USA Today reports that “Legal protections for some U.S. military base workers in Japan could be cut back in reaction to a spate of high-profile arrests that have sparked mass protests and threatened U.S. base relocation efforts.”  

“U.S. and Japanese officials announced plans Tuesday to restrict some categories of workers covered by the 1960 Status of Forces Agreement, which limits Japanese authority over U.S. troops and others in certain circumstances.”  

“Currently, the agreement applies to U.S. military personnel and dependents in Japan, as well as certain U.S. citizens working at military bases.”