Press Conference by the Prime Minister regarding His Attendance at the 2025 Peace Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima and Other Matters

(MC)
We will now start the press conference by Prime Minister Ishiba. We accept representative questions from the Hiroshima City Press Club.

(Reporter)
I am Wada from Chugoku Shimbun. I would like to ask about the following topics: First, regarding Japan’s nuclear policy, while some candidates in the recent House of Councillors election referred to the nuclear armament of Japan and nuclear sharing, Prime Minister Ishiba, you yourself, in a contributed article before taking office, also advocated for the necessity of considering nuclear sharing and the introduction of nuclear weapons. I believe this issue is related to a review of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. Could you share your views on Japan’s nuclear armament and nuclear sharing? Also, could you tell us what specific steps you plan to take toward the abolishment of nuclear weapons.

(PM Ishiba)
Is it okay if I answer one question at a time?

(MC)
Yes, please.

(PM Ishiba)
It is quite natural that various discussions take place among the public regarding the nature of Japan’s security. The Government adheres to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as a set of policy guidelines, and has no intention of reviewing them. That being said, what I have previously stated in the context of nuclear sharing was meant to point out the importance of communicating with the United States regarding the decision-making process for extended deterrence, while continuing to fully uphold the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. This is something I have discussed with successive U.S. Secretaries of State and Defense since I was Director-General of the Defense Agency.

In other words, we have no intention of possessing nuclear weapons. We will continue to uphold the principles of “not possessing, not producing, and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons.” Japan is surrounded by countries that possess nuclear weapons, yet we do not possess what is called punitive or retaliatory deterrence. There are two categories of deterrence: punitive/retaliatory deterrence and deterrence by denial. While we will make efforts to improve deterrence by denial─and we believe it must be further strengthened─we are also convinced that communicating about what is commonly referred to as retaliatory or punitive deterrence is extremely important at this time. We believe that it is necessary for us to continuously seek measures to strengthen the credibility of the extended deterrence by the United States, including its nuclear deterrence.

Let me mention at the same time that such efforts are not based on concepts that run counter to the pursuit of the goal of a “world without nuclear weapons.” Our ultimate goal of realizing a “world without nuclear weapons” remains unchanged. In this context, the only framework for a “world without nuclear weapons” that broadly involves both nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states is the regime of the NPT, or Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. In line with the “Hiroshima Action Plan,” we also intend to take realistic and practical steps.

The term “nuclear sharing” tends to be mistakenly associated with some form of ownership of nuclear weapons, but Japan’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles would never allow for such an action. Among NATO nations, for example, only three of them are nuclear-weapon states: the United States, the UK and France. Nuclear sharing is being discussed as a means to allow non-nuclear-weapon states to share the risk involved. That’s all from me.

(MC)
Next question, please.

(Reporter)
The second question is about national compensation for the victims of atomic bombs. The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, or Nihon Hidankyo, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, has demanded state compensation for those victimized by atomic bombs, including those who lost their lives, to take responsibility as the nation that started the war. This year marks the 80th anniversary since the bombings and the end of the war, and the survivors are aging. Could you give us your views and the reasons for them on whether the Government has any plans to consider state compensation for the victims of atomic bombs, air raids and so on?

(PM Ishiba)
I do not intend to repeat my earlier remarks, but as I mentioned a short while ago in my memorial address, I believe it is extremely meaningful that Nihon Hidankyo received the Nobel Peace Prize last year, and I express my respect for those concerned. I understand that in World War II, all citizens were sacrificed by the war in some form, and there were many civilians who endured indescribable hardships. We recognize that the extensive damage inflicted on Hiroshima and Nagasaki must still be taken seriously, even 80 years later.

The health damage on the atomic bomb survivors, caused by the radiation from the atomic bomb, is a damage of exceptional nature that is distinctively different from other tragic war-related damages. While other damages were also indescribably tragic, in view of the fact that the health damage from atomic bomb radiation is a unique damage compared to other tragic war damages, we have been taking comprehensive relief measures covering health, medical care and welfare based on the Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Law. Based on the principles of the law, we remain committed to working closely with the aging atomic bomb survivors and providing support.

For general war victims, including those victimized by air raids, the Government has so far striven to improve their welfare by enhancing general social security policies. From the perspective of paying tribute to general war casualties, we have been compiling and disseminating information regarding air raids that hit spots across the nation. And personally, when I visit various parts of Japan, I make it a rule to prepare by researching in detail what kind of damage from air raids occurred in each of those spots. Currently, a bipartisan parliamentary league is discussing a bill on paying a lump sum to air raid victims and conducting a fact-finding survey, among other things. The Government intends to continue to respond by paying close attention to this development.

(MC)
As the time frame prepared for the Hiroshima City Press Club has expired, this concludes the session for their representative questions. We now accept representative questions from the Cabinet Press Club.

(Reporter)
I am Nomaguchi from the Mainichi Shimbun. Representing the Cabinet Press Club, I would like to ask two questions. The first question is about the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. As the number of those who witnessed the tragedy in Hiroshima firsthand decreases, it is crucial to pass on the memory of the bombing. Could you share your thoughts after attending the peace memorial ceremony? Also, there are reports that you have been considering issuing a personal statement as Prime Minister for the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, instead of a cabinet-approved one, which had been considered for some time before being abandoned. At the House of Representatives Budget Committee on August 4, you mentioned that “regardless of the format, it is necessary to issue a statement to ensure that war will never happen again.” There are also views suggesting that the statement will not be issued on August 15, which marks the day the war ended, but rather on another occasion, such as September 2, the day Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender. Could you share how you plan to respond going forward and your thoughts?

(PM Ishiba)
Is that all?

(Reporter)
That’s it for the first question.

(PM Ishiba)
The format is an issue that I should carefully consider as I answered in the Diet yesterday and the day before yesterday. I would like to carefully consider the best timing as well. As I mentioned in the Diet, the 50th, 60th and 70th anniversary statements each carry profound significance. At the same time, again as I mentioned in the Diet to ensure that war will never happen again, former Prime Minister TANAKA Kakuei, who himself had served in the Sino-Japanese War, said: “Japan will be okay as long as the people who fought in that war hold responsible positions in the country,” but “the real danger will come when such people are no longer around.” He went on to say: “That’s why we must make sure to study and understand.” This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. A person who served as a 15-year-old child soldier turns 95 this year. Of course, many of them are still in good health and active, but it is also a fact that they are decreasing in number year by year. Seriously reflecting on the meaning of the phrase: “we must deepen our understanding,” I would like to consider what I can do as part of efforts to prevent war, while also keeping in mind the 50th, 60th and 70th anniversary statements. Historical understanding is the result of valuable efforts that have been made step by step. What is needed now is to study a mechanism, so to speak, or a politico-military system, that will prevent war, while also keeping in mind the series of the past statements and their profound messages involved.

I am not sure if “impression” is the most appropriate word for such serious matter, but it can be summed up by the short poem I quoted at the end: “Nearby, small skulls have been gathered.” This reminds us of that terrifying scene, the tragedy, and the sadness and hardship that accompanied it. It is inevitable that memories will fade over time, but precisely because of that, we must deepen and strengthen our efforts to actively pass on those memories.

(MC)
Next question, please.

(Reporter)
My second question is about domestic politics. Following the LDP’s significant defeat in the House of Councillors election and the subsequent demands from within the LDP, the party leadership has decided to hold a joint meeting of members of both upper and lower chambers on the August 8. You have expressed your intention to remain in office, stating your wish to fulfill your responsibility to avoid creating a political vacuum. However, voices calling for your resignation or for an early party presidential election are growing stronger within the party. What kind of stance do you plan to take at the joint meeting of members of both houses? Could you also share your thoughts on your own responsibility for the election results and the requested resignation?

(PM Ishiba)
Yesterday, we also held an online national meeting of secretaries-general and policy research council chairpersons from prefectural chapters. Due to various official duties, I was not able to listen to all the remarks made in the meeting, but I have received a detailed report. Our party is a national party, consisting of many party members and supporters from Hokkaido to Kyushu and Okinawa who are engaged in its operation. It is only natural that we must listen to the many voices in a sincere and straightforward manner.

Also, as I answered in the Budget Committee, there have been various discussions regarding U.S. tariffs. We have reached an agreement. The minister in charge is currently visiting the United States, and as I also mentioned in the Diet, a U.S. government official who was once involved in Japan-U.S. negotiations said that it is much more difficult to implement an agreement than to reach one. I also plan to hear opinions from such people today. Given the 4,318 related export items to the U.S. alone, it is the Government’s duty to ensure that those people involved will not feel anxious. I believe it is extremely important for the Government to properly implement the agreement while protecting Japan’s national interests in the process, and at the same time, to respond accurately to the many people in Japan who are concerned in various manners. The Government is committed to responding appropriately, promptly and accurately to such issues.

(MC)
Time is up and this concludes the representative questions from the Cabinet Press Club. This also concludes the entire press conference by Prime Minister Ishiba. Thank you.

(PM Ishiba)
Thank you.