Yomiuri and Sankei reported on a speech delivered yesterday by former LDP Secretary General Ishiba, who said Japan should continue nuclear power generation for the time being in order to maintain nuclear-related technology. He also said: “Japan is surrounded by nuclear powers, including the United States, Russia, China, and North Korea. Japan should possess expertise on manufacturing nuclear weapons in the event that it elects to do so.” While emphasizing that he is not advocating Japan’s ownership of nuclear weapons, the influential politician said Japan cannot defend itself from nuclear weapons unless it possesses knowledge of them.