TOKYO, August 6. /TASS/. The Japanese government has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the three non-nuclear principles - namely, not to possess, produce, or import nuclear weapons - during a ceremony commemorating the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed a gathering of hibakusha, the survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, emphasizing, "We will continue to uphold the three non-nuclear principles and work tirelessly towards a world free of nuclear weapons." The hibakusha representatives responded by asserting that "any calls within the government or ruling party to reconsider these principles are entirely unacceptable."
Japan has long adhered to these three non-nuclear principles, which, while not enshrined in law, have been reaffirmed by every Japanese government leader. For decades, discussions of nuclear armament have remained taboo, with some politicians referring to a "fourth principle" - not to discuss nuclear issues at all - and calling for its abandonment.
Since Sanae Takaichi assumed the premiership, media outlets have speculated that the review of Japan’s national security strategy might include debates on the non-nuclear principles. There have been reports suggesting that Takaichi could advocate for lifting the ban on hosting American nuclear weapons on Japanese soil. However, the prime minister has publicly stated that she has not ordered a revision of the non-nuclear principles amid these strategic discussions. When questioned about Japan’s future stance, Takaichi has been evasive, refusing to confirm whether the principles will be maintained. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has called for a more open national debate on nuclear armament - a proposal that has met with strong opposition from hibakusha and anti-nuclear advocates.
