Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese atomic bomb survivors' group that won last year's Nobel Peace Prize, urged the government on Wednesday to participate as an observer at a convention of signatories to a U.N. nuclear weapons ban treaty, but said Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba remained noncommittal during a meeting in Tokyo.
The group's co-chair Terumi Tanaka said the roughly 30-minute sit-down with the prime minister, held to congratulate the group on the prize, "did not yield results" on the issue. Another attendee, Toshiyuki Mimaki, described Ishiba's reticence as "regrettable."
Japan's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said the government will examine how to take a "realistic and practical" approach in response to the group's call for Japan, the only country to have experienced nuclear attacks, to attend the gathering of signatories to the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in March in New York.
Komeito party chief Tetsuo Saito, who was also at the meeting, quoted Ishiba as only saying at the meeting he is aware that "there is a view" that Japan should participate.
"It was an occasion rather for the prime minister to explain his views on defense and security, and we did not have time to respond. We want the government to set up another meeting," Tanaka told reporters.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the final days of World War II.
During the meeting at the prime minister's office, the group, also known as the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, stressed the importance of Japan taking a leadership role in ridding the world of nuclear weapons, according to the government.
After the war, Japan forged a security alliance with the United States, relying on its nuclear umbrella while upholding the principles of not possessing, producing or allowing nuclear weapons.
Neither Japan nor the United States has joined the nuclear weapons ban treaty, which entered into force in 2021. Germany, a NATO member, has attended the treaty's meetings as an observer.
Nihon Hidankyo received the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to realize a nuclear-free world including giving witness testimonies.
Ishiba at the meeting said the receipt of the prize was of "great significance" and told the members of the group, "I'd like to express my respect and appreciation for your efforts over the years" that led to the awarding of the prize.
Ishiba, who became prime minister in October, has underscored the importance of the nuclear deterrence provided by the United States, in the face of North Korea's nuclear and missile development, China's nuclear buildup, and Russia's threat to use nuclear weapons.
© KYODO
33 Comments
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JJE
Oh, I see.
So it's really crocodile tears for Hiroshima and Nagasaki after all.
How convenient.
Matt
With all the respect in the world for the pain these people suffered 80 years ago, but they are not living in the real world if they think politicians in Japan, let alone the rest of the world care what they think.
deanzaZZR
For anyone paying attention to Japan the past few decades BREAKING NEWS
Mr Kipling
Japan's nuclear master won't allow Japan to sign up to a meaningless, feel good charter.
Some dude
Being noncommittal is his job. Nobody put him in that position because they thought he was going to change things. Entirely the opposite.
voiceofokinawa
Seeking a U.S nuclear umbrella is tantamount to possessing nuclear weapons. Thus, Japan can be said to be a nuclear state.
No wonder, then, that China and North Korea regard Japan as an arci-enemy against them, whereby there is no room for mutual dialogue. Truly regrettable, indeed.
TaiwanIsNotChina
He should have been noncommittal about whether Japan is developing nuclear weapons.
Meiyouwenti
The Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) should realize that, as the only country that experienced nuclear attacks, Japan has the right to possess its own nuclear weapons to protect its citizens from future nuclear attacks by rogue nuclear powers.
deanzaZZR
Neo-com LDP nod in agreement.
The_Beagle
American warships and submarines with nuclear capability dock at American base ports in Japan. American bombers with nuclear capability fly out of American bases in Japan. Everyone knows this. It would be hypocritical for Japan to sign.
OssanAmerica
You have that backwards.
Japan is under the US Nuclear Umbrella because its neighbors China, Russia, North Korea all have nuclear weapons. Japan has been regarded as an enemy state by these nations since WWII ended.
TaiwanIsNotChina
So countries are not even allowed to have a mutual defense treaty with nuclear power? Interesting red line there. SK and all of Europe would be across it.
Great Bird
Neo-com? What's that, neo communist or some other weird new thing? The LDP is a lot, but neo-com, whatever that is supposed to mean, most likely not.
JJE
He meant "neo-con" methinks (typo, m being next to n and all)
GuruMick
Neo com means neo conservative I believe.
Term been around a while.
Great Bird
Neocon I know, neo-com was new to me.
Wouldn't call the LDP neocon though.
Gaijinjland
That’s because Japan has been host to nuclear weapons via the US for 80 years. So they are always vague and “noncommittal. Anyone think I’m wrong? Technically, the nuclear weapons are not on Japanese soil anyway.
u_s__reamer
Morals meet politics: no contest, hypocrisy wins, innit?
kurisupisu
So, ‘noncommittal’ means pro nuclear weapons?
So, does this mean that PM Ishiba is pro nuclear weapons?
How about their use in a first strike?
The US has proposed that. Does PM Ishiba agree?
What do the majority of the Japanese people think about that?
If Japan is a democracy and not an authoritarian state then there is no room for being ‘noncommittal’
Maybe PM Ishiba and the Diet members need to visit Hiroshima in order to voice a more informed ‘committed’ opinion…
OssanAmerica
The agreeement was made 74 years ago in 1951 and revised in 1960 65 years ago. It was part of the run up to the end of the US occupation in 1952 and the formation of the National Police Reserve created in 1950 which became the JSDF in 1954.
itsonlyrocknroll
While dictatorships of China, Russia, North Korea possess nuclear weapons, threaten the people of Japan, its sovereign territory/borders, its seas, its air space.
No Japanese Prime Minister present or future should attend attend or contribute to UN farcical gathering of signatories to the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba should/must unequivocally make that statement directly to the misguided naively of Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese atomic bomb survivors' group.
itsonlyrocknroll
Japan future welfare of its culture country could require the its people to debate openly as to developing maintaining a tactical strategic off shore nuclear deterrent.
The government of China actions, the constant military threats harassment of Taiwan is proof enough that U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is a worthless charade.
Agent_Neo
Even if Japan signs the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, it will still be under the US nuclear umbrella.
If there is any talk of world peace, China, Russia, North Korea, and South Korea should sign the treaty first.
As long as the communist and anti-Japanese countries surrounding Japan possess large numbers of nuclear weapons, Japan must not abandon its nuclear development as a means of self-defense.
TaiwanIsNotChina
How do you host something "via" somewhere else?
ebisen
It would be absolutely irresponsible and mind boggling crazy for Japan to not develop its own nuclear weapons already!! russia has them, china has them, north-koreea has them. Trump is non committal at best and down right adversarial at worst. As it is now, Japan is a sitting duck.
deanzaZZR
That is a load of BS. China does not regard Japan as an enemy state.
Yrral
Nukes are useless,it had not deterred countries from being hostile to the US
voiceofokinawa
What makes him dither to become an advocate for NPT, even rejecting to send observers to its meetings? Apparently, he fears a U.S. reaction and retaliation. That's all there is to it.
OssanAmerica
Chinese military simulations of attacks on US air bases in Japan alarms Tokyo
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3270108/images-china-simulating-attacks-us-bases-japan-may-bring-tokyo-closer-its-allies
NihonRyu
Japan finds itself surrounded by increasingly aggressive neighbors: China, North Korea, and Russia, all of whom possess nuclear weapons and have shown little hesitation in using coercion to pursue their goals. In this environment, it is no longer sufficient to rely solely on the U.S. nuclear umbrella or outdated ideals of a nuclear-free world.
1. Escalating Threats from Adversaries
China:
Continues to expand its nuclear arsenal while engaging in aggressive military maneuvers near Japan’s territorial waters and airspace. Chinese military simulations targeting U.S. bases in Japan are alarming. (SCMP Article)
Cyberattacks linked to China, such as those by the hacking group MirrorFace, have targeted Japan’s national security and advanced technology sectors, further demonstrating China’s disregard for sovereignty and international norms.
North Korea:
Regularly conducts missile tests, with many landing dangerously close to Japan. Their nuclear weapons program poses a direct threat to Japanese cities.
Russia:
Has openly threatened the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine and continues to project military power near Japan’s northern territories.
2. Japan’s Vulnerability as a “Sitting Duck”
Japan, as the only G7 nation without nuclear weapons, remains an outlier in a world where nuclear deterrence is a reality.
Relying solely on the U.S. nuclear umbrella leaves Japan vulnerable, especially if U.S. interests diverge from Japan’s in the future.
A noncommittal stance, as demonstrated by recent government actions, risks emboldening adversaries who view Japan as weak and unprepared to defend itself.
3. A Responsible Case for a Nuclear Deterrent
While Japan’s tragic history with nuclear weapons must never be forgotten, we must also recognize the evolving geopolitical landscape. Developing a limited, tactical nuclear arsenal for self-defense would:
Deter Aggression: Adversaries are less likely to target a nation with the capability to retaliate.
Strengthen Alliances: A self-reliant Japan would be a more effective partner to allies like the U.S., Australia, and South Korea.
Ensure Sovereignty: Japan must not remain dependent on other nations for its ultimate security.
4. Lessons from Global Examples
Germany, a NATO member, participates in nuclear sharing arrangements while attending U.N. nuclear ban treaty meetings as an observer. Why should Japan shy away from similar pragmatic approaches?
India developed its nuclear arsenal under existential threats, balancing deterrence with global diplomacy.
5. Taking Inspiration from Trump’s Policies
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s "America First" strategy emphasized self-reliance and prioritizing national interests. Japan must adopt a "Japan First" policy:
Develop its own nuclear deterrent to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
Restrict adversarial nations like China from buying land and assets in Japan, as they deny Japanese citizens reciprocal rights in their countries.
Strengthen military alliances while standing independently on key national security issues.
6. Addressing the Critics
Nuclear-Free Advocates: While the goal of a nuclear-free world is noble, the reality is that China, North Korea, and Russia are not disarming. Japan must act to protect itself.
Public Opinion: Clear communication and education about the strategic necessity of a nuclear deterrent can shift public sentiment.
7. Japan’s Path Forward
The world has changed, and Japan must adapt to secure its future. A nation surrounded by nuclear-armed adversaries cannot afford to remain defenseless. As Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized, nuclear deterrence is critical in the face of modern threats.
Japan has the technological expertise, economic resources, and moral responsibility to protect its citizens. Developing a limited, defensive nuclear arsenal is not an act of aggression but a necessary step toward ensuring peace through strength.
This is the moment for Japan to assert its sovereignty and security. Failing to act now risks leaving future generations vulnerable to coercion and aggression. Let us build a stronger, more secure Japan!
socrateos
It is clear that Prime Minister Ishiba is a realist, which is good for Japan and democratic nations in Asia and around the world. People should know already that when it comes to defense, he envisions something akin to NATO rather than the UN.
Aoi Azuuri
Post-war Japan hasn't yet paid national reparations at all to many general citizen who were forced to cooperate to the WW2 by Government and were involved to battle and were killed.
Agent_Neo
Japan has not even paid compensation to its own citizens... ?
What is a survivor's pension?
Former US President Bill Clinton expressed regret for persuading Ukraine to give up its nuclear weapons while he was president, saying that if Ukraine had continued to possess them, there would have been no invasion of Ukraine.
"We must begin by acknowledging a hard truth: We cannot eliminate violent conflict in our lifetimes. There will be times when nations, whether acting alone or in concert, believe that the use of force is not only necessary but morally justified.
I am speaking from the heart of what Martin Luther King, Jr., said at this awards ceremony many years ago. He said, "Violence never brings lasting peace. It never solves any of society's problems. It only creates new and more complex problems." As someone who is here as a direct result of King's life's work, I am an embodiment of the moral power of nonviolence. I know there was nothing weak, negative, or naive in the beliefs and lives of Gandhi and Dr. King. But as head of state appointed to defend my country, I cannot follow their lead alone. I face the world as it is. I cannot stand idly by in the face of threats to the American people. Make no mistake: there is evil in the world. A nonviolent movement would not have stopped Hitler's armies. Negotiations will not get the leaders of al-Qaeda to lay down their arms. To say that force is sometimes necessary is not to be cynical. It is to acknowledge the history of human imperfection and the limits of reason. President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech