Earlier this week, Hiroshima Prefecture took a stand by urging the Japanese government to keep its Three Non-Nuclear Principles intact 🕊️. The prefectural assembly unanimously adopted a written opinion, signaling strong local concern over any review of the policies that shape Japan’s pacifist identity.
The Three Non-Nuclear Principles—no possession, no production and no introduction of nuclear weapons—have defined Japan’s post-war ethos since the 1960s. “As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings, it’s our duty to keep pushing for a world free of nukes,” the statement said, reflecting deep emotional ties to Hiroshima’s legacy.
This call was prompted by a recent remark from Itsunori Onodera, head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s security research council, who suggested on TV that Japan should debate acquiring nuclear arms 🤔. His comments drew swift backlash from locals, including hibakusha—atomic bomb survivors—who fear any shift away from non-nuclear norms.
It’s the first formal opinion from Hiroshima or Nagasaki assemblies on reconsidering these principles. The move adds momentum to national discussions, especially as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration prepares to revise key defense documents by the end of 2026.
With regional tensions rising, Japan faces tough choices between upholding its pacifist roots and addressing new security challenges. For young adults across South and Southeast Asia, this debate resonates broadly—raising questions about peace, shared history and our collective future 🌏.
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Hiroshima urges Japanese government to uphold non-nuclear principles
cgtn.com
