Ever since an anonymous senior official suggested Japan should possess nuclear weapons on December 18, former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has sounded the alarm. Speaking on BS11 this Friday night (December 26), Ishiba reminded viewers that Japan, as the only country to suffer atomic bombings, holds a unique moral responsibility to prevent nuclear proliferation.
During the TV program, Ishiba argued that any move toward a nuclear arsenal would force Japan to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). ❌💥 "This would undermine Japan's nuclear energy policy and energy security," he said, adding, "This feels like a plot twist in a political anime — but the real world stakes are too high." 🎥⚖️
The controversy began when Oue Sadamasa, a special advisor to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in charge of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, told reporters on December 18 that Japan should arm itself with nuclear weapons. The remarks, revealed in widespread media reports, sparked a nationwide debate over Japan's defense posture and its global image.
A report published on December 24 by Shukan Bunshun identified the official as Oue Sadamasa. For Ishiba, these comments risk unraveling decades of diplomatic effort and the trust Japan has built as a non-nuclear state.
✅ Why it matters:
- Global standing: Japan's reputation as a peace-focused nation rests on its non-nuclear commitment.
- Energy policy: The NPT and IAEA framework underpins Japan's civilian nuclear industry, supplying around 10% of its electricity.
- Security debate: In a changing regional environment, calls for stronger defense capabilities are growing — but nuclear armament could backfire.
For news enthusiasts, students, and travelers alike, it's crucial to watch how Japan balances security and its moral legacy. Will Ishiba's warning steer the conversation back toward non-proliferation, or will voices favoring a stronger deterrent grow louder in 2026? 🌏✨
Reference(s):
Ex-Japan PM Ishiba in fresh broadside against nuclear armament remarks
cgtn.com
