Reuters reports that “Japan’s Ministry of Finance on Monday called for cuts in the country’s budget spending for U.S. forces stationed in Japan in a bid to restore public finances, a move likely to meet opposition from its key ally Washington.”  

“The move comes after passage of bills last month that aim to tighten the alliance and give Japanese military the biggest global role since the World War Two, with Washington seeking greater Asia-Pacific security in the face of rising China.”  

“Japan’s contribution, or the “sympathy budget”, to cover salaries for workers at U.S. bases, utilities and training expenses, hit 189.9 billion yen ($1.56 billion) for the current fiscal year, versus a 4.98 trillion yen overall defense outlay.”