TOKYO: Panelists at a symposium held in Tokyo called on the Japanese government to amend the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and expressed hopes that the newly elected Prime Minister, ISHIBA Shigeru, will act after recently expressing his intention to pursue amendments to the SOFA.

The symposium, held on Oct. 10, focused on the ongoing issue of “sexual crimes committed by some U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan and the flaws in SOFA.

Professor Shigeaki Iijima of Nagoya Gakuin University, an expert in constitutional and peace studies, highlighted the severe limitations imposed by SOFA, which restrict Japan’s ability to investigate and prosecute U.S. military personnel accused of crimes properly. He emphasized that the Agreement, established in 1960, has never been revised despite numerous incidents. The professor also mentioned a 2004 revelation that exposed a secret agreement behind SOFA, further complicating efforts to hold U.S. soldiers accountable.

Professor Iijima stated, ” In Japan, particularly in Okinawa, numerous women have fallen victim to sexual crimes perpetrated by U.S. military personnel. To ensure comprehensive support for these victims, Revising the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement is crucial.”

Catherine Jane Fisher, an advocate for victims, shared her personal experience as a victim of sexual assault by a U.S. serviceman.

“According to the Ministry of Defense of Japan, over 210,000 crimes and accidents have been committed by the U.S. military. Despite this staggering number, many Victims remain silent due to fear, stigma, and lack of support. The system not only fails to protect them, it also hinders their justice. The perpetrators can flee Japan due to the Status Of Forces Agreement ( Article 16 ), which allows them to evade accountability,” she said.

Fisher was the first woman to break the silence in Japan, campaigning to end the military’s immunity in such cases, raise awareness, challenge long-standing legal protections and inspire others to speak up.

Professor Masahiko Shimizu, an expert in constitutional law from Nippon Sport Science University, commented, “The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) advocates for ”protecting sovereignty and independence” in their proposed constitutional amendment, but revising the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement is more important than amending the constitution.