Japan nuclear debate on bomb anniversaries

As Japan marked the 81st anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Japan — Hiroshima and Kotaro Nagasaki, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government faced renewed pressure over its commitment to the three non-nuclear principles. Takaichi refused to clarify whether she would maintain the principles, while Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi called for a 'discussion without a taboo' on nuclear weapons. An unnamed senior official had earlier suggested Japan should possess nuclear weapons. The government is updating its defence strategy amid China's military buildup, having already lifted a ban on weapons exports and expanded defence spending. Kotaro Nagasaki Mayor Toshihiro Suzuki denounced nuclear deterrence as 'absolute evil' and urged adherence to the principles. Survivors like Satoshi Takano expressed concern that the focus on militarism undermines diplomacy. The debate reflects tensions between Japan's pacifist constitution and regional security challenges.