Japan—a country with a historical experience of colonialism and the bitter legacy of the Fukushima disaster—is now advancing a debate on revising its non-nuclear policy. The Japanese prime minister’s senior adviser, Sanae Takaichi, has stressed that long-term reliance on the United States’ nuclear arsenal can no longer guarantee Tokyo’s security and that nuclear deterrence policies must be reassessed. This analysis indicates that Japan, despite post–World War II prohibitions, is seeking to establish an independent deterrent capability.
This shift in approach comes as Japan simultaneously expands its military capabilities and, under the banner of supporting Taiwan, focuses on countering China. In effect, this new nuclear policy forms part of a comprehensive Japanese strategy to enhance its regional and international power. International reactions—including strong condemnation from China’s Foreign Ministry and warnings from North Korea and Russia—reflect concerns about the impact of these actions on regional stability and the likelihood of an arms race in East Asia. Japan’s move is regarded as a serious warning to regional countries and international observers that Japan’s long-standing non-nuclear trajectory could change rapidly.
Return of Old Nuclear Power Plants
Alongside its tilt toward nuclear armaments, Japan is seeking to reactivate old nuclear power plants. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, which was shut down after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, is among these facilities. This reopening is accompanied by serious doubts about environmental safety and crisis-management capacity, suggesting that the bitter lessons of Fukushima have yet to be fully internalized by Japanese decision-makers.
Returning to these plants not only heightens technical and environmental risks but could also intensify international pressure on Japan. Experts have warned that reopening aging facilities without upgrading safety standards could lead to environmental and humanitarian disasters. At the same time, this policy signals Japan’s determination to achieve nuclear energy independence and reduce reliance on external sources, while also potentially inflaming regional and global sensitivities.
Western and Agency Double Standards
Japan’s nuclear moves continue as the West, which claims to champion nuclear peace and security, remains effectively silent. The United States and Europe—despite years of sanctions and threats against Iran over its peaceful nuclear activities—have remained silent in the face of Japan’s efforts toward nuclear armament and the reopening of high-risk plants. This evident double standard exposes the West’s political and moral weakness in enforcing non-proliferation norms and deepens global distrust of international nuclear institutions.
On the one hand, the West maintains stringent restrictions and pressure on Iran; on the other, it takes no action in response to similar steps by Japan, a country with a colonial legacy and regional threat potential. This policy contradiction not only undermines the credibility of international institutions but could also encourage other countries to emulate Japan, thereby intensifying global arms and nuclear competition. As a result, Western silence carries an alarming message for the global order and regional stability.
Challenge Facing the International Atomic Energy Agency
The International Atomic Energy Agency () is responsible for overseeing the peaceful nature of nuclear activities and the safety of facilities. The Agency’s silence—and that of its director general, Rafael Grossi—regarding Japan’s nuclear actions points to political dependence and operational double standards. While the has repeatedly confirmed Iran’s nuclear activities through technical reports, it has taken no action in response to Japan’s questionable activities.
This situation could weaken the Agency’s credibility and erode global trust in nuclear safeguards. Moreover, silence and the lack of serious engagement with the Japanese case could set a dangerous precedent in the global approach to nuclear weapons, encouraging other countries to follow a similar path. Ultimately, the continuation of this trend may lead to a major regional or global catastrophe, as nuclear safety and non-proliferation standards—without effective enforcement—are reduced to little more than slogans.