In the latest development in the ongoing debate over Japan's non-nuclear stance, senior Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Itsunori Onodera called on Sunday for renewed discussions on the country's three non-nuclear principles, signaling potential revisions under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration.
This follows the government's Dec. 19 reaffirmation of the principles—not possessing, producing, or permitting nuclear weapons—after a senior security official suggested acquisition for deterrence, prompting opposition backlash.
Onodera, a former defense minister, made the remarks on an NHK program, noting that while the principles guide policy, Japan relies on the U.S. "nuclear umbrella" for security. "The question is what to do going forward," he said. "To simply ignore this nuclear discussion without any consideration is, in my view, politically irresponsible."
The comments come amid doubts over U.S. commitments and threats from nuclear-armed neighbors, building on recent signals including ruling party calls for broader debate.
