Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has firmly opposed calls for nuclear armament, stating such a move would "never be beneficial for Japan" during a televised debate on December 20. His remarks come days after a senior security official in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration sparked controversy by advocating for nuclear weapons acquisition.
"Adopting nuclear arms would force Japan to abandon the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and IAEA oversight," Ishiba warned, emphasizing the policy would undermine the country's nuclear energy infrastructure. "Our entire framework for peaceful atomic energy use would collapse."
The debate follows a Kyodo News report revealing unnamed policymakers' arguments for nuclear deterrence amid regional security concerns. While Ishiba acknowledged growing anxieties about neighboring military capabilities, he maintained that "Japan's postwar pacifist principles remain our strongest diplomatic asset."
Political analysts note the timing highlights divisions within Japan's ruling coalition as it finalizes its 2026 national security strategy. Public opinion polls this year show 68% of citizens oppose nuclear armament, though support has risen 9% since 2023 among younger demographics.
