How does SOFA impact the legal jurisdiction of U.S. military personnel in Japan?

The correct understanding of how the Okinawa Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) impacts the legal jurisdiction of U.S. military personnel in Japan is that they are subject to both U.S. and Japanese law. This dual-jurisdiction approach means that while U.S. military personnel may primarily be governed by U.S. military law in the performance of their duties, they are also subject to Japanese laws for civilian matters and any actions outside of their official duties.

For instance, if a service member is involved in a traffic violation or a criminal act while off-duty, they may face prosecution under Japanese law. Meanwhile, any military-related offenses, such as violations of military rules, would typically fall under U.S. law. This arrangement is designed to respect Japan's sovereignty while also accommodating the unique circumstances involving foreign troops stationed in the country.

While the other options suggest a more limited jurisdiction—either exclusive U.S. jurisdiction or solely Japanese jurisdiction—or imply complete diplomatic immunity, the reality is that a balance exists between the two legal systems in the context of SOFA.