Press Releases
Japan-U.S. Joint Committee Statement on Unilateral Patrol by the U.S. Military Police
December 26, 2025
- Regarding the November 22 detention incident during a unilateral patrol by the U.S. Military Police in Okinawa City, the U.S. side has recently explained to the Japanese side that a non-SOFA(Status of Forces Agreement)-status civilian was mistakenly detained.
- In response, the Japanese side expressed regret over the incident and made a protest, and urged the U.S. side to thoroughly implement preventive measures to ensure that such detention will not recur.
- The U.S. side expressed its intention to resume unilateral patrols as early as at the end of the year, once additional training has been provided to the U.S. Military Police personnel to reinforce understanding about SOFA.
- The Government of Japan recognizes that such patrols are helpful for maintaining order and discipline within the U.S. Forces Japan and intends to continue to work closely with the U.S. side, while maintaining close communication with local communities.
- On December 26, a Japan-U.S. Joint Committee Statement was released in which both sides reaffirmed the aforementioned understanding.
