In early January 2026, the city assemblies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki took centre stage, calling on the Japanese government to reaffirm the Three Non-Nuclear Principles: no possessing, no producing, and no allowing nuclear weapons into the country. Hiroshima’s assembly adopted its statement unanimously on Jan 9, while Nagasaki’s passed it by majority vote on Jan 8. 🤝
Both statements highlighted growing concern over plans to revise these principles alongside updates to Japan’s security documents. Many residents of the atomic-bombed cities feel these core pledges are part of Japan’s identity and must be protected.
These non-nuclear principles were first declared by Prime Minister Eisaku Sato in 1967 and formally adopted by parliament in 1971, forming Japan’s bedrock nuclear policy. They were even reaffirmed in the National Security Strategy approved by the Cabinet in 2022, which states that commitment will remain unchanged.
Now, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is weighing a review of the third principle—the ban on bringing nuclear weapons into Japanese territory—as she updates security guidelines. Citizens and city leaders in Hiroshima and Nagasaki are urging her to prioritise peace and honour the legacy of August 6 and 9, 1945, when atomic bombs devastated their cities. 🕊️
As Japan navigates a shifting security landscape, the powerful voices of these two cities remind everyone that the promise of a nuclear-free nation still resonates—especially among the next generation shaping tomorrow’s policies.
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Hiroshima, Nagasaki call on Japan to uphold non-nuclear principles
cgtn.com
