Under SOFA, who maintains the primary responsibility for the maintenance of peace and order?

The primary responsibility for the maintenance of peace and order under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the United States and Japan lies with Japanese authorities. This reflects Japan's sovereignty and its role as the host nation, which maintains control over its internal security and law enforcement. While the U.S. military operates with certain privileges under SOFA, including jurisdictional rights for its personnel, it does not assume the primary responsibility for peacekeeping in Japanese territory. The agreement delineates various operational and legal frameworks but ultimately emphasizes that Japan is in charge of its own law and order, thereby reinforcing the principle of national jurisdiction.