Japan on Friday reaffirmed its decades-old pledge not to possess nuclear weapons after media reports suggested a senior security official recommended acquiring them to deter potential threats. The official, reportedly from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s office, cited a worsening security environment but acknowledged such a move would be politically difficult.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan’s nuclear stance had not changed and declined to comment on the official’s future. The debate reflects growing concerns over US security guarantees and threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. Some lawmakers have proposed allowing US nuclear weapons in Japan to strengthen deterrence.
Experts warn that any shift toward nuclear armament is highly sensitive, given Japan’s history as the only country targeted by atomic bombs, and could unsettle regional neighbors.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan’s nuclear stance had not changed and declined to comment on the official’s future. The debate reflects growing concerns over US security guarantees and threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. Some lawmakers have proposed allowing US nuclear weapons in Japan to strengthen deterrence.
Experts warn that any shift toward nuclear armament is highly sensitive, given Japan’s history as the only country targeted by atomic bombs, and could unsettle regional neighbors.
