Japan Plans to Allow U.S. Ships Carrying Nuclear Weapons to Use Its Ports

The Japanese government is considering establishing an exception to the ban on the import of nuclear weapons, which would allow U.S. military ships carrying nuclear weapons to enter Japanese ports in emergency situations.

This was reported by The Asahi Shimbun, citing a senior Japanese government official.

Such an exception could be included in three key national security documents, which are scheduled to be revised by the end of 2026.

This refers to situations where the government recognizes that it is impossible to adequately ensure Japan’s security without the temporary entry of U.S. ships carrying nuclear weapons.

Currently, the country adheres to the three non-nuclear principles: not to possess nuclear weapons, not to produce them, and not to allow their import into its territory.

These principles are enshrined in parliamentary resolutions from 1971 and 1976 and remain the foundation of Japan’s non-nuclear policy.

According to the publication, the government intends to formally maintain all three principles, while allowing for an exception to the third — the ban on the import of nuclear weapons.

A similar position was expressed by then-Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada during a meeting of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee on March 17, 2010.

He suggested that in an emergency situation, when the country’s security could not be guaranteed without the temporary call of a U.S. ship carrying nuclear weapons, the government in power would have to make the decision on its own and explain it to the public.

During a parliamentary session on October 14, 2026, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi raised the possibility of revising the wording of strategic documents regarding U.S. nuclear deterrence, taking Okada’s position into account.

Previously, Takaichi had called a ban on the import of nuclear weapons unrealistic, given Japan’s dependence on U.S. nuclear deterrence.

However, the initiative to formally enshrine the exception has drawn objections from members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

In particular, a former defense minister warned that such a move could cause additional tension in relations with neighboring countries.

In contrast, the coalition-partner Japan Innovation Party is calling for a discussion of a third non-nuclear principle in light of possible future visits by U.S. nuclear submarines equipped with cruise missiles carrying nuclear warheads.

Militarnyi reported on the possibility of Japan revising its ban on the deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons in November 2025.

In July 2026, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also called for an open discussion on nuclear weapons amid the deteriorating security situation in the region.

Source: Miliataryni