The U.S. military has provided a total of ¥226.46 million ($1.8 million) in research funds to at least 12 universities and research institutions in Japan since 2000.
The donations came to light as Japan and the United States continue to boost their already close security ties after the government passed contentious new security legislation in September. The new laws allow Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense, or aiding an ally under armed assault, even if Japan itself is not attacked.
According to information released by the U.S. government, Washington has provided a total of $1.5 million to researchers at 26 universities and other institutions across Japan. Of these, 12 confirmed to Kyodo News that they received the funds.