Nagasaki 81st atomic bomb anniversary unnerves proponents of pacifism

By Gael Camba Published on 09/08/2026 - 12:41 GMT+2 Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Copied Nagasaki marked on Sunday the 81st anniversary of the US atomic bombing of the southwestern city, as the mayor called nuclear weapons “absolute evil,” denounced growing support for nuclear deterrence, and called on the Japanese government to adhere to its three postwar non-nuclear principles. As Japan marks the anniversary of the 1945 atomic bombs, its leaders are pushing for a renewed debate on nuclear weapons in a challenge to the nation's long-time pacifist stance. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Japan's constitution renounces offensive military force, and successive governments have maintained a decades-old pledge not to possess nuclear weapons, produce them or permit their introduction into the country. That commitment is now under pressure as East Asian neighbours — notably China — boost their military capabilities, while doubts persist about the reliability of Tokyo's biggest security backer, the United States. Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has refused to clarify whether she will maintain the stance known as the three non-nuclear principles, and Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi called last month for a "discussion without a taboo" on the subject. In December, an unnamed senior administration official told local media in an off-the-record session, suggesting that Japan should possess nuclear weapons. The remark was widely reported by major Japanese outlets, including national broadcaster NHK and Asahi Shimbun, sparking public criticism. "If I look at it cynically, I can't help but think that maybe she really wants to change," says Japan's anti-nuclear commitment, 82-year-old Satoshi Tanaka, a campaigner who survived the 1945 attack on Hiroshima. The country marked the 81st anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing on Thursday and will do the same on Sunday to commemorate the attack on Nagasaki. The August 1945 assault by the United States killed more than 210,000 people, including many from the effects of radiation exposure. It remains the only time that atomic weapons have been used in warfare, and was one of the last major acts of World War II. 'New militarism' The Takaichi administration is undertaking a major update of the national defence strategy this year in the face of China's expanding military ambitions. The prime minister has already lifted Japan's self-imposed ban on weapons exports and expanded defence spending, while pushing to amend the constitution. Those policies have drawn rebukes from China, which accuses Japan of "new militarism" and Takaichi of bending to the whims of the far right. They have also unnerved survivors of the 1945 bombings, who have long helped shape Japan's post-war pacifist political culture. A giant column of smoke rises after the second atomic bomb ever used in warfare explodes over the Japanese port town of Nagasaki, Japan, 9 August 1945. AP Photo Tanaka, the Hiroshima survivor, expressed frustration that current political leaders like Takaichi are focusing on military capacity at the expense of diplomacy. "There is so much talk about national security. What about building peace through diplomacy?" he said. Despite winning the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts, they are debating whether to continue their national association as their members grow older. As of March, Japan recognised just over 91,000 survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki attacks, down from over 164,000 a decade ago. Their average age is 86.7. 'It only worries me' The focus has turned firmly towards the future of the non-nuclear principles, which date back to 1967. Takaichi's supporters argue that the final clause needs to be changed to allow the United States to bring nuclear arms to Japan and ensure regional deterrence. Hirofumi Yoshimura, head of the Japan Innovation Party, a coalition partner of Takaichi's government, said the principle deserved discussion in the context of the US-Japan security alliance. "Of course, we need to work toward building a world without nuclear arms," Yoshimura told reporters on the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing. "But when considering how to ensure the effectiveness of extended nuclear deterrence within the framework of our alliance with the United States, I believe we should...continue to adhere to the principle of 'neither possessing nor producing' nuclear weapons," he said. "As for 'not allowing them to be brought in,' I do think there is some room for discussion on that point." Critics argue that Takaichi's hawkish approach to defence increases the danger for Japan. After Takaichi attended the annual ceremony in Hiroshima on Thursday, she sat down for a televised meeting with survivors. When pressed, Takaichi declined to offer clarity on whether she might change the country's nuclear course. "Our nation currently adheres to the 'three non-nuclear principles,'" she said in response to a direct question from Tanaka, without discussing what she might do next. "That," Tanaka said on Friday, "only explains the current situation. It says nothing about the future. "It only worries me more. I am concerned." Go to accessibility shortcuts Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Read more Hiroshima marks 81 years since atomic bombing as mayor deplores pursuit of nuclear weapons Japan PM Ishiba expresses 'remorse' on World War II surrender anniversary North Korea's Kim Yo Jong warns of military options over Japan’s move into 'war state' atomic bomb World War II Japan Nagasaki