Japan reaffirmed its long-standing non-nuclear stance on Friday after reports that a senior government adviser suggested the country should possess nuclear weapons, according to Japanese officials.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the government remains committed to the “three non-nuclear principles,” which prohibit possessing, producing, or allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons.
He stressed Japan’s responsibility to promote global nuclear disarmament as the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings in war.
The Japanese government on Friday reiterated its commitment to non-nuclear policies, rejecting remarks made by a security official who had suggested that the country should possess nuclear weapons.#OmmcomNews https://t.co/n9fEHsi1wU
— Ommcom News (@OmmcomNews) December 19, 2025
The controversy followed off-the-record remarks by a senior official involved in security policy who reportedly said Japan should have nuclear weapons, while acknowledging such a move was unrealistic.
The official denied discussing any policy change with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
In recent years, #Japan has been gradually eroding the constraints of its "pacifist" Constitution. The #SanaeTakaichi government even harbors ambitions of making Japan "capable of waging a war". It has significantly increased defense spending and considers the removal of the… pic.twitter.com/pMidf89ZFS
— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) December 13, 2025
China warned that such comments, if accurate, would be serious and accused Japanese right-wing forces of reviving militarism. Japan’s opposition demanded accountability, calling the remarks unacceptable.
The debate comes as Japan reviews its national security strategy amid rising tensions with China and North Korea.
While Tokyo insists its non-nuclear policy remains intact, some officials have hinted that aspects of the policy could be debated in future security document revisions.
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TIPP Staff
