no is not Russia that has prompt Japan wanting Nuclear, it China behavior over the last two decades which worries Japan

I don’t know in this case. Obviously the global developments show that they soon might be needed, but on the other side, majority of population, the constitution and the well- known historical reasons massively forbid that for sure or at least to quite an extent. So personally I can’t foresee if and how that is turning out. Only one thing is clear, of course, if the need would really and acutely arise for any reason, that defense option is under the current situation not at all at hand if needed, neither own nor the on paper provided ones.

No, but I think it will bolster the idiots who think Japan should have them (while still starting every sentence with, "As the only nation to suffer a nuclear attack...").

We need the 'I hope so'' option. That would be my answer.

I don't think that Japan can be trusted to have it's own nuclear weapons.

The WW2 oligarchies are still in power. They are stupid enough to repeat the genocides again if given the nuclear weapons.

I sure hope so. Japan is surrounded by nations with nuclear capability. As the old adage goes: you don't bring a knife to a gun fight. They wouldn't be the only ones with nukes, so they wouldn't be careless with them as that would bring about their own annihilation.

I suspect Japan has had nuclear weapon components lying in close formation for a couple of decades that could have final assembly done in minutes.

Japan can still claim to not have nuclear weapons.

It takes about 6-1/2 pounds of plutonium to make one and Japan has 730 pounds of high-grade plutonium. It has an additional 9.3 metric tons of plutonium stored in Japan.

The US and Japan together have plenty of capability to deliver. The US doesn't need to stockpile in Japan if the they are designed with compatible mechanical and electronic interfaces.

Wouldn't you do it, with China, Russia and North Korea at your doorstep?

Probably not the wisest move for Japan. North Korea might see it as a sign of aggression. Heck, even South Korea and China might get their hackles raised.

Japan has capability. But it is uncertain if and how well the possession of nuclear arms would contribute to Japan's overall national security. In fact, the Russian invasion in Ukraine is challenging the nuclear deterrent framework. A crazy guy uses it anyway without considering nuke-retaliation.

An optimistic scenario is that a nuclear-armed Japan may be able to negotiate in more equal terms with other countries over nuclear-arms reduction.

Japanese politicians will make this war the basis for their 'need' to have nuclear weapons, yes. But they will frame it so that they aren't making nuclear weapons sort of like they harvesting whales not for food but for 'research.'

Hell no.

Not a single family member, even the hard boiled conservative revisionists will countenance an off shore nuclear capability.

Although they seem to have no problem ducking under US non conventional umbrella as long as they don't have to push the button.

With Russia, PRC, North Korea beside and eventually with an imprevisible Donald Trump in the White House - it is a must!

I voted no because despite having the resources and ability, Japan doesn't want the poltical baggage and responsibility of being a nuclear power. But I do think that Japan may, and it would be wise to, enter a nuclear sharing arrangement. The world has become far too hostile and unpredictable for Japan to keep going on as it has for the last 80 years.

No but they should consider it as a determinant to China, it's inevitable that they will try and take over

Take over what? J-Pop and manga? There are absolutely no natural resources in Japan. There are enough earthquakes in China - they don't need anymore.

I seriously doubt it, unless Japan seeks to guarantee their own security independent of the US. Which is not something I think they are looking to do anytime soon.

No but they should consider it as a determinant to China, it's inevitable that they will try and take over

Why would they? There is no historical claim, there are no desperately needed resources, there isn't a massive Chinese population clamoring for integration. China has few imperailistic tendencies, they haven't been to war since 1979 unless you count the border skirmishes with India. An attempted invasion of Japan would inevitably get the US involved too.

I see absolutely no reason to think China would want to invade Japan.

Why Japan needs Nuke if can never use? Deterrent against external threat but having USA forced in JP soil that is not required ..

Like @Alan Harrison so eloquently said......

'I don't think that Japan can be trusted to have it's own nuclear weapons.'

He nailed it.

Why is it whenever there is a war somewhere in the world the conversation always turns to nuclear weapons? These days, there are far more destructive weapons than nuclear. Nuclear weapons are old technology. People should be concerned about modern countries using nuclear weapons. However, there are less developed countries armed with dirty nuclear weapons. These are the ones to be concerned about.

Even if Japan wanted to make its own nukes, look how long it's taken them to develop their own fighter jet. Good luck getting even 1 useable warhead finished by 2095.

No, but clearly Putin and Xi discussed what he intended to do, which should lead you to consider Taiwan.

For Japan, having nuclear weapons is a good thing. Japan needs its own troops, and the Pacific clearly needs Japanese protection. The Ukrainian war is a mirror. If Ukraine is not willing to destroy its weapons, then Russia will never invade Ukraine. It's ridiculous that people talk about ethics and rules with countries like China and Russia. There have been countless emperors throughout history, and people have always been keen to get out of politics. When people don't want to trouble politicians, then politicians will trouble people . An example is the European Union, which gave up its own energy independence and welcomed China and Russia. The stupid EU caused the current European war. People are still talking about Britain leaving Europe is stupid. Now all Russian supporters are under energy threat. These countries bear economic losses and inflation. The bad planet is made worse by war and energy extraction. The virus has invaded people, and the living standards of the poor are worse.

SpitfireMar. 30  05:24 pm JST

Like @Alan Harrison so eloquently said......

'I don't think that Japan can be trusted to have it's own nuclear weapons.'

He nailed it.

Nonsense. A nuclear capable Japan would be on the same level as UK and France.

That tier of nations are far more trustworthy with nukes than the major geopolitical players like China, United States and Russia.

"I don't think that Japan can be trusted to have it's own nuclear weapons."

Entirely agreed.

North Korea, Pakistan or Iran are much more reliable members of the International community!

I heard Saudi Arabia is nicer and more free than Japan.