August 6 | Representative Statement | On the Occasion of Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Day
Key points of this article
・Representative Shunichi Mizuoka issued a statement on August 6, 2026, to mark Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Day. Noting that 81 years have passed since the atomic bomb was dropped, he expressed his condolences to the victims and his sympathy to those still suffering from the aftereffects.
・Representative Mizuoka pointed out that movements toward nuclear arms expansion are resurging globally, such as the expiration of the New START treaty and the development of tactical and new types of nuclear weapons. He stated that such movements are unacceptable, noting that there are also calls in Japan to review the Three Non-Nuclear Principles.
・Representative Mizuoka urged that even under a severe security environment, we should not deepen our reliance on nuclear weapons but rather work to rebuild the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. He pledged once again that, as the only nation to have suffered a nuclear attack, Japan will uphold the Three Non-Nuclear Principles and commit itself fully to the abolition of nuclear weapons.
[Representative Statement] On the Occasion of Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Day
Shunichi Mizuoka, Representative of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan
Today marks 81 years since the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima for the first time in human history. I express my condolences to all those who lost their lives, and I offer my heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and those who are still suffering from the aftereffects of the atomic bombing.
Globally, against the backdrop of the use of force in violation of international law and attempts to change the status quo by force by nuclear-armed states, movements toward nuclear arms expansion are resurging. These include the expiration of the New START treaty—the last framework for nuclear disarmament between the U.S. and Russia—as well as opaque nuclear weapons development, the development of tactical and new types of nuclear weapons, and discussions on expanding nuclear sharing in Europe.
In Japan as well, we see moves to review the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, which are a national policy, such as the Minister of Defense repeatedly mentioning the need for discussions regarding nuclear weapons, and some members of the ruling party calling for a "realistic examination" of the "no introduction" aspect of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. We absolutely cannot accept such a review.
Certainly, the current security environment is severe. However, now that the international situation is changing rapidly, we should not deepen our reliance on nuclear weapons, but rather work to rebuild the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. It is becoming increasingly important for our country, as the only nation to have suffered a nuclear attack, to ensure that humanity does not repeat the mistakes of nuclear weapons by passing on the experiences of the hibakusha and the inhumanity of the atomic bomb to future generations, while persistently advocating for nuclear disarmament and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
On this day, 81 years later, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan pledges once again to uphold the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, advocate for the importance of international cooperation and dialogue-based diplomacy, and work with all our might toward the abolition of nuclear weapons while conveying the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the world.