A survey by Mainichi Shimbun on Japanese election candidates found that 8 of the 125 elected members supported Japan having nuclear weapons. This included 6 members from the Sanseito party, 1 from the Liberal Democratic Party, and 1 from the Japan Conservative Party. Previously, support for nuclear possession among elected officials was typically very low, often 1 or 0, but the Sanseito party’s increased seats changed this trend.
In previous elections, few supported nuclear possession, such as just 3 out of 465 winners in last fall’s House of Representatives election. Now, over 10 lawmakers favor nuclear possession, challenging Japan’s long-held policy against having, making, or bringing in nuclear weapons.
Akira Kawasaki from the international NGO ICAN called the increase alarming, noting Japan would need to exit the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a difficult move, suggesting the stance is more of a catchy claim than a serious policy. He emphasized the historical impact of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki makes this issue significant.
Sanseito’s policy statement suggests that Japan, surrounded by nuclear nations, should consider deterrence while aiming for long-term nuclear disarmament.
Also, 20% (25 elected members) said Japan should not have nuclear weapons but should consider sharing. This includes members from the Liberal Democratic Party, Democratic Party for the People, Japan Innovation Party, Sanseito, and independents. Meanwhile, 60% (75 members) said Japan should neither possess nor share nuclear weapons.
by MagazineKey4532