Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2025 June 25 - July 1 [US FORCES]

310 criminal cases involving US military personnel in Japan not taken to court

Three hundred and ten crimes committed by U.S. military personnel in Japan between 2014 and 2024 were exempted from prosecution due to Japan’s non-use of its primary right to exercise jurisdiction.

This was revealed in a government written response approved at the Cabinet meeting on June 24 to a question by a Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker.

According to the government response, the 310 criminal cases included five heinous crimes such as rape and sexual assault, along with traffic violations, thefts, and drug offences.

Under the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, the primary jurisdiction over crimes committed by U.S. servicemen while “off duty” resides with Japanese authorities.

However, the Japanese government in October 1953 concluded with the U.S. government a secret agreement that Japan will give up on its jurisdiction over U.S. military-related crimes except for those it considers to be “substantively important”.

The Justice Ministry’s historical records show that Japan has waived its right of jurisdiction in roughly 80% of U.S. military crimes.