Since PM Sanae Takaichi took office this year, Japan has ramped up its security agenda, sparking worries about a shift from its postwar pacifist stance. Critics say Tokyo’s recent rhetoric and moves not only rattle neighbours but also hint at a dangerous tilt toward militarism ⚠️
Call for Dismissal Over Nuclear Talk
Recent revelations showed a senior official in the PM’s Office suggested Japan should possess nuclear weapons. The comments triggered fierce backlash as they clash with Japan’s long-standing non-nuclear principles.
This past Monday (December 22), Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, urged PM Takaichi to remove the official. Noda argues it is inappropriate to have someone pushing for nuclear arms in a key security role and holds the PM responsible for the appointment.
Rewriting the Rules?
Concerns grew after reports that Takaichi is exploring revisions to Japan’s National Security Strategy and other key security documents, including possible tweaks to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles of not possessing, not producing, and not permitting nuclear weapons. Noda warns these discussions reflect a serious drift in Japan’s nuclear stance.
Voices of Dissent
Taku Yamazoe, policy chief of the Japanese Communist Party, reminded everyone that Japan is the only country to have suffered atomic bombings. He called any denial of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles absolutely unacceptable and demanded a retraction of the remarks and removal of those responsible.
On December 20, the Ryukyu Shimpo published an editorial warning that the idea of possessing nuclear weapons is a grave departure from national policy. It noted that such talk deeply hurts atomic bomb survivors and should be firmly rejected.
The same Monday, the Hiroshima Prefectural Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the central government to uphold the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. The assembly stressed that the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never happen again and echoed local residents’ desire for a nuclear-free world.
Why It Matters
Set in 1967 by Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, the Three Non-Nuclear Principles have guided Japan’s pacifist path for decades. Critics warn that recent moves risk undermining this legacy, stirring debate over Tokyo’s role in regional security and non-proliferation.
With tensions rising, all eyes are on PM Takaichi’s next steps as Japan balances its security needs with its pacifist roots 🌏
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
