rki.news | Source: Xinhua
TOKYO: Japan marked the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Thursday as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks renewed debate over the country’s long-standing non-nuclear policy.
Addressing the memorial ceremony, Takaichi referred to Japan’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles but stopped short of explicitly committing to uphold them in the future. Japanese media reported that her carefully worded remarks raised questions about the government’s position as it prepares to revise key national security documents later this year.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, the prime minister declined to clarify whether the principles would remain unchanged, saying it was too early to comment while the review process is ongoing.
The Three Non-Nuclear Principles, adopted by Japan’s parliament in 1971, prohibit the possession, production and introduction of nuclear weapons into Japanese territory and remain a cornerstone of the country’s security policy.
The issue has attracted growing public attention following recent calls by government officials to openly discuss nuclear-related policies, prompting concern among sections of Japanese society.