Japan’s Nuclear Identity and Its Implications for Nuclear Abolition

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xv

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2. Introduction: The Paradox of Japan’s Nuclear Identity

   • Daisuke Akimoto

   Pages 1-9

3. Japan as a ‘Nuclear-Bombed State’: The Genocidal Nature of Nuclear Violence

   • Daisuke Akimoto

   Pages 11-42

4. Japan as a ‘Nuclear Disarmament State’: Its Global Initiative for Nuclear Abolition

   • Daisuke Akimoto

   Pages 43-64

5. Japan as a ‘Nuclear-Threatened State’: Facing the Nuclear Threat of North Korea

   • Daisuke Akimoto

   Pages 65-92

6. Japan as a ‘Nuclear Umbrella State’: Embedded in the US Nuclear Strategy

   • Daisuke Akimoto

   Pages 93-119

7. Japan and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)

   • Daisuke Akimoto

   Pages 121-142

8. The Future of Japan’s Nuclear Disarmament Diplomacy

   • Daisuke Akimoto

   Pages 143-156

9. Back Matter

   Pages 157-198

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This book examines Japan’s nuclear identity and its implications for abolition of nuclear weapons. By applying analytical eclecticism in combination with international relations theory, this book categorizes Japan’s nuclear identity as a ‘nuclear-bombed state’ (classical liberalism), ‘nuclear disarmament state’ (neoliberalism), ‘nuclear-threatened state’ (classical realism), and a ‘nuclear umbrella state’ (neorealism). This research investigates whether the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were ‘genocide’ or not, to what degree Japan has contributed to nuclear disarmament, how Japan has been threatened by ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons of North Korea, and how Japan’s security policy has been embedded with the nuclear strategy of the United States. It also sheds light on theoretical factors that Japan does not support the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Finally, this book considers the future of Japan’s nuclear identity and attempts to explore alternatives for Japan’s nuclear disarmament diplomacy toward a world without nuclear weapons.

• Japanese Constitution
• East Asian Balance of Powers
• Nuclear Policy in Asia
• Postwar Asian Consensus
• Rising China

“Daisuke Akimoto presents a forensic appraisal of Japanese government policies regarding nuclear disarmament, a key issue affecting the future of people and planet. His impressive command of diverse nuclear arms negotiations reflects his personal commitment to building a world made secure by achieving peace with justice.” (Stuart Rees, Professor Emeritus, University of Sydney, Australia)


"Dr. Akimoto’s analysis, helps us understand why Japan promotes nuclear disarmament and nuclear deterrence simultaneously. This is a book that needs to be read by anyone interested in understanding what drives these ambivalent and inconsistent positions. I heartily recommend it to scholars and practitioners who wish to build a more peaceful Japan in a world of nuclear threat and imminent catastrophe." (Kevin Clements, Professor, University of Otago, New Zealand)


"Japan's relationship with nuclear weapons is complex. It is the only country havebeen bombed by atomic projectiles. It relies on the US nuclear umbrella to deter its foes. It has large civilian nuclear and space programs which could allow it to quickly acquire nuclear armaments. Dr. Akimoto provides readers with a detailed explanation of this relationship and will help us better understand this important topic." (Robert Dujarric, Director, Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies, Temple University, Japan Campus)

• The House of Representatives, Japan, Tokyo, Japan

  Daisuke Akimoto

Daisuke Akimoto is Official Secretary in the House of Representatives, Japan, and former Assistant Professor at the Soka University Peace Research Institute, Japan. 

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