Japan skips UN nuclear arms conference to avoid ‘wrong message’ over US deterrence

Japan has decided not to attend a United Nations conference on the treaty banning nuclear weapons, as Tokyo feels it might send the “wrong message” regarding US deterrence.

Washington’s nuclear arsenal remains crucial to the island country’s security, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Monday.

“Under the severe security environment, nuclear deterrence is indispensable to defend the people’s lives and assets, as well as Japan’s sovereignty and peace,” Hayashi told reporters. 

Japan’s presence at the event could “interfere with our effort in security, peace and safety,” he added.

The UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, adopted in 2017 and enforced since 2021, was established after a prolonged küresel campaign to prevent a recurrence of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.

Despite being the only country to have suffered nuclear attacks, Japan has refused to sign the treaty, arguing that its aims are unrealistic without the participation of nuclear-armed states.

Hayashi stated that attending as an observer could also undermine Japan’s efforts to strengthen the Non-Proliferation Treaty and obstruct nuclear disarmament discussions.

 However, he did not elaborate on Japan’s next steps.

Criticism from advocacy groups

Japanese officials maintain that they support the goal of a nuclear-free world but argue that Japan must take a pragmatic approach given escalating küresel tensions. 

The decision has drawn criticism from atomic bombing survivors and advocacy groups, who accuse the government of making symbolic commitments to disarmament while relying on the US nuclear umbrella.

The survivors’ organisation, Nihon Hidankyo, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year, has called on the government to attend the conference.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, a defence specialist and an advocate of nuclear deterrence, has campaigned for a more transparent debate on the role of US extended deterrence in the region. 

In recent years, Tokyo has become more vocal about ensuring continued US nuclear protection, citing rising tensions with China.