October 20, 2026

Japanese Communist Party lawmaker Yamazoe Taku on October 19 said, “Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi should not, out of an excessive desire to please U.S. President Trump, relegate the abolition of nuclear weapons to an ‘ultimate goal’.”

At a Senate Budget Committee meeting, Yamazoe criticized Takaichi for considering allowing the U.S. military to bring nuclear weapons to Japan, arguing that this goes against global efforts to achieve a nuclear-free world.

PM Takaichi implied that she will review the “no introduction” provision of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. (Lower House Budget Committee, Oct.14)

Yamazoe noted that the Trump administration has changed its nuclear strategy and is expanding its arsenal of tactical nuclear weapons as “usable” weapons. He stated that it is unacceptable for Japan to accept the entry of nuclear weapons in line with changes to U.S. nuclear strategy.

Yamazoe added that the Trump administration is formulating a new nuclear strategy with China and Russia in mind. He asked whether the Japanese government would condone a nuclear arms race involving the U.S., China, and Russia. Citing France as an example of a country intending to expand its nuclear arsenal, Defense Minister Koizumi replied, “It is only natural that we consider all options without ruling any out.” Yamazoe countered, “What Japan should do is to call for an end to the nuclear arms race.”

He referred to a working paper submitted by non-nuclear-weapon states, including Ireland, to the NPT Review Conference in May. The paper requires nuclear-weapon states to report on their progress in nuclear disarmament in accordance with NPT Article 6. Yamazoe urged Japan to endorse the working paper.

Furthermore, Yamazoe demanded that Japan attend the Review Conference of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons scheduled for November. PM Takaichi responded by saying, “I will consider it carefully.” Yamazoe stated that Japan should not set the elimination of nuclear weapons as the ultimate goal.