The Marine Corps, in particular, has set forth directive that personnel on island will function as ambassadors of America. As Americans in a foreign country, all U.S. military servicemembers, civilian employees and their dependents here are subject to the same laws as their Japanese hosts. Servicemembers, however, are also subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The SOFA establishes the foundation by which your rights, privileges and special protections are decided while you are here. Perhaps most importantly, the SOFA provides guidelines for criminal jurisdiction in the event that you are ever accused of a crime for which the Government of Japan might want to prosecute you.
Jurisdiction can make a distinct difference in the severity of the punishment given for a crime.
Reporting accidents Under Japanese law, all licensed drivers are professional drivers and, in the event of an accident that causes personal injury to another, they could be considered professionally negligent. If you're not insured for damage to property, injury or death, the damage from the traffic accident your insureance limits, or you're incolved in a minor criminal offense, such as petty larceny, you should try to settle the incident with the other parties involved. If they agree with the settlement, usually the Japanese police or District Prosecutor will drop the charges, or at least recommend a very lenient sentence. In addition, Japanese customs require a condolence visit to the injured party or surviving family. At this time, too, you should offer appropriate fruit, candy or floral gifts.