Originally Posted by
NewbieRunner
According to the Japanese language version of
Wikipedia, the rent was increased to 7 million JPY p.a. for 1998-2007, 10 million JPY for 2008-2012 and 15 million JPY for 2013-2027. The US government had refused to pay the rent for nearly 10 years until 2007 citing an agreement dating back to 1896.
According to the government of Japan, the reason for non-payment from 1998 was the lack of mutual agreed fair rent. The law in Japan provides for this state of affairs to exist and although from a landlord's perspective (trust me I know :-) ) it can be hugely irritating, there is a non-confrontational nature to the way courts approach these claims.
Japan suggested a higher rent, the U.S. said that was not appropriate, they go into stalemate until one or the other caves. That is a daily event in the rental market here. The numbers are irrelevant as there is no market price basis in Japan. The closest approximation is called "comparables". Agreeing comparables is an entirely different kettle of sushi.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/200.../#.Uy4V6oWN4TA