Japan stands as the only country to have experienced the devastation caused by the atomic bombings and remains home to those who have greatly suffered from these attacks, the hibakushas. It is also known to have adopted pacifism in the aftermath of the atomic bombings of 1945, and its pacifist attitude became a defining feature of the country. Last year, the Japanese Confederation of Atomic and Hydrogen Bomb Sufferers, Nihon Hidankyo, was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for its pursuit of achieving global disarmament and using survivor testimony to express that the use of nuclear weapons must be avoided at any cost, therefore, being a watershed moment in the history of nuclear disarmament advocacy. Similarly, the hibakushas have relentlessly advocated for the complete abolition of nuclear weapons; hence, their efforts have played a central role not only in promoting nuclear disarmament but also in the adoption and entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). These efforts, as a result, symbolize Japan’s pacifist identity and add to the expectation of it being at the forefront of global disarmament efforts.
However, Japan’s pacifistic attitude and support for nuclear disarmament have been called into question as it came under scrutiny for being absent from the Third Meeting of State Parties (MSP) to the TPNW. An official statement was issued in February 2025 by Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, announcing Japan’s non-engagement in the meeting. Referring to regional security concerns regarding China, North Korea, and Russia, the Foreign Minister highlighted that nuclear arms proliferation is on the rise in the region. He stated, “Nuclear deterrence is indispensable” and asserted that extended deterrence plays a significant role in safeguarding Japan’s peace and independence. The Foreign Minister further expressed preference for addressing disarmament under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) instead, as it involves both nuclear weapon and non-nuclear weapon states.
The statements of the foreign minister, as a result, drew great objection from not only the hibakushas but also peace activists. Satoshi Tanaka of Nihon Hidankyo, criticizing the foreign minister’s remarks, claimed that nuclear disarmament had not progressed much under the NPT, the treaty rather preferred by nuclear weapon states. Tanaka also stressed that as the risk of nuclear crisis looms, it is time for the Japanese government to become a signatory to the TPNW and serve as a bridge between the nuclear weapon states and those against nuclear weapons. Similarly, the government also faced criticism for being solely focused on its ties with the U.S., showing no signs of possibly deviating from this path.
Earlier in January 2025, Nihon Hidankyo held a meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and emphasized that Japan show presence in the meeting. Although the prime minister congratulated them for being honored with a Nobel Peace Prize and recognized their continuous efforts, his government stated that it would continue to consider “what would be a realistic and practical approach” in response to the request to show presence at the meeting. According to the representatives of Nihon Hidankyo, the meeting did not lead to any tangible outcomes, and the Prime Minister “remained noncommittal” to their request.
Since Japan has suffered from a nuclear attack, one might naturally believe it would be at the forefront of global nuclear disarmament. It is interesting to note, however, that Japan is not a signatory to the TPNW, nor was it present at the first and second MSP in the years 2022 and 2023. As stated by the Japanese Foreign Minister in February, it appears that the evolving regional security dynamics have compelled Japan to give preference to deterrence over nuclear disarmament. Moreover, some experts, such as Tosaki Hirofumi, Hiroshima University Associate Professor, also claim that Japan’s presence at the MSP as an observer could weaken Japan’s alliance with the U.S. and its commitment to the American nuclear umbrella. It could, thus, be understood that, being dependent upon American extended deterrence, it is not in the interest of Japan to weaken its ties with the U.S., keeping in view its regional security concerns.
Being the sole country to have experienced the horrors of nuclear attacks and being home to hibakushas who actively advocate for global disarmament, Japan faces a dilemma of balancing between maintaining its security alliances and national security and remaining committed to its legacy of global disarmament. It could be understood that, based on the perceived threats from neighboring countries and regional security challenges, it is in the interest of Japan to prioritize its security. By Japan’s absence from all three MSPs, the Japanese government’s statements on deterrence, and the actions in the recent past, for example, Japan signing a defense pact with the European Union in November 2024 in response to Russian-North Korean defense collaboration, it could be interpreted that it is leaning more towards maintaining its national security and security alliances. Therefore, it appears that Japan is attempting to evolve with evolving security challenges and keep up with the shifts in the geopolitical landscape.
AloJapan.com