From the ashes of Hiroshima and Nagasaki emerged a pacifist Japan—constitutionally bound to renounce war and nuclear weapons. Yet today, evolving regional threats and strategic anxieties are reviving a once-unthinkable nuclear debate in Tokyo.

Introduction

Despite having proper know-how and technological supremacy, the fear of nuclear weapons among the public and a firm US commitment, restrained Japan from developing nukes. However, in recent years, a kind of nuclear debate has restarted in Japanese strategic circles. Although this does not explicitly mean that Japan will be altering its constitutional obligations in the short term, it reflects a re-emergence of discussions over nuclear and deterrence issues.

Historical Perspective

Japan covertly carried out research and development on nuclear weapons during World War II and developed a comprehensive nuclear fuel cycle system and cutting-edge nuclear industry skills. After Japan’s surrender, the United States forbade Japan from developing nuclear weapons. The Potsdam Proclamation prohibited Japan, a surrendered country of World War II, from having industries that would allow it to rearm and wage war.

Article 9 of the Japanese constitution states that, “Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes. In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained.”

The Atomic Energy Basic Act, passed in 1955, stipulates that research, development, and utilization of nuclear energy in Japan are admissible to be utilized in peaceful causes, and that they should be directed towards ensuring safety.

Non-Nuclear Principles

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