March 19, 2026

Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Tamura Tomoko on March 18 in the Diet building met with representatives of an anti-nuke NGO network called the “Japan Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (JANA)” and received a proposal appealing for the need to abolish nuclear weapons because it is the only guarantee against the use of such arms.

According to the network, it compiled the proposal in the wake of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s announcement of her policy to revise the three security documents by the end of this year. The proposal calls for placing nuclear disarmament as a means of ensuring security; declaring the maintenance of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles (not to possess, produce, or permit the introduction of nuclear weapons into the country); establishing foreign policy focusing on efforts to increase awareness of the inhumane nature of nuclear weapons; and advocating for the creation of an East Asia without nuclear arms.

JANA Executive Director Kawasaki Akira brought up the risks of nuclear deterrence, and pointed out that the United States, the top tier nuclear-weapons state, used the nuclear issue as an excuse to invade Iran in violation of international law. He stressed, “With the situation surrounding Iran, the ‘risks’ have become totally apparent.” He said that it is obvious that if Japan allows the bringing-in of nuclear weapons, it will be targeted for attack if war breaks out, adding that nuclear disarmament leading to the eventual abolition of nuclear weapons is the best policy to pressure to ensure national security. He requested the JCP to work hard so that this issue will be discussed in the Diet.

JANA Representative Director Tanaka Terumi, a member of the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo), called nuclear weapons a diabolical weapon, saying, “The only objective for their use is to kill a large number of people indiscriminately.”

Tamura expressed her support for the network’s proposal, and stressed that the JCP will continue to engage in dialogue and offer learning activities aimed at raising public awareness that “nuclear deterrence” cannot bring about peace in order to put pressure on the government to reappraise its policy.

Tamura said that under a situation where U.S. President Trump is parading his “rule by force” position, a global movement seeking to abolish nuclear weapons, including the UN N-ban treaty, has become the mainstream position which offers hope for the future. She expressed her determination, saying, “Using the proposal as leverage, we will actively tell the people that civil society has the power to force change.”