Defense Minister Gen Nakatani on Friday poured cold water on the possibility of renegotiating a cost-sharing agreement for hosting American troops in Japan before its expiration in 2027, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly demanded that Tokyo pay more for their stationing during tariffs-focused negotiations.

Asked about the so-called host nation support, Nakatani told a news conference that spending ¡°is appropriately shared between the Japanese and U.S. governments based on mutual agreement, with a set time frame.¡±

¡°The expenses for the current fiscal year have already been agreed upon and paid up until now by both countries,¡± he said. ¡°So, since we are currently within the agreed period, there is no reason for us to make any changes at this time.¡±