Japan Declines Participation in U.N. Nuclear Weapons Ban Conference, Emphasizing U.S. Deterrence

Japan has decided not to attend a United Nations conference on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, a move that underscores its reliance on U.S. nuclear deterrence for national security. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced the decision, stating that participation would contradict Japan’s policy and send the wrong message regarding its defense strategy.

Despite being the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings, Japan has consistently refrained from signing the treaty. Officials argue that a nuclear-free world is an ultimate goal, but achieving it without the involvement of nuclear-armed states remains unrealistic. Hayashi emphasized that Japan's security environment necessitates a strong deterrence strategy, making U.S. nuclear protection indispensable.

The treaty, which came into effect in 2021, is the result of long-standing efforts to prevent a recurrence of the devastation seen in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, Japan maintains that participation in the conference could hinder its efforts to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and broader disarmament efforts.

Survivors of the atomic bombings and peace activists have voiced disappointment over the government's stance. Many argue that Japan’s position contradicts its calls for nuclear disarmament and weakens its moral authority on the issue. Their demand for Japan to attend the conference as an observer has gained traction, especially after Nihon Hidankyo, a group representing atomic bomb survivors, received the Nobel Peace Prize last year.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, known for his expertise in defense and strong support for nuclear deterrence, has advocated for an open discussion on the role of U.S. extended deterrence. Japan has increasingly emphasized its commitment to strengthening U.S. security ties, particularly as regional tensions with China escalate.

While Japan reiterates its commitment to nuclear disarmament, its continued reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella suggests that immediate policy shifts are unlikely.