Defense experts said Japan is currently unable to refuse the use of military bases by the U.S. under the Japan-US Security Treaty [1].

This limitation highlights a critical tension in Japan's sovereignty and its strategic dependence on Washington for national security. While the treaty provides a security umbrella, it creates a situation where Japan may be unable to prevent its territory from being used in conflicts that do not directly involve its own borders.

During a broadcast of "Hodo 1930" on BS-TBS, former Joint Staff Chief Katsutoshi Kono and Professor Shinji Kawana said the Japanese government faces constraints [1]. The program examined 14 different points of negotiation regarding base usage and strategic leverage [1].

Experts said the U.S. strategic requirements often override Japanese preferences. This dynamic differs from other international partnerships; for example, Spain has successfully refused the use of US bases in certain contexts [1].

On May 4, 2024, the U.S. initiated "Project Freedom" [1]. The timing and implementation of such projects further illustrate the operational autonomy the U.S. maintains within Japanese territory.

However, some perspectives suggest a different path. Analysis from Yahoo! Expert said Japan still possesses the agency to shape its own security policy [2]. This viewpoint frames the strengthening of defense capabilities as a choice between creating a "shield for peace" or a "trigger for war" [2].

Despite these theoretical options, the practical reality remains that the security treaty creates a high barrier for Japan to say "no" to U.S. requests [1].

“Japan is currently unable to refuse the use of military bases by the U.S.”

The debate over base usage reflects a broader struggle within Japanese foreign policy to balance the necessity of the U.S. security guarantee with the desire for strategic autonomy. If Japan cannot exercise a veto over base usage, it risks being drawn into U.S.-led conflicts, whereas exercising such a veto could potentially strain the alliance and weaken its own defense posture.