October 17, 2024

The Japan Confederation of A- and H-bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) was awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. However, the Japanese government and major political parties, except the Japanese Communist Party, continue to adhere to the U.S. “nuclear deterrence” policy.

The stance on nuclear weapons varies depending on parties, but what they all have in common is that they cannot imagine a foreign and security policy without the U.S. nuclear deterrent. Their stance is being called into question in the general election.

LDP
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has consistently taken the position of depending on the U.S. nuclear umbrella ever since the end of WWII. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru shortly before assuming office contributed an article on the website of a U.S. conservative think tank in which he suggests that “America’s sharing of nuclear weapons” and the “introduction of nuclear weapons into the region” be considered.

‘Ishin’ party
The “Nippon Ishin no Kai” party in its campaign policy advocates nuclear sharing. It clearly suggests that procedures regarding defense, counterattack, and sanctions be confirmed between Japan and the United States in order to enhance the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence.

DPP
The Democratic Party for the People in its election policy calls for ensuring the effectiveness of extended nuclear deterrence and proposes that Japan-U.S. Extended Deterrence Dialogue be upgraded to the director-general level.

CDPJ
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan in its election platform pledges that it will abide by Japan’s national policy of Three Non-Nuclear Principles. The party calls for Japan’s participation as an observer in the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. It, however, remains silent on whether Japan should sign and ratify the treaty.

Komei
The LDP’s coalition partner Komei Party as a priority policy states that it will work to create an environment toward Japan’s ratification of the TPNW. However, given that the party pays attention to what responses nuclear powers would take, it, in effect, is in a position of putting off deciding whether to support Japan’s ratification of the treaty.

Past related article:
> Ishiba Shigeru the most hawkish in LDP [September 30, 2024]