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Hiroshima, Nagasaki Urge Japan to Uphold Non-Nuclear Principles Amid Review

The city assemblies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have adopted statements urging the Japanese government to uphold the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. The Hiroshima assembly unanimously urged the government to take the feelings of atomic-bomb survivors seriously, while Nagasaki's assembly passed its statement by a majority vote. The principles, established in 1971, are facing potential review by the ruling party regarding the prohibition of introducing nuclear weapons. This comes despite a 2022 national security document stating the basic policy of adhering to the principles would remain unchanged.

Key Points: Japan's Atomic-Bombed Cities Urge Upholding Non-Nuclear Principles

  • Unanimous Hiroshima statement
  • Nagasaki majority vote
  • Principles face review
  • 2022 policy said unchanged
  • Civil petition submitted
2 min read

Hiroshima, Nagasaki urge Japanese govt to uphold non-nuclear principles

Hiroshima and Nagasaki city assemblies urge Japanese government to uphold Three Non-Nuclear Principles amid ruling party review, citing atomic bomb legacy.

"strongly urging the Japanese government to take the feelings of people in the atomic-bombed cities seriously - Hiroshima City Assembly"

Tokyo, Jan 10

The city assemblies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have adopted statements urging the Japanese government to adhere to the country's Three Non-Nuclear Principles, Kyodo News reported.

The Hiroshima City Assembly unanimously adopted its statement on Friday, pointing out that the ruling party's attempt to revise the non-nuclear principles has caused concern, and strongly urging the Japanese government to take the feelings of people in the atomic-bombed cities seriously and to uphold the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, the report said.

The Nagasaki City Assembly passed its statement on Thursday by a majority vote, noting that successive Japanese governments have regarded the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as a national policy. It said the ruling party's intended revision of the principles while amending the country's security documents is totally unacceptable.

On August 6 and 9, 1945, in an effort to force Japan, which had launched a war of aggression, to surrender as soon as possible, the US military dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Three Non-Nuclear Principles, not possessing, not producing and not allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japanese territory, were first declared by then Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato in 1967 and formally adopted by the parliament in 1971, establishing them as Japan's basic nuclear policy. The National Security Strategy, one of the three documents approved by the Cabinet in 2022, states, "The basic policy of adhering to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles will remain unchanged in the future."

Japanese media have previously reported that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering reviewing the third of The Three Non-Nuclear Principles, which prohibits nuclear weapons from entering Japan's territory, when updating related documents.

Earlier on December 24, a Japanese civil body had submitted a petition to the country's foreign ministry, calling on the government to clearly reaffirm its commitment to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as a national policy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
From an Indian perspective, it's interesting. We have our own "No First Use" policy. Japan's principles have been a cornerstone of its post-war identity. In today's tense security environment, especially with North Korea and China, I understand the government's dilemma, but abandoning these principles seems like a dangerous step.
P
Priya S
The voices of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must be heard. The world has enough nuclear weapons. Japan, of all nations, should lead by example and strengthen these principles, not weaken them. This is about humanity, not just politics.
R
Rohit P
While I deeply respect the sentiment, we have to be realistic. The geopolitical landscape has changed drastically since 1967. With an assertive China and an unpredictable North Korea, Japan needs to consider all options for its security. A review doesn't automatically mean they will host nukes, but they need strategic flexibility. It's a tough call.
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Meera T
As an Indian, I feel a sense of solidarity. We know the horrors of war and the importance of peace. Japan's principles are a moral compass. If even Japan starts to waver, what hope is there for global nuclear disarmament? The government should listen to its people.
D
David E
A respectful criticism: The article mentions the US dropping the bombs to force a surrender in a war Japan "launched." That's a very simplified historical context. The debate around the necessity of the bombs is complex and ongoing. The focus should remain on the victims' plea for a nuclear-free future, which is unambiguous and urgent.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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