Sanae Takaichi says "world without nuclear weapons" is goal for nuclear disarmament

At the Aug. 9 Nagasaki ceremony marking 81 years since the U.S. atomic bombing, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said her government currently stood by Japan’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles and backed practical steps toward nuclear disarmament, according to the Japan Times. Unlike earlier premiers who promised to maintain those principles, she did not explicitly commit to keeping them in the future, a distinction that drew attention after similar remarks in Hiroshima. The ambiguity has fueled public unease; reports say at least 128 local assemblies have asked the national government to preserve the principles. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has said nuclear discussions are unavoidable for defense, drawing criticism. Survivors, Chinese officials and Russia’s ambassador have voiced concern about Japan’s nuclear policy direction.