Japan-U.S. Joint Committee Agreements

On August 25, 2026, the Ministry of Defense announced a total of seven agreements, including the limited use of additional property at FAC 1066 Higashi-Chitose Garrison. The covered locations are Hokkaido, Chiba Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture and Tokyo Metropolis, and Hiroshima Prefecture.

The forms of use are divided into limited use under Article 2, paragraph 4(b), of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement and joint use under paragraph 4(a) of the same article.

The agreements approved the limited or joint use, for periods specified for each arrangement, of portions of Self-Defense Forces facilities and other areas required for the joint exercise.

The limited-use arrangements cover Higashi-Chitose, Kushiro, Betsukai-Yauchubetsu, Okadama, Narashino, and Asaka. The land and buildings are, respectively: Higashi-Chitose, approximately 280,000 square meters and 5 buildings totaling approximately 1,900 square meters; Kushiro Port, approximately 80,000 square meters; Tomakomai West Port, approximately 31,000 square meters; Betsukai, 1 building totaling approximately 50 square meters; and Okadama, approximately 98,000 square meters and 6 buildings totaling approximately 1,800 square meters.

At Narashino, the training area covers approximately 1,200,000 square meters of land and 2 buildings totaling approximately 560 square meters, while the garrison covers approximately 42,000 square meters of land and 12 buildings totaling approximately 11,000 square meters. At Asaka, the area covers approximately 1,900 square meters of land and 8 buildings totaling approximately 12,000 square meters.

The joint-use arrangements cover Yokohama North Dock, including approximately 7,200 square meters of land, approximately 36,000 square meters of waters, and a wharf; Kawakami Ammunition Depot, including approximately 27,000 square meters of land; and Hiro Ammunition Depot, including approximately 26,000 square meters of land, paved surfaces, parking lots, and other areas. The use periods are September 11–16 and September 2–11, respectively. The periods for each limited-use arrangement are September 2–16 for Higashi-Chitose and Kushiro, September 7–30 for Betsukai and Okadama, September 11–15 for Narashino, and September 8–24 for Asaka.