Japan's main nuclear victims group marks 70 years amid criticism of government

Japan's principal group of nuclear victims, Nihon Hidankyo, celebrated its 70th anniversary by criticizing the government's stance on nuclear weapons.

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change the three non-nuclear principles

The organization, which includes survivors of the atomic bombings and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024, stated that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration is attempting to change the foundational principles that prevent Japan from possessing, producing, or allowing nuclear weapons on its territory. Nihon Hidankyo argues this is being done "without maintaining necessary debates."

In its declaration, Nihon Hidankyo also called on the Japanese government to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The group emphasized that it is everyone's responsibility to "build a society free of nuclear weapons and wars."

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without maintaining the necessary debates

The three non-nuclear principles were adopted by the Japanese Parliament in 1971 but have never been incorporated into law. Prime Minister Takaichi has been non-committal on whether her government will uphold them. The administration is preparing to revise key national security documents this year, raising questions about the future of these principles, especially after Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi called for a "taboo-free" nuclear debate.

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build a society free of nuclear weapons and wars

While Takaichi has stated the government "defends" the three principles in speeches commemorating the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, she has also indicated that her administration will propose "realistic and practical" measures for a nuclear-weapon-free world without guaranteeing the archipelago's antinuclear stance will remain unchanged.

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taboo-free nuclear debate