Japan Opposes a U.S. “No First Use” Policy

The Japanese government believes strongly in the idea of nuclear deterrence, relying on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for its national security.

The Japanese government has expressed concern over reports that the Obama administration may be planning to implement a policy of “No First Use” , meaning that the U.S. would pledge never to use nuclear weapons first in a conflict. A senior Japanese government official said, “From the [standpoint of] Japan’s security, it is unacceptable.”