Hiroshima governor refutes comment on studying the possibility of possessing nuclear arms
Nov. 30, 2012
by Takuya Murata and Osamu Kido, Staff Writers
Responding to a statement made by Shintaro Ishihara, leader of the Japan Restoration Party, which expressed support for studying the possibility of Japan possessing nuclear weapons, both Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki and Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui spoke frankly at separate press conferences held on November 27.
In an address he made on November 20, Mr. Ishihara explained that “It might be wise to study the situation involving nuclear weapons. Whether or not Japan comes to possess nuclear weapons is a decision to be made later, but such study alone would serve as a form of deterrence.”
Refuting Mr. Ishihara’s line of thinking, Governor Yuzaki said, “First of all, studying whether to possess nuclear arms will never be a deterrent,” then added, “Mr. Ishihara is the leader of a political party and I would like him to consider his comments with care.”
On the other hand, Mayor Matsui did not directly criticize Mr. Ishihara’s comment, saying, “There are many ideas when it comes to the elimination of nuclear weapons. All are entitled to their personal view.” Mr. Matsui then called for Mr. Ishihara to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. “If he sees the consequences of the atomic bombing and senses the necessity of eliminating nuclear weapons,” Mr. Matsui said, “then he can understand the spirit of the A-bombed city of Hiroshima.”
(Originally published on November 28, 2012)
Responding to a statement made by Shintaro Ishihara, leader of the Japan Restoration Party, which expressed support for studying the possibility of Japan possessing nuclear weapons, both Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki and Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui spoke frankly at separate press conferences held on November 27.
In an address he made on November 20, Mr. Ishihara explained that “It might be wise to study the situation involving nuclear weapons. Whether or not Japan comes to possess nuclear weapons is a decision to be made later, but such study alone would serve as a form of deterrence.”
Refuting Mr. Ishihara’s line of thinking, Governor Yuzaki said, “First of all, studying whether to possess nuclear arms will never be a deterrent,” then added, “Mr. Ishihara is the leader of a political party and I would like him to consider his comments with care.”
On the other hand, Mayor Matsui did not directly criticize Mr. Ishihara’s comment, saying, “There are many ideas when it comes to the elimination of nuclear weapons. All are entitled to their personal view.” Mr. Matsui then called for Mr. Ishihara to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. “If he sees the consequences of the atomic bombing and senses the necessity of eliminating nuclear weapons,” Mr. Matsui said, “then he can understand the spirit of the A-bombed city of Hiroshima.”
(Originally published on November 28, 2012)
