On March 1, leading members of the ruling and opposition parties commented on the idea of “nuclear sharing” that would involve deploying and jointly operating U.S. nuclear weapons in Japanese territory. Fukuda Tatsuo, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) General Council Chairperson, said at a press conference, “We must not avoid discussions if we want to protect the people and the nation.”

”Given that Japan is the only country that has suffered a nuclear attack,” Fukuda said, “it’s fine to have discussions and we should do so.”

Commenting on the principle of “not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons,” one of Japan’s three non-nuclear principles, LDP Policy Research Council Chairperson Takaichi Sanae said “we should not suppress discussions on whether to make an exception when the safety of the people is in crisis.”

Tamaki Yuichiro, the representative of the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP), said at a press conference that Japan should aim for the abolition of nuclear weapons. He also said that “it is necessary to consider whether nuclear sharing would be realistic.” Tamaki went on to say, “We should discuss the concrete operations of Japan and the United States so that nuclear deterrence will function in a contingency.”

Tamaki also commented on the interpretation of the principle to “not permit the introduction of nuclear weapons.” He said: “What does it mean? How strictly should we adhere to it? This is an issue to be discussed in the face of the changing security environment.” (Abridged)