Quote from j_cubed:
The U.S. was not âinvitedâ there to protect Japan. In fact, the U.S. presence initially was one of occupation.
The positioning of U.S bases in Japan is strategic, postured to respond to contingencies in Korea and other threats in Southeast Asia. In short, we can strike back faster and better at China or North Korea (should we need to) from a base in Japan, than from a base in Idaho.
Removal of the U.S. military from Japan would be a blow to U.S. security.
Well said and correct.