Japanese Defense Minister Calls for Lifting Ban on Nuclear Weapons Research - Sarmad

The Nikkei reported that Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Koizumi called for lifting the ban on nuclear weapons research in the country.

Koizumi said, “For Japan, this is a sensitive issue (nuclear weapons), but it cannot be ignored. It is essential to encourage research into various measures without restrictions, while recognizing the gravity of the situation.”

He noted that France recently decided to strengthen its nuclear forces, and that Finland has allowed the deployment of weapons of mass destruction on its territory.

He also criticized the opposition, which demands maintaining the three non-nuclear principles: not possessing, not producing, and not introducing nuclear weapons. According to him, their stance “primarily protects the status quo and leaves the protection of Japan for later.”

In November 2025, Koizumi announced the need to equip Japan’s Self-Defense Forces with nuclear-powered submarines.

Recently, there has been debate in Japan regarding the ban on the entry of nuclear weapons into the country. Media reports also indicated that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party may begin discussions on the three non-nuclear principles due to a planned review of national security strategy documents by the end of the year.