U.S. Pours Cold Water on Idea of Japan Acquiring Nukes

The United States has appeared to pour cold water on the idea of Japan acquiring its own nuclear weapons after a senior government official who advises Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on security expressed a personal opinion that Tokyo should possess such arms, Jesse Johnson reported for The Japan Times.

The adviser reportedly cited what Japan describes as an “increasingly severe” regional security environment, pointing to China’s expanding nuclear capabilities as well as nuclear threats from Russia and North Korea. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman, U.S. Navy) 

Asked by The Japan Times about the remarks, a U.S. State Department spokesperson did not directly address them but praised Japan’s stance on nuclear nonproliferation.

“Japan is a global leader and a valuable partner to the United States on nuclear nonproliferation and advancing nuclear arms control,” the spokesperson said in a recent email.

“As the National Security Strategy makes clear, the U.S. will maintain the world’s most robust, credible and modern nuclear deterrent to protect America and our allies, including Japan.”

The U.S.-Japan alliance, the official added, “is the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.”

The Japanese official, an adviser to Takaichi on national security matters, told reporters in an off-the-record exchange that Japan should acquire nuclear weapons, but also called the idea unrealistic and noted there was no discussion within the government about such a move, local media reported.

The adviser reportedly cited what Japan describes as an “increasingly severe” regional security environment, pointing to China’s expanding nuclear capabilities as well as nuclear threats from Russia and North Korea.

Ultimately, the official said, it is up to Japan to defend itself.