA will play a vital role in enhancing readiness and resiliency of the Japan-US Alliance including by improving the interoperability of the U.S. Forces and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan.
Outline of the New SMA

(2) Labor Costs
The number of workers funded by the GOJ working at revenue generating welfare facilities will be 3,893, and the number of workers funded by the GOJ engaged in the activities such as administrative work at headquarters and maintenance of assets will be 19,285. As a result, the annual labor costs funded by the GOJ under this SMA will cover 23,178 people out of all of the workers.

(Note) Any changes to wages and allowances based on National Personnel Authority recommendations will be reflected to the labor cost accordingly.

(4) Training Equipment and Materials Procurement
The GOJ will bear expenditures for procurement of equipment, materials, and related services by the U.S. Forces for training capabilities installed in the facilities and areas used by the U.S. Forces in Japan. Such equipment and materials will not only ensure the readiness of the U.S. Forces but also can contribute to enhanced capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces of Japan for greater Alliance deterrence and readiness. Total amount of training equipment, materials and related services procurement cost borne by the GOJ will be JPY 20 billion over the new SMA period, subject to the completion of all necessary procedures for such budget request.

(5) Training Relocation
The annual training relocation costs funded by the GOJ under this SMA will be approximately equal to the budget amount of the Japanese fiscal year 2021, which is approximately JPY 11.4 billion.

Alaska will be confirmed as a permissible training relocation site for the Aviation Training Relocation program.

(Reference) Appendix