Sanae Takaichi says "still room for discussion" on wording of nuclear weapons introduction ban

In a budget committee hearing on Oct. 15, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told lawmakers that while Japan continues to observe its three‑pillar anti‑nuclear stance, the government is reviewing the precise language used in the National Security Strategy, the Basic Defense Plan and the Space Policy as part of a year‑end overhaul of these security frameworks. She responded to a query from Komeito representative Shinichi Isa and indicated that the wording of the clause that bans the introduction of nuclear weapons could be reconsidered, a view echoed by the Nikkei’s analysis that the principle itself may remain unchanged. The discussion follows prior calls from the junior coalition partner Japan Innovation Party and remarks by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi urging open debate on nuclear‑related policies, prompting public concern about a possible shift in Japan’s nuclear posture.