Tokyo, Washington agree to freeze amount Japan pays to host US troops at US$1.9 billion

The deal extends the so-called host-nation support for another 12 months, allowing both sides time to hold talks on a longer-term pact covering the 55,000 US troops in Japan

Former US president Trump had demanded Tokyo quadruple its contribution, while he had similarly troubled discussions with South Korea over the issue

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US and Japanese troops attend the opening ceremony of a joint military exercise in Sasebo Base, Japan, in 2010. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 5:15pm, 18 Feb 2021Updated: 6:20pm, 18 Feb 2021

Japan and the United States have reached an agreement to freeze the amount Tokyo pays to host American forces at the current level for the 2021 financial year, with analysts suggesting both sides were keen to conclude a deal swiftly and move on from the problems that had dogged the previous US administration’s relationships with its ally.

Under the agreement, Tokyo will pay 201.7 billion yen (US$1.9 billion) in so-called host-nation support for the 12-month period that starts in April. The funds will cover most of the costs for the 55,000 US troops currently stationed in Japan.

Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi and defence minister Nobuo Kishi welcomed the deal in a joint statement.

“We were able to reach an agreement at an early time following the inauguration of President Joe Biden,” Motegi told local media in Tokyo on Wednesday. “This shows the two countries’ strong commitment to the bond of the Japan-US alliance and enhances the credibility of the alliance.”

He added that the new deal – which extends the current five-year agreement by 12 months – also saw the two governments agree to hold more substantive talks on a longer-term pact to cover future cost sharing.

Analysts told This Week in Asia Tokyo would be relieved at the speed at which the agreement was reached and that its financial burden had not increased.