December 16, 2025

Four Nagasaki A-bomb survivor groups on December 14 held a rally in Nagasaki City in protest against the Takaichi government’s move to review Japan’s national policy of “not producing or possessing nuclear weapons, and not allowing nuclear weapons to be brought in to Japan.” Stating that “humanity cannot coexist with nuclear weapons,” they urged the national government to legislate the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles” into law.

The four organizations include the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Survivors’ Council (Hisaikyo).

Tanaka Shigemitsu who heads the Hisaikyo criticized the Takaichi government by saying, “Revising the Three Non-Nuclear Principles means that Japan could become a potential perpetrator of nuclear weapons use. In fact, Japan is now preparing to purchase Tomahawk missiles and even acquire nuclear-powered submarines.” He added, “As Hibakusha, it is our responsibility to raise awareness among young people of the consequences of war and the threat of the actual use of nuclear weapons.”

A first-year university student commented on U.S. President Trump’s remarks hinting at a possible war using the term “nuclear weapons” as well as on Japan’s ultraconservative, nationalist Prime Minister Takaichi, saying, “I feel the current situation could lead to war.” She continued, “Do we, the younger generations, have to worry about our lives on top of the economic anxieties in regard to our future?”

Honda Tamashii, the head of the Nagasaki A-bomb victims’ bereaved families’ association, spoke about his mother and grandmother who were turned to ash near the hypocenter. He appealed, “Given the current international situation, no one can guarantee that such devastation won’t happen again. As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings in war, Japan must take the lead in calling for the total abolition of nuclear weapons.”

Past related articles:
> JCP Koike demands that PM Takaichi withdraw her intent to reconsider ‘3 non-nuclear principles’ [November 18, 2025]
> PM Takaichi wants to abandon the national principle of ‘not allowing bringing-in of nukes to Japan’
[ October 27, 2025]