politics

Ishihara says Japan should conduct simulated nuclear weapons tests

78 Comments

Tokyo Gov Shintaro Ishihara says that Japan should perform simulated nuclear weapons tests to maintain its presence on the world stage. The outspoken 78-year-old governor told a news conference that President Barack Obama's administration has been conducting subcritical nuclear tests and computer simulations since 2010, after Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for his commitment to non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

"Japan should do something similar to those simulations," Ishihara told the press. "Japan needs to send a message that it could possess nuclear weapons any time. We have a huge stockpile of plutonium.

"If we don't show more military force, we'll definitely lose our presence on the world stage," he continued. "The U.S. is developing other weapons too, some of which rely on satellite positioning technology developed by Japan. We should consider developing weapons like that."

Subcritical nuclear tests are a component of the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration's Stockpile Stewardship Management Program (SSMP) and are intended to show whether nuclear weapons components such as plutonium and uranium will develop problems or degrade as they age. The blasts do not produce nuclear chain-reactions. They are called "subcritical" because they never reach "critical mass.

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ThonTaddeoAug. 11, 2011 - 12:49AM JST ; Can someone tell me why this senile old git is given a voice in the media to even make these ridiculous pronouncements?

There is a possibility that he sees the US initiating an exit strategy as world police in which case Japan maybe left alone in a very insecure situation, not that I condone possession of a nuclear arsenal but considering the present US status you never know when the mutual defense treaty maybe annulled by the US.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Ishihara says that Japan should perform simulated nuclear weapons tests to maintain its presence on the world stage.

Ishihara says a lot of things, mind you. That doesn't mean that any of us should waste our time listening to him.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Can someone tell me why this senile old git is given a voice in the media to even make these ridiculous pronouncements?

He's the mayor of Tokyo. He's not a national-level politician.

If he wants to talk about how the capital of Japan shouldn't be moved elsewhere, that's fine. Even if he wants to talk about bringing the Olympic Games to the city of Tokyo, that's fine too, even if I as a Tokyo resident think he's wasting our money.

But what gives him the right to pontificate on Japan's national policies and expect anyone to listen to him?

He does not represent Japan in any way. He represents Tokyo in opposition to Osaka, Saitama, etc. News outlets, stop asking for his opinions on what Japan as a nation should do. It simply isn't Ishihara's business.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I am glad this dangerous fool Ishihara is not at the national level.

The mayor of Tokyo and his son's influence are national level, and I would not call him a fool.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I am glad this dangerous fool Ishihara is not at the national level.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@globalwatcher. I hope you are not serious friend. The only future Ishihara predicts is the one in his addled old brain. And if you believe in his precient vision, then I fear for your well being as well.

@tkoind2, do not worry, I am big for a Nuclear proliferation. Thank you for your concern.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

and with Japan's technical prowess with things nuclear . . . well, you don't let little kids play with fireworks now do you?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Having nukes would make Japan a player in the "game". The deterrent force would have to stand alert 24/7 and a plan would have to be developed to "protect" the force on the ground. So if Japan picks up an enemy launch what should they do? Launch on warning sounds fine but what if the warning is a mistake? Do nothing and pray your for the force not to be destroyed. Again what will this really gain Japan? I am against their use at all, there are people in the radius of their destruction and while I have issues with their governments. I have no issues with the people of these countries.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Munya Times is correct; the most justifiable reason for preventing new members to the Nuke club is to avoid a snowballing nuclear arms race for the sake of just this kind of questionable muscle flexing, which would most likely result in WW3

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ishihara Shintaro should be the prime minister of Japan! He is even more reckless than Hideki Tojo and he will lead japan to a 'utopia'!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

If Japan will start development of a-bomb, then many countries of Asia will be worry about it. China will get reason for upgrade of military power and create asian military anti-Japan union. It is means than Japan will stand lonely as NK. Earlier China never win military war, but always win of economic war. Japan don't need a-bomb, but need create economic and military anti-chine union with Asian countries.

Zatara: Can you think that somebody of Premiere of Japan or Emperor can drop a-bomb on somebody asian countries? What result you wait from this action?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This is really a good idea to protect Japan from foreign aggressors and to cut down the dependent of U.S. military support. But I dont think so the Japanese people would accept this idea of conducting simulated nuclear weapon tests. This idea is unconstitutional and need a long debate. The fukushima nuclear incident and the Hiroshima bombings are the living witness of how danger the effect of this things. This plan could create an arm race among Asian superpower countries if Japan will do it. China is accusing Japan of building 3 air craft carriers that capable to carries fighter plane and launch air strike.

I think Gov. Ishihara words is not serious enough. He did not think that this plan is really impossible. He dares to say this because this is his last term and wont run again for any position in the future. He's just playing like a kid if people will bite this stuff or not. I just hope that he would focus to the other important matters rather than this impossible things to do.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Naoto Kan or the Emperor of Japan should fire this nut job Ishihara from his office. Japan have a Nuclear problem, now he now proposing for a Nuclear weapon and he extremely nuts.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I'm sorry.

I didn't reread the post before clicking the submit button.

Let's try this again:

A nutcase like this in a position of power, saying that Japan should conduct nuclear testing, simulated or not begs the question:

Why is it necessary for ANY country in the world to have nuclear weapons?

Russia, China, India and the U.S.A. all have their fair share of nutcases.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

A nutcase like this in the position of power that he is suggesting that Japan conduct nuclear testing, simulated or not begs the question:

Why is it necessary for ANY country in the world to have nuclear weapons?

Russia, China, India and the U.S.A. all have their fair share of nutcases.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I am sorry, there is no kind way to say this.

Isihara is a senile old fool that has no business in office. I wonder if the old guy even knows what year he is living in. Did you see him on TV last election? Does he even know where he is?

@globalwatcher. I hope you are not serious friend. The only future Ishihara predicts is the one in his addled old brain. And if you believe in his precient vision, then I fear for your well being as well.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

In fact, Ishihara is total proof that Japan should not be in possession of weapons of mass destruction.

Who knows what a maniac like this would do if he had his finger on the button?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I disagree with using atomic bombs in the first place. So what would they really do for Japan than cost a lot of money and destabilize the area? This guy takes the fruitcake award, what thing of pure genius will he come up with next?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Bgood41Aug. 08, 2011 - 01:37AM JST

Protesting or complaining about stock piles of nukes in N.Korea, China, and even Russia might earn you a free ticket to prison or re-education camp.

You are not right. May be you not understand complex situation around China.

China is continuing building the military power and claiming most part of S. China sea thus pushing a bilateral negotiation instead of complying with international norm.

Problem of China is problem not only on S. China sea. Two year ago Putin giave to China part territory of my Russia, but we have more a-bomb than China. On year ago Tadzhikstan had lost part territory to China. Vietnam have problem with China too. Chine is big east monster as USA in west. China have the biggest powerful economics, but economics of Japan, Vietnam, Russia are more little. Real solve of China problem is economic union and security union between Asian countries. Now period in the Wold when a-bomb transform from weapons of defense to finance and ecology problem. If you not believe to me, then you are welcome to Russian Chelyabinsk region where locate Mayak - radioactive factory. 60% peoples of Chelyabinsk region death by cancer. 60% is real cost of independence. Of course, if Japan can build a-bomb without this problem you can do it.

Russia acts in similar fashion regarding Karafuto islands. You are not right. This is result of 1945. For Russia Kuril islands is non freezable (12 month) gateway to Pacific Ocean. Because this is very important region for strategic security of Russia. We can not lose it to USA or some other countries. Russia often offer to Japan some projects on Kuril islands, but Japan is not interest it.

Problem Japan with China this is result of Japan politics of isolationism for some countries of Asia. I don't understand why Japan can not have economic relationship with NK, Russia. You really think, that Asian countries afraid of Japan a-bomb?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

speed; The sadthing is he keeps being elected, so he reflects the views of many.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Again Tokyo elected this man to be their governor. This is a bad reflection on the people of this city and country.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

There is nothing wrong with Ishihara's comments, and wanting to have a stronger military/Nuke capable force, so long as you don't have a pacifist constitution, and you don't try to play the victim/blame USA "card" every time the anniversary of the bombings comes around. Especially during the week of. As has been stated before, his timing is way off. Either you want to do your part as being the only country to suffer a Nuke/Atomic attack, to rid the world of Nukes, or you want to start your own nuclear weapons development program. You can't have it both ways.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Just do not forget the US may reduce defence spending by 25% or more and what China has been doing lately in Asian Sea including the invation to Tibet.

Having said that, I would not be bashing Ishihara because what he had said. It is not that simple in a geopolitical arena.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Who votes for people like this?

Very old people, apparently. Though a couple of people I know are big supporters, despite being otherwise rational humans. I don't get it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Protesting or complaining about stock piles of nukes in N.Korea, China, and even Russia might earn you a free ticket to prison or re-education camp. China is continuing building the military power and claiming most part of S. China sea thus pushing a bilateral negotiation instead of complying with international norm. Russia acts in similar fashion regarding Karafuto islands. Yeah, it is like dealing with the mafia from a weak position. Japan should not be bullied around by those hatred mentality of the past. By the way, France, England, Russia, and Germany have nukes in some forms or another. It is better to abandon nuke for the entire region and even the entire world. Enjoy your dreams, folks.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Bgood41Aug. 07, 2011 - 11:54AM JST

Weapons can be used for deterrent purposes. Having the security alarm at home is not necessary means inviting the thief at all. Most develop countries in the world possesses nuclear weapon including China, Russia , and even N.Korea. Japan has the right to self defense by all means, and should not be bullied by surrounding countries. The whole region should be nuclear free if we are to concern by all due fairness. How about aiming the attacks on China, Russia, even N.Korea to abandon their nukes that Japan will follow? Japan enjoys her freedom that not found in China, N.Korea, and even Russia. Please be real folks, it is a jungle out there.

I'm sorry... How many time China, NK, and Russia attack of Japan and what lose Japan after those attacks? Are you ready drop a-bomb to China, NK and Russia? Can you made list of targets? What future we can wait?

Really exist only one motive development a-bomb is USA. If not ready drop a-bomb on USA and dead after that, then you don't need a-bomb.

hat Ishihara want get from China, NK, Russia by use a-bomb? I sure that he get nothing.

Don't forget please that in 11.04 Russia after some hour offer help, and when Japanese Government wake up, Russia given the biggest finance and material help to Japan after 11.04.2011. China and NK too gave help to Japan. How you will live without us?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

He certainly is a loony and a highly destructive one.

And, it's hard to believe, but he is currently the GOVERNOR OF TOKYO!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

sensei - Har!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I can imagine Ishihara riding the Japanese bomb through the sky, with his hand in a WWII-era banzai salute, like a Japanese Slim Pickens out of Dr. Strangelove.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

smithinjapan: Why not just send a TEPCO manager?

okitokidoki: Good point! They could probably lie, cheat and mismanage any country back to the stone age using just the available local technology if given a chance by politicians they bought and paid for. Sigh.

ROFL!!!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Sure, and then Japan should conduct simulations pretending that it has a military and can do something besides distribute water in the safest corner of Iraq. It's nothing but masturbatory fantasy. Ishihara has never done anything to benefit Japan, let alone lifted a finger to defend it. He's a fascist demagogue.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Good god this guy is a loony.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

This man really is a piece of work:

"Women should not be allowed to live beyond menopause"

http://homepage3.nifty.com/hanishihara/kokisaishomei-e.htm

"The March earthquake was divine punishment"

http://www.japanprobe.com/2011/03/15/tokyo-governor-earthquake-was-divine-punishment-ishihara_damare/

There's plenty more.

Who votes for people like this?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I think that it is interesting that Tokyo Governor Ishihara, with his right-wing nationalist views, is the same age as Yoko Ono, liberal avant-garde artist (also featured in a recent JapanToday article) Two famous Japanese, and they have very different views on nuclear issues.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

“Japan should do something similar to those simulations,” Ishihara told the press. “Japan needs to send a message that it could possess nuclear weapons any time. We have a huge stockpile of plutonium.

"

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Tokyoites get what they deserve. They vote for this old fogey, then they have no right to complain.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

It's nice to see, in this uncertain world, that some things can be relied upon. Water flows downhill, deranged ramblings spill from this clown's mouth.

I'd love to hear an explanation from one of the morons who re-elected this myopic crook as to why this kind of rhetoric is acceptable. But they are yet to condemn his "This disaster is divine punishment on the selfish people" gem, so I'm not holding my breath.

I only wish he'd made this blunder before he'd committed billions of our money to another failed olympic bid. Somebody might have advised him not to bother.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

okitokidoki: "Good point! They could probably lie, cheat and mismanage any country back to the stone age using just the available local technology if given a chance by politicians they bought and paid for. "

'cheat' implies that they have some sort of skill. I was suggesting they would just bungle things up and destroy the nation -- that's the TEPCO way.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Why possess nuclear weapons at all? They are supposed to be never used at all and they are stupefyingly expensive. If You started using them, Your country ceases to exist, no matter who You are.

And - for the comment that most developed countries possess nukes - that is the typical viewpoint of someone who has never been to Europe. Nowhere is a higher density of highly developed countries that do not even want to have nuclear weapons.

It is hard to get rid of nukes because conservatives, nationalists and so on in Your country will always insist that they are prestigious and important. Anyone who still has the choice and goes nuclear is incredibly dumb. There is no whatsoever benefit at all.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

this guy makes me glad i live out in the suburban area of sagamihara city. i don't have to be embarrassed every time this dinosaur opens his mouth to pander to his aging voting base. the emperor should smack this guy up side the head.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I wonder how many Japanese agree with Ishihara on this?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Many countries neighbouring Japan believes Japan has already conducting those simulated nucleat weapon test and the Japanese SDF has a plan to acquire nuclear weapons! The entire japnese defense agencies and academy were eager rightists like Ishihar shintaro eager to spit from US protection and nuclear armed. remember the former US deputy secretry of state Amitage has convinced japan to abolish article 9 in her constitution and do the right things: to acquire nuclear weapons!

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Japan needs to send a message that it could possess nuclear weapons any time. We have a huge stockpile of plutonium.

I thought there was no link between peaceful nuclear energy usage and weapons?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

smithinjapan: Why not just send a TEPCO manager? Good point! They could probably lie, cheat and mismanage any country back to the stone age using just the available local technology if given a chance by politicians they bought and paid for. Sigh.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

okitokidoki: "Can't they just send a Tepco-managed nuclear powerplant to their enemies?"

Good one. Why not just send a TEPCO manager?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Does Japan really need nuclear bombs? Can't they just send a Tepco-managed nuclear powerplant to their enemies? That weapon was already tested and appears capable of serious damage.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Let's assume that Japan has made some nuclear bombs. Whether the mayor of Tokyo can result the list of the purposes for these bombs. And also ecological and historical consequences of application of nuclear bombs? The foreign policy of Japan is very irresponsible. Really the mayor of Tokyo doesn't understand, what even his words will have very serious consequences? Neighbors of Japan when won't think that he has joked.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

This guy is certifiably insane.

why, because he wants to defend his country? in america that is called being patriotic

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

Most develop countries in the world possesses nuclear weapon including China, Russia , and even N.Korea

That's an optimistic assessment of these nations' advancements. With millions starving in N. Korea, the population and lifespan of Russians in perpetual decline, and a portrait of Mao still hanging on the Forbidden City, "develop countries" is not a term I'd associate with these places for the foreseeable future.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

This guy is certifiably insane.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

So a pretend politician who pretends such events as the Nanking massacre never happened wants Japan to run pretend nuclear simulations on a pretend nuclear weapon.

What more can be said about this moron.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Japan enjoys her freedom that not found in China, N.Korea, and even Russia. Please be real folks, it is a jungle out there.

since when was 'freedom' a requirement to become a nuclear weapon state? and we all know how crazy japan gets when they become militarised. no one in asia wants history to repeat itself.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

How dare this nutcase criticise Japan's imagination that as long as it doesn't possess nukes, other countries won't bombard the country with neutron weapons and occupy its airfields.

We wonder why they just don't die yet?!! YUCK~

We are still wondering why his VIRTUOUS political opponents are just plain stupid

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

what a moron!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

And with perfect timing, our beloved major puts a flie in they yearly Hiroshima wailing ointment. Got to love the guy...

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

This man is an abomination, but there's a bright side -- he will cease to be an abomination at some point, likely in the near future. If there are pearly gates awaiting us when we inevitably leave this place, Ishihara will be declared a foreigner and denied.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Weapons can be used for deterrent purposes.

That's exactly why newcomers are not welcomed in the Nuke club.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Weapons can be used for deterrent purposes. Having the security alarm at home is not necessary means inviting the thief at all. Most develop countries in the world possesses nuclear weapon including China, Russia , and even N.Korea. Japan has the right to self defense by all means, and should not be bullied by surrounding countries. The whole region should be nuclear free if we are to concern by all due fairness. How about aiming the attacks on China, Russia, even N.Korea to abandon their nukes that Japan will follow? Japan enjoys her freedom that not found in China, N.Korea, and even Russia. Please be real folks, it is a jungle out there.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Japan needs to send a message that it could possess nuclear weapons any time. We have a huge stockpile of plutonium.

Right, and how would Japan be able to handle its N force and a a pile of N weapons when they even failed to handle their very own N plant safely, say Fukushima.

Hahahaha Exactly!!!!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Congrats to all the residents of Tokyo who overwhelmingly reelected this clown a year or so ago. He is making you and your city proud. Hope the IOC reads this and understands better what they would be dealing with in Tokyo.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Japan built her outstanding presence on the world stage by her hard working and her first class technology, as well as her strong economy and social discipline.

It has all gone, as Mr. Ishihara is seeing this quite correctly. Does he really think that flexing muscles can bring the lost paradise back? Childish old man.

So, if you don't like and respect me any more, then learn to fear me. Yes, Mr. Ishihara, you are right. Fear is stronger than love and lasts longer. But would the world or Just China really be scared of Japan possessing Nuke weapons or would find it a good excuse for a pre-emptive strike.

Possessing nuclear weapons and being strong and prepared for a war are two different things. The world is not that stupid Mr. Ishihara. Japan is not ready for protecting herself by means of violence. Rather by strong economy. If you lost the competition in the field of technology and economy, how do you want to win by war?

War needs a lot of money, and that is what you don't have, cause making money needs strong economy .

Wouldn't restoring life, wealth, productivity and economy be more effective?

Oh, and just a question.

Japan needs to send a message that it could possess nuclear weapons any time. We have a huge stockpile of plutonium.

Right, and how would Japan be able to handle its N force and a a pile of N weapons when they even failed to handle their very own N plant safely, say Fukushima.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

So on the anniversary of Hiroshima and just before the anniversary of Nagasaki, when the PM is declaring Japan will become completely non-nuclear and during the Fukushima crisis, this man says they should be conducting nuclear weapons simulations.

The man truly does have his head screwed on backwards. And wasn't part of his Olympic bid based on how much Japan has suffered (a large part to do with Fukushima)?

I agree with a poster above -- the sooner these 'Showa geezers' are gone (at least retired) the better.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Well, with all that nuclear waste running all over Japan, you would think people would have common sense. Talking about nuke should be the last thing one peoples mind. Especially with those active volcano's under Japan, it is a matter of time before they surface, and Japan's people should be making friend with everyone, because they will need a place to stay after the volcano's surfaces.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Why on earth would China seriously attack Japan, it's resource rich economy?, it's aging population? or perhaps it's huge public debt, maybe they really want to help with a crumbling Infastructure. Might sink a boat or two but invade? NK are nuts but both China and the USA would be more than a little upset should they attack. What a week PM says let's go non N and this Polly calls for Nucs, as the country commemorates Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Turn the sound up on that black van, can not hear common sense that way.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@Fugacis

More attention-seeking bluster from a senile old racist who needs to sit down and wait for the nurse to bring him his pills. The sooner these old Showa geezers die off the better.

And that is something that my husband dreams about often and can't wait for it to happen, he blames the corruption of our government and everything that's wrong on this right-wing racist shameless old bureaucrats from the Showa era that are STILL alive. We wonder why they just don't die yet?!! YUCK~

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Maybe someone should remember him that cold war era is over.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

In my humble opinion, Ishihara is a great political strategist addressing this message to China and NK. We just have to make sure they do not see Japan as a Paper Tiger.

LOL! as if china will be afraid of a little kitten like japan who still relies on uncle sam for protection

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

But he was just only a schoolboy when the A-bombs hit!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

He's right, but he's 70 years after the facts. Japan lost it's presence on the international stage almost 70 years ago.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Someone take this demented old man to the doctor, NOW.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

"We have a huge stockpile of plutonium"

Whose fault is that?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I am not here to defend his remarks. He often speaks about the truth 10 yrs ahead. Most people do not want to accept that.

In my humble opinion, Ishihara is a great political strategist addressing this message to China and NK. We just have to make sure they do not see Japan as a Paper Tiger.

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

He spat on the Japanese Constitution too many time as of late.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Japan needs to send a message that it could possess nuclear weapons any time. We have a huge stockpile of plutonium.

Japan already posesses nuclear weapons. Don't be naive in believing otherwise.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

More attention-seeking bluster from a senile old racist who needs to sit down and wait for the nurse to bring him his pills. The sooner these old Showa geezers die off the better.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Man it is too late and your people were convinced for peace, most peaceful people in the world with out weapons in Hand.. Better to think something like Olympic for Tokyo in 2050...or something like that...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

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