The US Military in Japan has been in place since the end of World War II and consists of the US Forces Japan, US Navy, US Marines, US Air Force, and US Army.

According to the National Diet Library, Article IX of the Constitution of Japan states the Japanese people will forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or the use of force as means of settling international dispute. Although the Japan Self Defense-Forces (JSDF) have the right to defend themselves and their allies, the US Military in Japan provides more deterrence and also works closely with the JSDF. Currently, within the US Military in Japan, more than 35,000 American service members are stationed in Japan and, including families, there are nearly 80,000 affiliated with the US military in Japan.

Before the program was renamed to JUMP, the US Military Japan Alumni Association (USMJAA) was started in 2010 by a joint effort of senior US military commanders who have formerly served in Japan. This group reinforced the strong alliance between the US and Japan, in particular the bond the US military in Japan has with its allies. Now known as Japan-US Military Program (JUMP), this program is continued through the efforts of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, the Embassy of Japan in the US, and the National Association of Japan-America Societies.

Through JUMP, Sasakawa USA continues to support US Military in Japan members and veterans who have served in Japan. JUMP’s recent events have brought American and Japanese service members together. JUMP’s mission is to provide a powerful foundation for sustaining the solid alliance and relationship that exists between the U.S. and Japan. The mission of JUMP also reflects the strong bond the US and Japanese forces have formed and the solid US -Japan alliance.

Join JUMP now to receive invitations to events held throughout the year and monthly newsletters!

Article by Jin Lee.