Meet the Parliamentarians
Kakuwaka asks Parliament members elected in Hiroshima, or with ties to Hiroshima, whether they support or oppose the TPNW and why. Together we consider what we can do to achieve a nuclear-free world. We publicize our meetings with the Parliament members and their support for or opposition to the treaty on our social media and our website.
House of Representatives
Fumio Kishida
Prime Minister
Hiroshima 1st district
Negotiating meeting since February 2019
Hiroshi Hiraguchi
Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Hiroshima 2nd district
Meeting Date: June 15, 2019
Do you believe that nuclear weapons should be eliminated?
Of course. As a member of the Liberal Democratic Party's Caucus to Promote Hibakusha Relief, I have been working on reviewing the criteria for A-bomb Disease certification and expanding support for victims of the "black rain," and I feel we have achieved positive results.
Do you support the nuclear ban treaty?
Ultimately, I agree. It is the biggest problem in international politics. We have a situation where the non-nuclear states are in favor and the nuclear states are not. Nuclear weapons are used as their status. North Korea is able to speak out against the U.S. because it has nuclear weapons. The U.S. has nuclear weapons, but it is telling other countries not to have them, and it is inconsistent. I think the nuclear ban treaty would be one way to eliminate such status.
Do you think Japan should sign and ratify the treaty?
I don't disagree. The nuclear ban treaty is jumping to conclusions in some ways. I am absolutely against nuclear weapons. There are different ways to get there: the NPT, the Partial Test Ban Treaty, and so on. We should strengthen the movement for nuclear disarmament. I want to push for a ban on nuclear weapons, including those held by the nuclear weapon states.
As a member of the Parliament from the A-bombed city of Hiroshima, I swing between the desire for nuclear abolition and Japan's position on the issue. Whatever the nation as a whole, we will do what needs to be done. Ideologically, I am in favor of the nuclear ban treaty. Right now the world is not united, with the nuclear weapon states opposed and the non-nuclear weapon states in favor. We should promote nuclear disarmament and move toward the total ban of nuclear weapons. In the sense of building a bridge, I would have liked Japan to participate in the negotiations for the treaty.
Under what conditions would Japan be able to sign and ratify the treaty? What are the obstacles to do so?
It is difficult to answer that question. We will steadily convey the horror of nuclear weapons. There are victims of nuclear not only in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but also in Kazakhstan, for example. We should tell more about this.
Katsuyuki Kawai
Meeting negotiations ended after Kawai's imprisonment.
Tetsuo Saito
Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Hiroshima 3rd district
Meeting Date: March 9, 2019
Do you believe that nuclear weapons should be eliminated?
Yes. This is the most important of my political agenda. As a member of the Parliament elected from Hiroshima, I aim for the abolition of nuclear weapons. This is in line with the basic policy of the Komeito Party and the ideas of the Soka Gakkai, the parent organization of the party.
Do you support the nuclear ban treaty?
Yes. The spirit of the nuclear ban treaty is in line with our Party's ideas. As the only A-bombed nation, we wanted Japan to join the treaty. As for the non-participation of the nuclear states, more effort should have been made to enable them to participate, for example, by changing the wording of the articles.
Do you think Japan should sign and ratify the treaty?
Yes. As the only A-bombed country, Japan should join the nuclear ban treaty. On the other hand, we need a logical structure that the treaty is consistent with Japan's security regime and nuclear umbrella. I would like to work toward Japan's ratification of the treaty.
Under what conditions would Japan be able to sign and ratify the treaty? What are the obstacles to do so?
Given the world situation, Japan is protected by the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty and the nuclear umbrella. Also, considering the countries surrounding Japan have nuclear weapons and are ready to drop them at any time, we must protect the lives and property of the Japanese people. Step by step, with the understanding of the nuclear states, we need to maintain a balance between the nuclear states and non-nuclear states, and reduce the number of nuclear weapons little by little.
The role of non-nuclear states is to persuasively convey to the nuclear states the threat of nuclear weapons, which threaten the survival of humankind. We should act as a bridge between nuclear states and non-nuclear states. We want to help the A-bomb survivors in their hard work and spread understanding throughout the world. Create a persuasive treaty that will enable the nuclear weapon states to take a step forward. Japan's role is to create a framework that encourages the nuclear states to make efforts. As long as nuclear weapons exist, we are not safe. I do not believe that a security system that relies on nuclear weapons is good. We must work toward peace.
Masayoshi Shintani
Hiroshima 4th district
Negotiating meeting since February 2019
Minoru Terada
Special Advisor to the Prime Minister
Hiroshima 5th district
Meeting Date: December 27, 2019
Do you believe that nuclear weapons should be eliminated?
Yes. From the standpoint of the NPT, a nuclear-free world does not mean eliminating nuclear weapons, but it does recognize peaceful uses of nuclear energy, such as cancer treatment and nuclear power generation. In other words, it's not that nuclear itself is bad, but that nuclear weapons are rejected. I agree with the stance of the NPT. As a second-generation A-bomb survivor and a member of the Parliament who is interested in this issue, I formed the parliament members caucus on A-Bomb and have been working on the issue of certification of A-bomb diseases. From a comprehensive perspective, I believe that we should aim for a state of nuclear renunciation.
Do you support the nuclear ban treaty?
The ultimate goal of nuclear abolition is, of course, the right direction, but if we are to get there immediately, we find ourselves in a confrontational situation, and the process comes to a standstill. That's the situation right now. The countries that have nuclear weapons should agree with each other and make efforts to reduce the number of them. I would like to encourage them to do so. Of course, I hope that you will continue your activities and that the countries that support the nuclear ban treaty will continue to advocate for a world without nuclear weapons. We hope to serve as an intermediary between you all and the nuclear states.
Do you think Japan should sign and ratify the treaty?
Given the current position of the Japanese government, I think they are concerned that ratifying the treaty now will probably deepen the confrontation, rather than the other way around. It is one way to try to bring both sides together. In the discussion on relief for A-bomb survivors, since it was realistically difficult to provide relief to all of them, I established certain criteria and expanded the scope of the relief law step by step. I believe it is possible to make such efforts with regard to nuclear weapons.
Under what conditions would Japan be able to sign and ratify the treaty? What are the obstacles to do so?
The reason we don't ratify the treaty now is not because it doesn't contribute to nuclear abolition, but because we are trying to mediate between the two sides. If we don't make it clear, we will be suspect. The government should explain that part.
I think the situation will change if there is a proposal that is acceptable to both nuclear states and non-nuclear states. For example, one strategy would be for Japan to partially ratify the treaty so that the nuclear states would agree to gradual reductions in their nuclear arsenals.
Koji Sato
Hiroshima 6th district
Meeting Date: March 10, 2019
Do you believe that nuclear weapons should be eliminated?
Yes. It is important to eliminate nuclear weapons, as well as wars and conflicts that would trigger using them. I would like to make a world, society, and planet without wars and conflicts.
Do you support the nuclear ban treaty?
Yes. Considering realistic politics and diplomacy, there is a debate on what can and cannot be done. But still, it is important to show our will as a politician in Hiroshima. We should participate, and we want to be at the heart of it.
Although some information is known only to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government, I deeply regret that Japan did not participate in the negotiations for the ban treaty. We failed to express our willingness to actively participate. There were things we should have done before making that choice.
Do you think Japan should sign and ratify the treaty?
Yes. There are various contradictions and practical problems, but Japan should sign and ratify the treaty to show our will. Politicians are chosen by the people. I would like to talk with you all at various occasions to increase the number of people who share the same feelings and ideas and act together.
Under what conditions would Japan be able to sign and ratify the treaty? What are the obstacles to do so?
Humanitarianism is the main focus of the treaty. It lacks a security perspective. Japan wanted to play a central role in the discussions to make the content agreeable to everyone.
The government and the Prime Minister's Office have information that we do not have. Generally speaking, the Japan-U.S. alliance is contradictory. It is important and I do not deny it. It is important to rely on each other. However, in a positive sense, self-reliance and independence are necessary.
The nuclear umbrella needs to be changed. It is important to look at technological advances calmly and logically. Cyber and electronic weapons have the potential to neutralize nuclear weapons and change war and conflict. Weapons of mass destruction are the methodology of conflict. We must consider the root causes of conflict. How can we coexist and live together? We want a country and society where people can live in harmony with each other and with other peoples.
It is quite possible that the nuclear umbrella would not protect our security. The Japan-U.S. alliance itself must change guradually. The relationship must be as equal as possible.
Fumiaki Kobayashi
State Minister for Digital,
State Minister of Cabinet Office
Hiroshima 7th district
Meeting Date: March 23, 2019
Do you believe that nuclear weapons should be eliminated?
Yes. It is best to eliminate all weapons, not only nuclear weapons if possible.
Do you support the nuclear ban treaty?
Yes. I agree with the concept.
Do you think Japan should sign and ratify the treaty?
I do not think so at this point. The nuclear issue must be considered from the humanitarian perspective and the security perspective. Although Japan is the only A-bombed nation, it relies on nuclear power for its security. In other words, Japan is a unique country that recognizes both the necessity and danger of nuclear weapons. Therefore, Japan should act as a mediator between the nuclear states and non-nuclear states. If Japan strongly respects the opinions of either the nuclear states or the non-nuclear states at this point, it will be difficult to negotiate with the other. In addition, if we are acting inconsistently, we will not be trusted by other countries. To be specific, if a country currently protected by the nuclear umbrella advocates the immediate abolition of nuclear weapons, it will not be understood by other countries. Therefore, it is important to negotiate consistently.
Under what conditions would Japan be able to sign and ratify the treaty? What are the obstacles to do so?
The problem is that the nuclear states have not joined the treaty.
Unfortunately, Japan now has no choice but to rely on nuclear power for its security. North Korea has the option to use nuclear weapons, and other countries may use them as well. So the reality is that nuclear deterrence is necessary in the current situation.
We share the same ideal of achieving the abolition of nuclear weapons, but in reality there is a process that must be followed. For nuclear states that rely on the theory of nuclear deterrence, it is necessary to approach (persuade) them that it is safe even if they give up their nuclear weapons. In order to achieve this, we must unravel and resolve the reasons why each nuclear weapon state has nuclear weapons.
In order for Japan to get out from under the nuclear umbrella, it is important at the citizen level to have cultural exchanges with other countries, especially those that are provocative toward Japan, to build trust, especially among the younger generation. The same is true at the parliamentary level. At the national political level, we can gain the trust of the people of other countries by contributing to solving the problems of that country, not only through the government, but also through private business and other means. I believe that it is effective to address issues keeping in mind that it is the people of other countries who choose their leaders and policies.
I myself have been pursuing Congressional diplomacy. I have visited China and other countries many times during the Golden Week holidays and continue to meet with government officials. I believe that trust between the leaders of each country is crucial to diplomacy.
Toshifumi Kojima
Chugoku Proportional Representation Block
Negotiating meeting since February 2019
Mio Sugita
Negotiations for visits ended because the office could not be identified in Hiroshima.
Masaki Kusaka
Chugoku Proportional Representation Block
Meeting Date: January 6, 2022
Do you believe that nuclear weapons should be eliminated?
It must be abolished. As someone who lives in the only country to have suffered the atomic bombings of war, I have studied the reality of the atomic bombing in the Soka Gakkai Youth Club and have met A-bomb survivors many times. My wife is a second-generation A-bomb survivor.
Do you support the nuclear ban treaty?
Yes. Although the nuclear weapon states do not participate, it is important to convey the message of the abolition of nuclear weapons to the world. The treaty is also significant in that it clarifies the "way out" that we should work toward.
Do you think Japan should sign and ratify the treaty?
In the long run, Japan should be signed and ratified. However, in our meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we were told that they have not yet reached that stage. I don't think this will happen immediately, but our party would like to play a leading role in paving the way for signing and ratifying the treaty. There will be various forums for discussion, including the NPT. It will be necessary to make those forums acceptable to the nuclear states as well. I have a lot to learn. I would like to create my own actions for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
Under what conditions would Japan be able to sign and ratify the treaty? What are the obstacles to do so?
It is a issue of security. North Korea launched a missile the other day. I think the presence of North Korea has created a kind of suspicion in minds of Japanese people - is Japan safe? How can Japan defend itself when missiles are launched toward its territory?
I think it is necessary to maintain the Japan-U.S. alliance. That is also the dilemma we face as the A-bombed country. In short, it is a matter of trust. The issue is how to remove nuclear weapons from the security context.
Seiki Soramoto
Chugoku Proportional Representation Block
Meeting Date: February 5, 2022
Do you believe that nuclear weapons should be eliminated?
Yes. As long as humanity has them, they could be used in error. It is safer not to have them.
Do you support the nuclear ban treaty?
Same stance as Prime Minister Kishida. I do not deny the treaty itself, and it should be there in the end, but the current situation is too complicated. It is good to work on the nuclear ban treaty, the NPT, the Group of Eminent Persons for Substantive Advancement of Nuclear Disarmament, but it is just a way to buy time. These should be integrated into one and I think the NPT is the best. Because it is meaningless if the United States, Russia, and China don't participate. We should move forward with the NPT as soon as possible.
Do you think Japan should sign and ratify the treaty?
At this stage, we should not join the treaty. Some say that we should join the first meeting of states parties as observers, but since trust has already been built in Japan-U.S. relations, I don't know what kind of negative impact we would have if we go in now. We should not join it to facilitate the G7 summit.
I agree with the recent "Japan-U.S. Joint Statement on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)," but Prime Minister Kishida should speak out more strongly against the United States, Russia, and China to set concrete goals and eliminate nuclear weapons by the end of this century. If you want to eliminate nuclear weapons, you must do it all at once.
Under what conditions would Japan be able to sign and ratify the treaty? What are the obstacles to do so?
The Japanese government believes that the effectiveness of the ban treaty is not strong enough, so we must move forward with the NPT as soon as possible. We must move forward discussions on how to reduce the number of nuclear warheads quickly. Nuclear weapons and the peaceful use of nuclear energy are two sides of the same coin. In other words, nuclear weapons will not be eliminated unless we find an alternative to nuclear power. I understand that, but I also believe that we have to keep the nuclear technology, which is painful. If Japan is able to secure a defense capability while being self-sufficient in energy and food, it will be able to protect its people and will no longer have to rely on the United States. Only then, I believe, we can say that we have the conditions in place to move toward the abolition of nuclear weapons.
House of Councillors
Yoichi Miyazawa
Hiroshima Prefecture
Negotiating meeting since February 2019
Anri Kawai
Meeting negotiations ended after Kawai's imprisonment.
Shiniji Morimoto
Hiroshima Prefecture
Meeting Date: March 17, 2019
Do you believe that nuclear weapons should be eliminated?
Yes. I believe it is my mission as a politician. I's a heavy subject, but I strive for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
Do you support the nuclear ban treaty?
Yes. I have appealed to sign the treaty many times.
I am beyond disappointed and angry at the Japanese government for not supporting it. The nuclear ban treaty complements the existing treaties on nuclear weapons such as NPT and PTBT. Japan must act as a bridge between the nuclear states and non-nuclear states, but the current government has failed to respond to public opinion. Far from playing a leading role, Japan hampers international efforts to ban nuclear weapons.
Do you think Japan should sign and ratify the treaty?
Yes. In the Parliamentary debates, I have always insisted that Japan must ratify the treaty. I have also held study sessions under the Association of Opposition Diet Lawmakers Seeking a World without Nuclear Weapons, chaired by Mr. Katsuya Okada.
Under what conditions would Japan be able to sign and ratify the treaty? What are the obstacles to do so?
We should consider whether nuclear deterrence is really useful for security. It was Japan that opposed the Obama administration's attempt to announce a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons. Now that the Trump administration is in power, things are even more confusing. We must prove that we can get by without nuclear weapons. The international community is questioning Japan's current stance.
Ayaka Shiomura
Tokyo Metropolis, born in Hiroshima
Meeting Date: February 22, 2020
Do you believe that nuclear weapons should be eliminated?
Of course yes.
Do you support the nuclear ban treaty?
Yes I do.
Do you think Japan should sign and ratify the treaty?
Yes. I know there are many opinions, but since I have only been a member of the Parliament for one year, and since I am a second-generation A-bomb survivor, I frankly want Japan to sign and ratify the treaty. I am a person who could be on the same side of Kakuwaka.
Under what conditions would Japan be able to sign and ratify the treaty? What are the obstacles to do so?
One reason is the relationship with the United States. But on the other hand, there is the question of how Japan, the only country to have been exposed to the atomic bombings, could stand still here. There are other countries allied with the United States, but their situations are completely different. The preconditions are not the same at all, and Japan should be the one to build a real bridge between the two sides, but I don't think it is actually being done. In this sense, I believe that Japan has not been able to sign and ratify the treaty because it is too considerate of its ally. In order to solve this problem, it is important to firmly present its stance. Japan is quick to decide on something, but the reason why it has not yet decided on its stance is probably related to the intentions of its top management. Looking at the United States, Trump has come in to deny everything that Obama has done, and in some ways Japan's top leaders have also adjusted to that. So I think the major problem is the direction of the top two leaders of the countries. It is important to do what we can do now to prepare for the post-Trump and post-Abe period.
Satoshi Inoue
Japanese Communist Party Diet Affairs Committee Chairperson
Proportional Representation, born in Hiroshima
Meeting Date: October 18, 2019
Do you believe that nuclear weapons should be eliminated?
Yes. I grew up in Hiroshima as a second-generation A-bomb survivor. When I was a student at Kokutaiji High School, I watched the movie "Hiroshima" and felt close to the issue of nuclear weapons, which I had thought of as an old story, and that is how I came to focus on social issues. This was also the starting point of my ambition to become a politician, and I have been actively working on the issue of nuclear weapons since I was elected to the Parliament.
Do you support the nuclear ban treaty?
Yes. I participated in the NPT Review Conferences in 2005 and 2010 and felt the international efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons. In particular, I felt that the Hibakusha, who exposed their scars while suffering, and appealed to the world about the inhumanity of nuclear weapons, were a powerful international force. On July 7, 2017, I also witnessed the adoption of the nuclear ban treaty at the United Nations.
Do you think Japan should sign and ratify the treaty?
Yes. I have been actively speaking out and asking questions in the Parliament. There is still a situation among the Japanese people where they do not know the tragedy of the atomic bombings. We must convey the message.
Under what conditions would Japan be able to sign and ratify the treaty? What are the obstacles to do so?
It is that Japan relies on nuclear deterrence.
There is criticism against the nuclear ban treaty, saying that a treaty only for non-nuclear states is meaningless, but the existence of the treaty itself serves as a norm to let people know that nuclear weapons are evil. We must take advantage of this and hunt down the nuclear states.
I think it is cowardly for Japan to act as if it were speaking for the nuclear states, while claiming to serve as a bridge between the nuclear states and the non-nuclear states.
Haruko Miyaguchi
Hiroshima Prefecture
Meeting Date: April 9, 2021
Do you believe that nuclear weapons should be eliminated?
Yes. Born in Hiroshima Prefecture, I have been educated about peace since I was a child. A scene from "Barefoot Gen" remains with me to this day. I believe that my knowledge and feelings about peace are different from those of people outside Hiroshima. As someone who understands the tragedy of war, nuclear abolition is what we should certainly strive for.
Do you support the nuclear ban treaty?
Yes. When I learned on the TV news that Japan had not supported the treaty, I thought, "Japan is the only country to have been exposed to the atomic bombings. But why?" I thought so personally, as a citizen of Hiroshima.
Do you think Japan should sign and ratify the treaty?
Yes. Same as above.
Under what conditions would Japan be able to sign and ratify the treaty? What are the obstacles to do so?
I think the obstacle is the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.
We should aim for nuclear abolition. Like nuclear power plants, things that cannot be controlled by human power should be eliminated. However, there may be people whose lives are supported by such things. Even if it is the right thing to do, there may be people who would be troubled. Some countries already have a large number of nuclear weapons. I think it would be better to find a balance and eliminate nuclear weapons step by step.
It is important that efforts such as yours are made to inherit the wishes of the A-bomb survivors. I believe that the world will gradually change over several decades. I believe that what you are doing is the right thing.
Minoru Yanagida
Hiroshima Prefecture
Response received with a document: January 18, 2022
Do you believe that nuclear weapons should be eliminated?
Yes. Nuclear weapons threaten our lives and livelihoods, the global environment, and more. They should never be used again. In order to prevent nuclear weapons from being used, we want to abolish nuclear weapons and create a world without them.
Do you support the nuclear ban treaty?
Yes. I have repeatedly called for signatures on the treaty.
The nuclear ban treaty seeks to promote the abolition of nuclear weapons from the perspective of their inhumanity, and is an important treaty for the realization of a world without nuclear weapons.
Do you think Japan should sign and ratify the treaty?
As the only A-bombed country, Japan should take the initiative in the international community to realize the abolition of nuclear weapons. The preamble of the treaty mentions hibakusha. In order to respond to the wishes of the hibakusha who have been working hard for the abolition of nuclear weapons for many years, Japan should sign and ratify the treaty.
Under what conditions would Japan be able to sign and ratify the treaty? What are the obstacles to do so?
At the 2017 nuclear ban treaty negotiating conference, Japan had not shown its willingness to sign the treaty, arguing that negotiations would deepen the division in the relationship between nuclear weapons States and non-nuclear weapons States and bring division to the international community.
Some also argue that if the nuclear states do not participate in the treaty, it will not lead to concrete nuclear abolition and will not be effective. However, it is hoped that the entry into force of the treaty will spread awareness of the inhumanity of nuclear weapons throughout the world, thereby influencing world public opinion and bringing the international community together toward the abolition of nuclear weapons. As a parliamentarian in Hiroshima, I will do my utmost to ensure that Japan signs and ratifies the treaty as soon as possible.