Japan plans to raise annual contribution for US forces stationed in the country

According to the news of Asahi newspaper, based on government sources, the Tokyo government will update the annual contribution of approximately 211 billion yen (66 billion TL) for USFJ upwards in 2027.

Within the framework of the new 5-fiscal year agreement, the government plans to increase its annual contribution to USFJ to more than 300 billion yen (approximately 95 billion TL).

The negotiations, carried out by officials from the foreign and defense ministries of both countries, are planned to be finalized and announced to the public by the end of 2026.

The current agreement expires in March 2027, when fiscal 2026 ends.

It was claimed in the national media that, in line with the new agreement, the USA wanted a total support of 3 trillion yen (approximately 945 billion TL) in 5 years by increasing the annual contribution by 3 times from the current level.

"Sympathy budget"

The Tokyo government is providing "host country support" to USFJ forces through a contribution described in the East Asian country as a "sympathy budget" (Omoiyari Yosan).

The budget, officially defined as "Cost Sharing for US Forces Stationed in Japan", covers the salaries of personnel working at US bases and public service expenses.

Japan is the place where the highest number of US soldiers are deployed overseas, hosting military units with approximately 55 thousand personnel and more than 80 US military facilities under the name "US Forces" (USFJ) affiliated with the US Indo-Pacific Forces (INDOPACOM).