Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi says victims of crimes by US military personnel in Japan must pursue claims for damages themselves.

“For damages caused by acts of US military personnel outside the scope of official duties, it is fundamentally the responsibility of the perpetrator to provide compensation, which is handled through lawsuits against the individual involved,” Iwaya said.

The Foreign Minister was questioned in parliament regarding crimes by members of the US military and the need for a revision of the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru has also said he wants to revise the agreement.

Iwaya pointed out that “Article 18, Paragraph 6 of the Japan-US SOFA stipulates that the US government may also settle such cases by paying damages.” However, in 2,000 prosecutions, only 23 victims have been paid “consolation payments” and these were paid through Japan’s Special Action Committee on Okinawa.

Iwaya said that the Japanese and US governments have implemented a system of providing advance payment systems, interest-free loan programs and condolence payments for victims.

“Based on these frameworks, we will continue to strive to ensure that victims are appropriately compensated,” he added.

Victims say that gaining compensation is extremely difficult as it requires a finalized court ruling, which can take considerable time. 

Supreme Court Chief Justice MIURA Mamoru says this is a critical national issue and victims should be promptly and adequately compensated.