Which of the following statements is true regarding Japanese environmental laws and U.S. military bases?

The statement that U.S. military operations must adhere to certain Japanese environmental laws is correct because the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) acknowledges the sovereignty of Japan and its right to enforce its laws, including environmental regulations, on U.S. military bases. While SOFA does provide some protections and exemptions for military activities, it does not grant a blanket exemption from all Japanese laws. This means that U.S. military operations must comply with specific environmental laws pertaining to pollution control, waste management, and other environmental protections enacted by Japan.

Japanese environmental laws are designed to protect natural resources, public health, and the environment. Therefore, when operations conducted by U.S. forces have the potential to impact the environment, they must follow the relevant regulations in place. This provision fosters cooperation between the U.S. military and Japanese authorities in maintaining environmental standards and demonstrates an understanding of the importance of environmental stewardship even in military contexts.