U.S. and Japan Sign Agreement on Host Nation Support

January 21, 2011

U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos and Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara today signed a new five-year Special Measures Agreement that outlines Japan's direct contributions to the U.S.-Japan Alliance through Host Nation Support. Host Nation Support enables the United States to maintain service personnel and some of the world's most advanced military capabilities in Japan. Host Nation Support thus represents a strategic contribution to Japan's defense and to regional peace and stability.

The United States Government and the Government of Japan reached agreement on this new Special Measures Agreement and also reached an understanding to maintain overall Host Nation Support funding at current levels for the next five years, bearing in mind the Japan FY2010 budget of 188.1 billion yen. The two governments also reached an understanding on the arrangements for labor cost-sharing, utilities cost-sharing, and construction and upgrades under the Facilities Improvement Program that are more stable, efficient, and effective.

The United States Government welcomes this new Special Measures Agreement and will continue to work with the Government of Japan to strengthen and deepen our Alliance.