Japan Press Weekly

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2012 November 7 - 13 TOP3 [POLITICS]

Hashimoto states US nuclear weapons could enter Japan

Nippon Ishin no Kai’s head Hashimoto Toru on November 10 indicated the need for Japan to accept the U.S. forces’ bringing of nuclear weapons into Japan.

In Hiroshima City, Hashimoto, who is also the Osaka City mayor, commented on the national policy of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles (not to manufacture, possess, or allow nuclear weapons to be brought in).

He told the press that while he basically thinks that the principles should be maintained, “I wonder if it is possible for Japan to ban nuclear weapons from being brought in under the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.”

“In a sense, the (U.S. Navy) 7th Fleet is based in Japan to defend the Pacific. It is impossible to do so without carrying nuclear weapons,” said Hashimoto, who also said that as long as Japan is protected by U.S. nuclear weapons, it could let the U.S. forces bring nuclear weapons into the nation.