NewKerala.com

Nagasaki Survivors Condemn Calls for Japan's Nuclear Armament

Representatives from four Nagasaki atomic bomb survivor groups have issued a protest statement condemning a security official's advocacy for Japan to possess nuclear weapons. They called on the government to uphold Japan's long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles, which forbid the possession, production, or introduction of nuclear arms. The survivors warned that such rhetoric tramples on their 80-year journey of suffering and could lead to Japan's isolation by the international community. The protest was triggered by a December 18 remark from an official involved in security policy under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government.

Key Points: Nagasaki A-Bomb Survivors Protest Nuclear Weapons Remarks

  • Protest against official's remarks
  • Uphold Three Non-Nuclear Principles
  • Warn of international isolation
  • Never become a nuclear perpetrator
2 min read

Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors protest remarks advocating Japan's nuclear armament

Nagasaki atomic bomb survivor groups protest a Japanese official's call for nuclear armament, urging adherence to non-nuclear principles.

"Arguments in favour of Japan's nuclear armament trample on the 80-year journey of atomic bomb survivors. - Survivor Groups' Statement"

Nagasaki, Dec 25

Representatives of four atomic bomb survivor groups from Nagasaki issued a protest statement condemning remarks by a security official in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's office advocating that Tokyo should possess nuclear weapons, local media reported.

At a press conference held on Wednesday, the groups said such claims were unacceptable and called on the Japanese government to uphold the country's Three Non-Nuclear Principles, which prohibit possessing, producing or permitting the introduction of nuclear arms, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting Kyodo News.

The statement said that arguments in favour of Japan's nuclear armament trample on the 80-year journey of atomic bomb survivors who emerged from an era of immense suffering, and therefore cannot be tolerated. It also urged the government to abandon a security policy that relies on nuclear deterrence.

Tadako Kawazoe, head of the A-Bombs Survivors Liaison Council of the Nagasaki Peace Action Center, warned that such remarks could turn Japan into a country isolated by the international community, and said Takaichi herself should reject the idea of Japan possessing nuclear weapons.

Shigemitsu Tanaka, head of the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Survivors Council, said Japan must never be allowed to become a perpetrator of nuclear harm and stressed the need to curb any such trend.

The protest comes after an official, who is involved in devising security policy under the government led by Takaichi, told reporters on December 18, "I think we should possess nuclear weapons," inciting backlash from locals, including atomic bomb survivors.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The survivors' voices must be heard. Their suffering is a stark reminder of the ultimate cost of war. For Japan to even consider nuclear weapons after Hiroshima and Nagasaki is unthinkable. The international community should support their call to uphold the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. 🙏
V
Vikram M
This is a complex security issue. While I deeply respect the survivors' pain and their moral stance, one has to look at the geopolitical reality. With an assertive China and a nuclear North Korea, is it fair to expect Japan to rely solely on US deterrence forever? A tough question.
P
Priya S
Shigemitsu Tanaka is absolutely right. Japan must never become a perpetrator. Their constitution and their history are built on peace. Such reckless remarks by an official are dangerous and show a worrying shift in thinking. Hope PM Takaichi clearly rejects this idea.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, while the survivors' perspective is crucial, national security cannot be based solely on historical trauma. Every sovereign nation has the right to assess its threats. That said, the way forward is diplomacy and strong conventional defense, not necessarily jumping to nukes. Japan should lead in peace tech, not war tech.
M
Meera T
"Trample on the 80-year journey" – that phrase hits hard. We must listen to those who have borne the direct cost. Japan's moral authority on nuclear disarmament is unique. Losing that would be a tragedy for global peace efforts. Stand strong, Nagasaki. 🕊️

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50