A Japanese opposition leader has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over recent remarks perceived as challenging Japan's long-standing non-nuclear principles and shifting the country's post-war security stance.
Mizuho Fukushima, a member of Japan's House of Councillors and leader of the Social Democratic Party, noted that Japan must firmly uphold its "Three Non-Nuclear Principles."
She called recent suggestions by some government officials that Japan could possess nuclear weapons a severe challenge to these principles and "completely unacceptable."
"Japan is the only country in the world to have suffered atomic bombings. Therefore, it should steadfastly adhere to the 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles.' The principles themselves are of utmost importance. Yet, government officials have made statements supporting nuclear armament and the possession of nuclear weapons, which I think is completely unacceptable. Some argue that 'discussion itself is permissible,' but that is not the case. Atomic bomb survivors already feel an intense sense of crisis merely from such discussions emerging. The 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles' must be upheld. Japan must absolutely not pursue nuclear armament," she said.
Fukushima also directly criticized Takaichi's recent statements, demanding a retraction and political accountability.
"Takaichi's recent remarks regarding a 'survival-threatening situation' not only violate Japan's constitution but also contradict the definition of such a situation within our own security-related laws. Therefore, Takaichi must retract her erroneous statements. Otherwise, are we to understand that if a conflict breaks out in another country or region, Japan would launch military attacks? This would lead to utterly absurd and unacceptable consequences. Thus, Takaichi should retract this statement. If she does not retract it, her cabinet should step down," she said.
Japanese lawmaker condemns Takaichi's remarks on nuclear weapons
