Aquino, John Roger S.

International Relations

A Japanese View on Nuclear Disarmament

When Japan makes decisions on a disarmament measure, it considers the

humanitarian value and the security implications of such a measure for Japan, the Asia

Pacific region, and the world. How the Japanese government weighs these two elements

is difficult to specify in general terms, because the balance depends on the issue at hand

and on the underlying security environment. In most cases, however, both dimensions

humanitarian and security—have equal importance for Japan. For some countries,

security considerations are far more important than humanitarian objectives. For others,

it is the reverse. Reflecting its historical experience, Japan has been promoting the

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) as one of its highest disarmament and

non-proliferation priorities, a stance that is not in contradiction with Japan receiving

protection under the U.S. nuclear umbrella. While most observers abroad believe that

Japan can fabricate nuclear weapons, Japan is firmly committed not to become a nuclear

weapon state. Japanese public opinion is strongly against nuclear weapons. Japanese

non-nuclear weapon policy is solidly established through adherence to international

treaties, codifying domestic laws, and policy declarations at the highest level. In the

international arena, Japan has consistently advocated nuclear disarmament and non-

proliferation. In particular, the CTBT has been one of the highest priorities for Japan. It is

clear that the main characteristics of the Japanese disarmament policy are balance

between idealism and realism. Japan can contribute, in cooperating with both nuclear

weapon states and non-nuclear weapon states, to promote the cause of nuclear

disarmament without undermining security relationships