Since Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae took office, the Japanese government has repeatedly probed at revising the 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles.' Recent disclosures indicate that the prime minister's office asked the ruling coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, to go 'one step further' on re-examining the principles.
The 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles' -- 'not to possess, not to manufacture, and not to introduce nuclear weapons' -- have been Japan's basic nuclear policy since their adoption at the House of Representatives plenary session in 1971.
In June, the Japan Innovation Party submitted proposals to Prime Minister Takaichi ahead of year-end revisions to the 'three security documents,' suggesting a 'realistic review' of the 'not to introduce' clause. On re-examining the principles, it also mentioned 'consulting with the United States and taking necessary measures.'
Behind this lies the Liberal Democratic Party's push. A Japan Innovation Party insider revealed that 'the LDP is constrained by various baggage and can't say certain things,' so the prime minister's office asked the Innovation Party to go 'one step further.' The Innovation Party largely adopted views from allies of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, including former Defense Ministry official Shimada Kazuhisa. A senior Innovation Party figure said they 'maintained close communication with people close to the prime minister' while compiling the proposals.
The government's bid to revise the principles has triggered domestic concern. As previously disclosed, the Takaichi administration aims to revise the 'not to introduce nuclear weapons' principle when updating the security documents at year-end. In July, Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro openly argued Japan should discuss nuclear-related policy without taboo.
On Aug 9, at the 81st anniversary memorial for the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Prime Minister Takaichi gave an ambiguous stance on the principles, stopping short of clearly stating Japan would uphold them.
The nuclear-related moves have sparked sustained concern across Japanese society. Since the Takaichi government was formed last October, at least 128 local assemblies across 36 prefectures have submitted opinions to the Diet demanding the government stick to the principles -- the highest such tally since the Diet began accepting local assembly opinions in July 2000.
Source: CCTV News | Original
