Hiroshima Mayor criticizes Saya’s comment on nuclear weapons as a cheap alternative as missing the point

On August 1, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui criticized Saya, a newly elected Sanseito member of the House of Councillors from Tokyo, for saying during the July election campaign that “nuclear armament is the cheapest option.” He called her comment "off the mark" and said nuclear weapons are "definitely not cheap."

At his regular press conference, Mayor Matsui explained that maintaining nuclear weapons requires significant resources and expert personnel. He added that if nuclear-armed countries reduced their arsenals, the money could be better spent on social welfare.

He also warned that while nuclear weapons might offer short-term intimidation, they do not help build long-term relationships and could lead to instability. He emphasized, “We should use wisdom to avoid violence — that is the right path.”

Saya had made the original comment during a July 3 online broadcast, saying that even North Korea gained enough standing to speak with former U.S. President Trump after acquiring nuclear weapons. She claimed that nuclear armament is “the cheapest and most effective way to strengthen security.”