Non-nuclear Three Principles Divide LDP and JIP

Japan Innovation Party (JIP) approved its proposal to Sanae Takaichi government on revision of three security documents, which are scheduled to be revised by the end of this year. The proposal demanded “realistic discussion” on one of the three non-nuclear principles: not permitting the introduction. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) did not propose revision of the three non-nuclear principles. Both leading parties were separated on this issue. 

Former prime minister Eisaku Sato, a laureate of 1974 Nobel Peace Prize, raised not possessing, not producing and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons as his responsibility in 1967. Those three principles have since been embraced as Japan’s basic policy for international peace by Sato’s successors.

 

It was Shizo Abe who changed that course. He approved discussing over nuclear weapons from the viewpoint of deterrence of Japan in his first term as the prime minister 2006. For the first time as the prime minister, he did not mentionthree non-nuclear principles in the peace memorial ceremony in Hiroshima on August 6th of 2015. After retired as prime minister, Abe encouraged discussion on nuclear sharing with the United States in 2022.

 

Prime Minister Takaichi succeeds Abe’s argument. Soon after taking office last year, Takaichi reportedly started deliberation of revising the three non-nuclear principles. However, the LDP concluded in June 2026 that revision of the principles would not be included in its proposal for the revision of three security documents. The LDP rather requested reform of Japan’s defense capability, focusing on development of cutting-edge technology such as drones or artificial intelligence.

 

Trying to be a radical partner of the LDP to appeal to conservative voters, the JIP chose a further right course. While it aims at nuclear disarmament as a mid- and long-term target, the JIP hopes to introduce nuclear deterrence at the center of short-term security strategy. It proposes the government of Japan to make a “realistic discussion” including revision of the third principle, not permitting the introduction, of the three non-nuclear principles.

 

The JIP argues that the United States will enhance nuclear capability of its submarines with cruise missile capability by 2032. Although entry of a nuclear-powered vessel in Japan’s port has been recognized as violation of the three non-nuclear principles, the JIP sees necessity of support for U.S. vessels with nuclear capability. Not only relying on nuclear deterrence of the U.S., the JIP proposes possession of nuclear-powered submarine by Japan Self-defense Force.

 

Some members of the LDP oppose the idea of JIP, dismissing it as irresponsible argument for a leading party. As a long-time leading party, the LDP knows how neighbor countries, namely China, would respond to Japan’s policy change toward conservative direction and backlash from voters who find certain value in Japan’s pacifist principles. The LDP and JIP decided to separately submit their proposals to the government. It is obvious that the JIP does not have a power to review three non-nuclear principles by itself alone.

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