Overview
- In parliament, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she cannot make a definitive statement on retaining the three principles and noted they are currently treated as a policy guideline.
- The government is starting a revision of key security documents, placing the pledge not to possess, produce or allow the entry of nuclear weapons under renewed examination.
- Before taking office, Takaichi wrote in 2024 that barring the entry of nuclear weapons was not realistic because U.S. forces might need such capabilities in Japan for deterrence.
- Some lawmakers in the ruling LDP and coalition partner Ishin want Tokyo to consider allowing U.S. nuclear weapons into Japanese territory, while anti‑nuclear groups warn against any softening of the pledge.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara declined to clarify the government’s position as the review proceeds, and an LDP panel urged a firm response to a violent social‑media post by China’s consul general in Osaka.