Could Japan Become a Nuclear Power? The Trump Administration Challenges a Taboo (Japanese)

On April 25, 2025, Professor Nobumasa Akiyama (Graduate School of Law) was featured in an interview article published by Nihon Keizai Shimbun, titled “Could Japan Become a Nuclear Power? The Trump Administration Challenges a Taboo.” The article explores the growing uncertainty surrounding extended deterrence under the U.S. nuclear umbrella, as President Trump expresses dissatisfaction with the burden of defending allies like Japan. In this context, the piece examines whether Japan might realistically consider nuclear armament. Professor Akiyama argues that even if Japan were to possess nuclear weapons, it would not serve the national interest unless a credible theory of victory against China could be established. He emphasizes that rather than pursuing nuclear options, Japan should focus on ensuring the stable and effective functioning of the U.S.–Japan alliance under all circumstances.

https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA151ZO0V10C25A4000000/