Since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi assumed office earlier this year, Tokyo has embarked on a bold reinterpretation of its postwar security policy, triggering unease both at home and abroad. Critics warn that the latest moves could upend decades of pacifist doctrine and rekindle regional tensions.
Nuclear Debate Heats Up
Recent reports revealed that in early December, a senior official in the Prime Minister's Office tasked with security strategy stated that Japan "should possess nuclear weapons." The comment, striking at the heart of the country's Three Non-Nuclear Principles – no possession, production, or introduction of nuclear arms – drew swift and fierce criticism across Japanese society.
Political Backlash Builds
On December 22, Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, called on Prime Minister Takaichi to remove the official from his post. "Appointing a nuclear advocate to a key security role is fundamentally inappropriate," Noda said, placing ultimate responsibility on the prime minister for the controversial appointment.
Taku Yamazoe, policy chief of the Japanese Communist Party, warned that any shift away from the Three Non-Nuclear Principles would betray the nation's legacy as the only country bombed with atomic weapons. "This rhetoric is absolutely unacceptable," he said, demanding a full retraction and personnel changes.
Voices from Hiroshima
A December 20 editorial in the Ryukyu Shimpo slammed the nuclear armament talk as a dangerous departure from national policy, noting its emotional toll on survivors in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Echoing public sentiment, the Hiroshima Prefectural Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on December 22 urging the central government to uphold the non-nuclear stance and ensure "the tragedy of 1945 is never repeated."
What's Next for Japan?
Reports suggest Prime Minister Takaichi is reviewing Japan's National Security Strategy, including potential revisions to its Three Non-Nuclear Principles. As debates intensify, both lawmakers and citizens are watching closely: Will Japan maintain its postwar pacifism, or pivot toward a more assertive defense posture? The answer could reshape security dynamics across East Asia.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
