Ishihara calls for nuclear-armed Japan

Good to see the old guy finally making some sense.

Now that's something you wouldn't expect. (/sarcasm)

P`haps Ishihara needs to look up the meaning of pacifist! And just how many millions of yen is an analysis going to cost? another hair brained idea from Ishihara, this guy is hell bent on starting a war with someone!

Guess he didn't want political power after all, then. This is a vote loser for sure....

a buffoon

In a country that is currently having all sorts of problems with nuclear reactors, having the history of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and not to mention all the politicians and general population believing in a nuclear weapons free world I do believe that Ishihara has found a way to alienate enough people that his new party will be a non-existent factor in the upcoming elections.

I hope he keeps spewing this rhetoric and garbage and that the public FINALLY sees through his facade.

I think Japan should focus more on anti-nuclear missile weapons.

Ishihara is right. A nation without any nuclear is never taken seriously. But a nation with stocks of nuclear will not be taken seriously by the other nations having nuclear too in their war arsenals. So tit for tat and lets roll the dice to the coming of WWIII

funny guy, no warning no concerns from Washington this time.

Come on Japan. Put this unpleasant little man out of his misery on December 16 along with his ridiculous sidekick. The combined egos of these clowns could do awful damage.

Ishihara... Ishihara... Ishihara....

Eventually, Hashimoto will realize that pairing up with this tool is the dumbest mistake he ever made. It only goes to prove how far he really is from being ready for Prime Time.

Regardless of how badly we think politicians do, govnerning is a serious business to be taken seriously by responsible adults, not a collection of clowns, ex-comics, former authors, blow-hard morons, relatives of famous people, or some combination thereof.

Ishihara is a madman if he ever got access to nuclear weapons he would start WW III or even worse use them on his own people. If this were any other country be would be taken and thrown from office decades ago. The young people need to wake up and do something about this monster before he ends up as a prime minister or worse.

No turning back. Japan must develop nuclear technology to clean up, prevent and ensure safety. Man inherently aspires to harness nature. Japan has invested in nuclear technology. Better to dominate and invalidate rogue states' half-baked nuclear technology.

Please tone down your rhetoric.

So if Japan get's a Nuclear arsenal, where are you going to put it? Fukushima? Submarine's? all over Japan? Maybe the Senkaku Islands? Japan deserve's to get in all the "Nuclear" fun, but what after that? Start a war? Deter China?

It is ABOUT TIME! Finally he makes some sense! Yes. Japan should have nukes. Japan should also be allowed to expand its military and military spending. Japan has changed since WWII. There is no need to worry about it doing something "bad" anymore. I still don't want to see him in office though.

When you think it can't get any crazier, Ishahara outdoes himself again. That guy shows again that he doesn't belong in politics. Nutter

Like always, Japan is well behind the times. By the time nuclear weapons are finally made, all other nations will have completed the nuclear proliferation process. Hopefully then a few former "specialist" employees from TEPCO that have joined the nuclear programme will press the wrong button and blow themselves all up.

Problem solved.

Mutual assured destruction, we all like that right...

Yes, but it's time for you to retire, mr. Ishihara. You're 80 years old for crying out loud.

It's time for Japan to end its US-dependent, crybaby victim mentality and join the 21st Century as a mature nation. It must revise its war-renouncing Constitution, get rid of all US troops/bases, thus ending the security pact with the US, and develop its own deterrent nuclear arsenal. Anything short of this is sentimental weakness, and Japan will continue to be marginalized.

He's 80 and loosing his mind. Should be in a nursing home, not in the running to be "In control" of a country. (notice the quotation marks. Those in control of a country never really are. The burecrats are. Especially in this country)

Giving a gun to a drunk sailor?

This guy is an absolute nut, the last thing the world needs is a nuclear armed Japan. It is bad enough having a nuclear powered Japan they cannot even control that let alone a nuclear weapon or several.

It's about time this old fool learnt to keep his mouth shut.

how can japan criticize other countries for obtaining nuclear weapon if one of their own party leader have this kind of plan he should be certainly ban from politics

“The diplomatic voice of countries without nuclear weapons is overwhelmingly weak.”

If Japan had nuclear weapons their diplomatic voice would be able to achieve what exactly? Install fear, issue threats, create destruction on a mass scale?

Majority rules, you are out Mr. Ishihara. Thinking of a crazy guy with a nuke, we all live in fear.

What's next? Is Ishihara going to call for an end to "mosaic porn". :P

Easy solution, ask your Japanese friends, family, colleagues, to NOT vote him into Power.

Japan has changed since WWII. There is no need to worry about it doing something "bad" anymore

Akemi,

You sure about that?? Japan only changed because it was FORCED to & thankfully went along with it. But the old ways are very much still there JUST below the surface, pretty easy to see, the last thing the world needs is Japan with nukes, look at the imbeciles who "run" this place since the 80s..................no way I want them with nukes they simply CANNOT be trusted, sad but TRUE!

Japan the most powerful nuclear country in the world. Now has an Arsenal of "Smart bomb's" more powerful than the world has ever seen...capable of supersonic flight, magnetic dust un-detection, laser and satellite guided and capable of mass destruction of epic proportion's......Doesn't America have enough to share and protect Japan?....Think about it?... How does that Sound?... is that really what Nippon want's?... As an American Native I am not proud that we have , and have used, Nuclear Weapons....I wish I had never even heard of such a weapon.....is that what Japan really need's?....

He has a point. Japan need nuclear weapons if it wants to defend itself. Noone would ever attack a nuclear capable country. And japan has plutonium for 5000bombs.

The best defence is the attack.

Good! He's making himself more unelectable! Way to go, Ishihara!

The only major countries with nuclear weapons are US, Russia, UK, France and China.

I can't imagine the majority of the Japanese voters supporting nuclear armament. I wonder if these kinds of statements will send the Restoration Party to the loony bin of the marginalized far-right?

No one should forget that this is the very same man who said after the disasters of 9/11 that the earthquake and tsunami were sent by god for "Japan's hubris" in having so many nuclear reactors -- a message he implied in part to mean Japan has not learned from the nuclear attacks made on it.

One of the reasons Japan IS taken seriously is because of it being a modern and yet non-nuclear nation. Sure, China and NK have a slightly longer sabre to rattle if they feel need, but show me a nation that takes THEM seriously! What's more, once Japan gets nuclear weapons, it'll become the number one location in the world for theft by terrorists, given the security and what not here. In short, the problems it would create for the nation far outweigh the next to no benefits it could see in obtaining them. Analyze it, perhaps. Realize it and this country can never go back.

Ishihara is showing once again that being a 'strong' leader who makes decisions is not at all akin to being wise, but unfortunately a lot of radicals can't see through the blind rhetoric.

Japanese don't believe the US will stand by them in face of a conflict with China - - - Ishihara is touching this nerve with J voters .........................................

The best defence is the attack.

Hmmm. This is why you can't play cowboys with the big boys anymore. Back to the lego blocks little lad.

Ishihara is an old fashioned nationalist, whereas Hashimoto is a neo-con guy (although his cultural views are those of old conservatives). They won't get along.

Ishihara! Yes, this old goat is at it again! This stupid idiot fool should keep his yapper shut! Maybe he can sit there and blink away in Morse code, or maybe that is what he has been doing all this time?? Anyway, Japan needs nuclear missiles like Fukushima needs more massive earthquakes and tsunamis, time for old blinky to retire to some nice QUIET place, say like the Senkaku islands and let him enjoy peace and tranquility and have nice talks with our amigos from China that are also ready to speak about those pesky islands.

Good Idea. Get Nukes in Japan, then all the rest os Asia will point their missiles towards Japan as a response. Small islands many Nukes pointed towards them..umm I am leaving Japan. No thanks.

Japan must not become like Tibet? WTF is this old fool on? However, he has just committed political suicide with his comment about nuclear arms. It was only a matter of time before this geezer ran his mouth off too much and hung himself. Well done mate! You will now disappear into political obscurity. See ya!

crazy ojiisan

@ThomasAnderson

I can't imagine the majority of the Japanese voters supporting nuclear armament.

And I can't imagine the majority of the Tokyo voters supporting a reckless xenophobe like Ishihara... yet they did.

Not only that, but Ishihara was arguably the most popular, well-regarded governor in the city's history with the second-longest term in that office ever.

Am against Japan possessing atomic devices. There is no need if the Americans protect us. Article #9 prevents this of now as well as Japan possessing a strictly offensive force. Though in the last years America has been sucking up to the Communist Chinese.

Ishihara has just built his own grave. It is true that nuclear weapons would give Japan a more powerful position in the world but this power is only an illusion and based on greed, war, hate and all the bad things about this world. Japan will have a much stronger position without taking the nuclear stance and live on for many more generations as a role model for the rest of the world by abandoning the nuclear weapon idea. Ishihara and anyone who supports him is so deluded it is scary.

Go, Ishihara,go! It's time for Japan to stand on her own feet and not depend too much on Washington.

Ishihara san would lead Japan into nuclear war...what a stupidity! Wants Japan nuked...

Stupid men are found everywhere, starting by our politicians!

First shut down all those U.S. military bases.

Great, and what are the delivery systems to go along with the nukes? Unless it's a doomsday self-destruct device (remember Beneath the Planet of the Apes?), they will just sit in Japan. Last I checked, it takes a long time and lots of money for ICBMs, missile subs and long-range bombers, all of which seem to be missing from the SDF locker...

Ishihara is the main troublemaker behind the ongoing problems with China. He is not the person to take the country forward. Ishihara is not so popular with non-Japanese due to many derogatory comments about foreigners. The thought of him having his own party and possibly becoming PM scary.

First time the old man ever made a very good point. I've been hitting on this point ever since I came to live in Japan.

Ishihara is just playing around with the foreign press only because they encouraged him to do so and he is enjoying this to the full. Whatever he says to the media no longer means all that much, now that he has resigned as Tokyo governor and the real power and influence has now pretty much been given away to Hashimoto. Whatever controversial remarks Ishihara makes he remembers to make clear they are merely personal views which do not represent those of the party he supposedly leads. People should be interviewing Hashimoto the mastermind to pursue more meaningful journalism, not this guy who would irresponsibly say anything.

I have to say for once I agree with Ishihara. We all want a world without nuclear weapons but if Japan wants an effective deterrent against china and north Korea without the help of the US, it needs nuclear weapons.

Why is this a problem ?

Most of our neighbors China, Russia, North Korea and non-neighbors like America all have nuclear weapons and Japan is supposed to have none ?

Ishihara is an idiot but he is right on this one.

Mr. Ishihara,

Don't you think Japan has had enough nuke issues?

Surprised that this guy this still around....Come on Mr Noda how about putting him in his place?

This party scares me. I have been telling my Japanese friends not to vote for them; despite their promises that appeal to the frustrated citizens (admittedly they have a few good points), both Ishihara and Hashimoto WILL cause Japan to get into war with its neighbours.

I stayed during the nuclear disaster... But will turn into a flyjin the minute they start antagonising their neighbours

And what about chemical weapons while he is out shopping.

Ishihara... stressed that his views were personal, rather than those of his party.

The only other time you hear this is when the leaders of the neo-fascist parties in Europe get overheard talking about Muslims or Jews. How unsurprising to hear it coming from Ishihara.

Ishihara says that non-nuclear states are not taken seriously, and yet, he does not take China, a nuclear-armed state, seriously.

Defies logic?

It is about time someone in Japan have the intestinal fortitude to say what every USA taxpayer has been saying: "Protect yourself with modern weapons." It will not be easy to come out from behind the "skirt" but, 66 years is enough protection for the "child."

@Thomas Anderson

"Defies logic?"

Not at all. China is not taken seriously for their childish behavior. Maybe your home country US of A should get rid of all the nuclear weapons first if you want Japan not to have any

Not at all. China is not taken seriously for their childish behavior. Maybe your home country US of A should get rid of all the nuclear weapons first if you want Japan not to have any

Are you saying that Ishihara is not childish?

Public sentiment is so anti-nuclear.... he has just nuked his own campaign.(笑）

Not at all. China is not taken seriously for their childish behavior.

Anyway, it only shows that having nuclear weapons is NOT a prerequisite for being taken seriously as a nation. So his logic is still flawed.

Nobody takes N-Korea seriously either... so why think a Nuclear armed Japan would be? Ishihara belongs in a nursing home!

I guess by possessing nuclear weapons, Ishihara can throw sabre-rattling tantrums like the Kim Jongs in North Korea. I guess that's what he means by being a "strong nation". Maybe that's his dream, to be able to act like North Korea.

I am less worried about Japan having them as I am about Ishihara having them.

I do not know how Japantoday got thie. I heard what Ishihara said in Japaneses. He did not say as far as the part I heard was that'' we may start to discuss this issues.'' He often said this i his other occasions. Having a discussion it self could work as Japan's deterrence power.

I personally believe since we experienced HIroshima and Nagasaki, we should not produce them. But China, North Korea have them. We might have the same kind of arrangement as Turkey, Germany, Italy. they are protected but they do not produce them. In case of Japan, Japan never poses, produce, and not letting any one bring in. The last part is different from Italy Turkey or Germany.

@Thomas Anderson

"Are you saying that Ishihara is not childish?"

I clearly said Ishihara is an idiot in my first post

I clearly said Ishihara is an idiot in my first post

Hard to argue with that.

That old man is out of control.

GW

But the old ways are very much still there JUST below the surface, pretty easy to see,*

I want to know what make you feel that. May be I am looking at Japan near sighted way. I agree what Akemi said.

The problem with Japan having nukes is that they would use them. I'm not talking about your average Joe on the street. I'm talking about the ambitious, arrogant, power hungry politicians we see in the upcoming election. During the Fukushima crisis we saw that they would rather use the situation to better their own interests than work together to help the Japanese people. These types of people shouldn't have this kind of power. In fact they shouldn't be in power at all.

yes. japan should have nuclear weapons. some of their neighbors have em & it's about time they came out from under america's "nuclear umbrella" .

Holy crap this guy wants war, I'm thinking after this statement he wont be elected anything and prove what a nutcase he is

Jus what Japan needs, an extraordinarily expensive nuclear weapons system that it dares never to us because fallout from it's use would kill everyone in Japan.

If you want an interesting study, check out the statistics on Cancer in the United States before and after our nuclear testing period. When I was a kid cancer was mainly a disease of late middle age to old age. Now we see babies coming down with cancer at very you ages, not too mention teenagers and young adults. The Radiation spread across American during on open air testing and even during our underground testing, which also leaked radiation has made genetic changes and I believe is our main reason for the increase in cancers.

Now I assume that actual testing is less likely with computer simulations, but it might be wise to do a study o cancer rates of people in your nuclear industry compared with people outside of the industry. You also will want to keep a good watch of the victims of the disaster of your nuclear power plant and the effect of radiation long term on the contaminated areas. Add this to the statistic of descendants of those near the Hiroshima and Nagasaki explosions of world two.

Any form of use of nuclear energy carries some risk of radiation danger to those directly involved in it. Now do you consider the possible risks worth a slight ego boost of joining the Nuclear club.

So glad my well-being is no longer based on moronic Japanese politicians like Ishihara. He wants nukes. Abe wants the BOJ to buy debt and flood the market with yen. My gosh, what a circus.

gogogoNov. 21, 2012 - 11:52AM JST

Holy crap this guy wants war, I'm thinking after this statement he wont be elected anything and prove what a nutcase he is

You would be surprised. Read all posts very carefully filled with jingoism. This is exactly the reason the Constitution of Japan the Article 9 prohibits JSDF to become military. There is a purpose. McCarthur said well that Japanese are 12 years old kids throwing tantrum. They cannot handle it. I left Japan many years ago, and I did it right. There will be more flyjin.

Main objection is the devices themselves the thought of killing so many people is repugnant to me. No matter where it lands men women and children will die in a most painful way. Do not care what country these are people not animals. It is better Japan never has to make this decision.

I think that guy has lost whatever few marbles he had left!

Ishihara and Hashimoto in charge in a country that has nothing learned nor shown any regret for the past.

Nuclear weapons in the hands of the kids I watch being taught in Japanese schools right now?

Oh, my god.

I agree with Mr. Ishihara-san. we need nuclear weapons if we're going to be taken seriously in the world. NUKES FOR JAPAN NOW.

Japan is surely doomed! An Abe/Ishihara coalition would result in Abe becoming a puppet for this right wing imperialist nutcase. You have one wanting to drive the country into an inflation spurred depression and the other wanting nuclear weapons to play big boy in the school yard. As bad as it sounds, one should hope Noda is returned to power.

One day the JRP could go too far with Ishihara's BS and Japan could up getting nuked again! On a ground invasion!!

the best idea ! if not bullying china keeps intimidating japan for good . japan should not 4get that china asstitude is just chicken , if japan has nuclear toy then im sure this bullying dragon will beconme a chicken sh it real quick

Disillusioned: "It was only a matter of time before this geezer ran his mouth off too much and hung himself."

If only logic played a part in voting for many people. For many politicians a statement as strongly worded as Ishihara's would have been the political suicide you and others speak of, but this is Japan, and ISHIHARA! That man is STRONG! He can say NO to Americans! He starts international incidents with CHINA! He'll lose some potential votes for the remarks, and sadly gain some. In any case, he can pull a sour grapes and say "I'm an old man, I don't care if I win. It's just my opinion" while still searching for votes and empowerment.

Only a barbarian would use these devices. Think of the people who would get hurt or die from the use of these things. For the record people are people to me, the killing of Chinese or Korean people would distress me. Have a disagreement with the government not the people of China.

Ishihara: "...stressed that his views were personal, rather than those of his party." And he is so old that he won't have to live with any of the consequences if he put "his views" into effect. Convenient for old git, but not for the rest of us.

Ishihara will get his nuclear-armed Japan, if and when the US troops leave Japan. In that case, it is a natural development that an independent Japan would stand up to wannabe regional superpower China, which is nuclear.

Ironically, the same groups which want the US to leave are thus supporting Ishihara. Reality has a way with unintended consequences...

Nutcase !

Although difficult Japan needs to analysis the present status and the potential hazards of maintaining article 9 in it's present state. Presently IF PRC was to invade the Senkaku and gained a foothold for more than four days in which an emergency UN assembly can be called in Japan will lose the Senkaku isles since under the present constitution, Japan is not able to retaliate to recapture the isles after various governments aknowledge that there is a conflict. Same goes if NK shoots a missle towards Japan, Japan is not able to retaliate so Japan cannot shoot missles against NK missle sites to prevent further missle launches.(although I believe the SDF will disobey and fire them anyways.)

It will be too late to discuss in any civil way concerning this issue if these events were to occur beforehand so I am very much in favor of clearing it away in the present and not in the future.

Hide Suzuki: "Not at all. China is not taken seriously for their childish behavior."

What are you talking about? They are being taken VERY seriously! Just because they are not being reprimanded from left, right, and center, and/or not being attacked or taking sanctions doesn't mean they are not being taken seriously. Big difference!

"Maybe your home country US of A should get rid of all the nuclear weapons first if you want Japan not to have any"

This doesn't make sense. If I WANT Japan to have them the US should get rid of all theirs first? DId you mean if you DON'T want Japan to have them? In any case, my country (Canada), like Japan has no nukes, and that's something I respect. Having another nation join the ranks of the nuclear armed simply because others possess the weapons would be quite sad, and quite against the constitution here. Rather I hope Obama and other nations consider talks on reducing their aged stockpiles, since they could not possibly get rid of them all at once.

Japan getting nukes would be a huge step back for the nation and the world, and would do NOTHING positive. I'm glad you think Ishihara is an idiot, though.

And as Farmboy said, who on earth wil accept the nuclear silos, and how would they avoid building them on or near faultlines or the coast?

Tokyo should look to form alliances with other countries in the region that have territorial disputes with China, such as the Philippines and Vietnam .

India is the only country which China is afraid of. India and China have a dispute about Kashmir which China occupied by force in 1962. Once they claimed Sikkim and Arunachal as their land by the HISTORY. But they give up Sikkim. But some time they speak about Arunachal. But last month China said they want to make good relation with India and not so loud about the claims. Because they are afraid of India. Yes indeed. Learn from India how to handle China. Make own nukes. Play the game. China will become a good boy. Ishihara can come to India to discuss it.

realmind

I was thinking about a more comprehensive alliance in which envolves Vietnam, India, Australia,Taiwan and Japan to counter against the rising PRC threat.

Darren White:

" Nutcase ! "

Not nutcase at all. As I pointed out, Japan has the luxury of living under the US military umbrella. if and when that stops, Japan will become a nuclear power, There is no question about it, it is simply political logic.

And what would you say if it turned out that a Japanese "private" company has already completed tests for a nuclear bomb a couple of years back? You did not hear that from me.

And do you seriously think that public opinion is going determine if Japan gets armed with nukes or not?

Rumor has it Japan could make a bomb within 2-3 months if it decided to do so.

This capacity is a deterrent without having to build one.

Still, I hear a lot of Japanese think they should have one so that they can feel independent and less reliant on the U.S. Basically, Japanese want more control over their own security and they feel entitled to join the big boys table.

I can't blame those Japanese who feel that way, but a nuclear bomb is not the miracle weapon everyone puts it out to be. Especially if your neighbors have them too and multi-million man armies.

Besides, Japan has a lot to loose in a nuclear exchange. China would shrug off a nuclear attack that killed scores of their people. A nuclear attack on North Korea likely wouldn't hit anything of great importance to them unless you attacked their food production, and I don't see anyone doing that to a starving people. Their power is a huge spread out army. You may take out a few divisions or their nuclear program but you will never stop NK with a small number of nukes.

Japan posts worst October trade data in three decades

Japan took so many decades of hard work to become a great soft power, please don't make the same mistake again. This old man is giving China excuses to beef up its security as well worsening economic ties.

East Asia is jittery. He wants to keep the balance of power by pointing nuclear tips across the water?

If he is a really great politician, perhaps he should suggest a framework something like the European Community where traditional cross-border enmities and jockeying for land have since died down. (He would need an equally great Chinese leader to be able to understand and reciprocate, though.)

For those who underestimate Japan's capability, Japan already has a intercontinental delivery capable system called the Epsilon Launch Vehicle which will come online next year. This rocket can be launched within three hours after placing the warhead onto it.

I think that its a very good idea that Japan has Nukes, if China can have them then why not Japan? Since Japan's stance to be a good quiet nation is not working and just making it so our neighbors just take anything that they want and do what they want.... with this it might just level the playing field!. Or let Japan rebuild its Navy and wait to see what happens after that!

LOL Those that say that nuclear weapons are for deterrents against NK and PRC are mentally challenged. Even if Japan succeeds in their massive initial strike and cripple their offensive capabilities, Japan would still be destroyed by the immense radiation cloud. Lets stop this craziness while we are still ahead.

Hide,

Do you seriously think Japan can handle having nukes? I mean just look at the leadership for the last 2 decades............do you want those type of "leaders" to have nukes........................I sure dont!

And also I doubt Japan can safely handle them, time & time again we see authorities totally BUNGLE many many things, I certainly have far less than zero faith in Japans ability to simply store nukes, hell if Japan had them the chance of Japan being nuked will sky rocket simply because it may very well nuke itself!

Chamkun,

Its simple, in Japan it only takes a FEW to lead the masses, if a bit of momentum is achieved most will fall in line(even if they are 100% AGAINST IT), like what happened in the 1920-30s. Same mentality is there still today.

THAT is why many on this thread are posting about the danger of ishihara & hashimoto, these two have the potential to do some real damage

Oh and samuraiBlue you cannot even control supposed "safe" nuclear technology look out if you ever got something with damaging potential.

“I’ve made controversial comments, but did I ever say anything that was wrong?” Ishihara said.

From Bloomberg.

This guy should know the world and UN will never allow Japan to do this. We just do not trust Japan. Sorry Japan has too many bad records in the past. If Japan insists, well, Japan is heading to the same path like Iran. We will use economic sanction against Japan.

Heh, Ishihara is doing his best to make the 2012 phenomenon come true.

It's about time ......

About time this guy was given a straight jacket, a padded room and as much mashed banana as he can eat !

@smithinjapan

Is there any country around Canada that might start a war ? No.

Japan unfortunately has China and North Korea in the neighborhood who might be willing to engage in a military conflicts, and they have nuclear weapons.

We don't live in an ideal world. I wish there was no nuclear weapons but there is. We have to be armed with the same capability as China and North Korea.

TYhomas Anderson wrote "The only major countries with nuclear weapons are US, Russia, UK, France and China".

I could agree that North Korea is not a major country, but how about India, Pakistan and Israel?

Japan's version of Tea Party. Bad idea, just a really bad idea. It is amazing how much people can forget in a few generations. Lead themselves right back to the mistakes of old (nationalism leading to wars). I will continue to have hope that Japanese wisdom will prevail over saber rattling foolishness.

Hey, if nukes are good enough for the USA, Russia, China, Britain, Fuwance, India, Pakistan and North Korea, they're good enough for Japan, right? LOL.

@kiyoshiMukai

Noone would ever attack a nuclear capable country.

Pakistan has nuclear weapons, and has been attacked by both Taliban's and the U.S, so seems that theory needs some work. In fact no sane country would ever use their nuclear weapon as defense against anything except a nuclear weapons attack. And even then it is not sure what good it will do you.

Also, why would anyone attack Japan? Think about it, Japan always describe yourself as a resource poor country, there wouldn't be much to gain by attacking such a country.

None of these should have been happening if China didn't reveal their true intentions of annihilation on everything Japanese, it is a common knowledge of chinese, a dream of retribution from their suffering in WW2 . Ishihara nuke idea maybe a little far fetched, but considering how dangerous that China has the option to nuke Japan, and even if Japan has a treaty with the US, declaring a war is to be decided by the US congress.... to everyone any idea how to deal with very aggressive China and NKorea if all talks failed.

Another amazing idea!! Next, he should say that every man in Japan who can't find a job after 3 months has to join his newly established army and undergo rigid training. That would put an end to all the freesters and otakus.

@Nippon_Banzai,

China has had Nuclear Weapons since the 1960's, I don't think that they are planning on using them to attack Japan or they would probably done so by now.

Amazing that everything is escalating precisely as expected. Since the latest Chinese agression japanese nationalism has started to increase, the discussions on strengthening the military budget has reached new hights and of course making japanese nukes is starting to make sense. The production would be done in no-time given the tech level of Japan. Considering Senkaku as the starting point, if this continues China is going to get more than they can chew. Time for China to take some responsibility, withdraw and cool everything down, especially the nationalist sentiments on both sides.

"We ( Japanese ) have to be armed with the same capability as China and North Korea"

Good grief, yes, Japan must have the capability to wipe out a Chinese or North Korean city with a nuke.

I can see it now...kids across Japan folding cranes praying for nuclear armament. Melting down the peace memorials and building big missile silos instead. Patriotic locals wiping a tear from their eye with one hand and flipping off China with the other. Oh what a glorious return for Japan...

The country is in recession like all countries at this minute in time, how can he justify the huge cost? Where are they going to put them, what is the cost of maintain them? Are the west and the USA going to kick off because they are concerned that Iran and places want to have nukes as well? This is an ill conceived idea with a doomed end for sure.

nandakamanda:

" East Asia is jittery. He wants to keep the balance of power by pointing nuclear tips across the water? "

Right now, only China is pointing nuclear tips. It is balanced by the presence of US nuclear tips. Remove the US, and there is no balance any more.

GWhip:

" Japan's version of Tea Party. "

That is a totally meaningless comparison. The Tea Party is based on the idea of personal freedom and limited government. That is entirely different platform than Isharas nationalistic ideas. To the contrary, ideologues like Ishihara think big government and collectivism.

@SquidBert China has had Nuclear Weapons since the 1960's, I don't think that they are planning on using them to attack Japan or they would probably done so by now.

They haven't done so, because their technology back then is very backward. In fact they are still riding in their bicycle up to the 80's. Only now they where able to catch up because of the Global Trade Agreement that they were able to acquire western technology. With their improving military technology, only time will tell everything is beginning to fall in place.

It is time for Japan to "come out" - its rhetoric about its "peaceful nature" while claiming WW2 expansionist spoils isn't convincing its neighbors. The taste of the pudding is in its tasting, ask Korea, Russia and China what it tastes like today dealing with Japan.

Nippon Banzai:

" Only now they where able to catch up because of the Global Trade Agreement that they were able to acquire western technology. "

Also don´t forget that China got access to advanced missile technology under Bill Clinton. That was a complete game changer. After that, China became able to actually deliver their weapons, making them politically significant.

And the idea that a one-sided ability to threaten would not naturally correct itself is silly. In the same way that a nuclear Iran will automatically lead to a nuclear Saudi Arabia in another part of the world.

It's not Ishihara that we should worry about but the general public over there, what's their opinion?

Frankly I don't think Japan will develop nuclear weapons at all as the result would have huge negative impact with its neighbors as well the rest of the world.

Here's the deal. We put Ishihara on Senkaku with a paper model of a nuclear device. He will defend the island, slay the evil Chinese, be elected PM, and Japan will once again reverse the decades old decline. Banzai.

Nuclear weapons don't necessarily stop anyone from messing with you. Argentina still invaded the Falkland islands.

Japan is basically a US protectorate anyway.

A few people might know that Taiwan had produced/ owned 2 nuclear advices back 80's, however they were found by CIA and later on were elinimated due to some compromise, even the Plan leader escaped from Taiwan to the US then. So what? at that time can we just threw them to Shainghai or Peking when China pushed us badly? Taiwn would have been terminated if we had done that. So forget about one or two, even JP have 5 nuclear shells today and CN also occupied Diaoyu, do you think JP can throw those 5 to China? That would be definitely the final day JP exists on earth if it's done.

Mutual assured destruction, we all like that right...

Not necessarily, I don't mind the idea of Communist China going on about its business like nothing happened while Japan is reduced to ashes.

Why does Japan need nuclear when there's America to protect them. Does Japanese people do not have faith in America?

ISHIHARA IS RIGHT!!!!!! Will Japan wait before China tries to blast japan with nuclear tip missiles? China is an arrogant country. The only thing that will deter china from challenging japan is for japan going nuclear, China will think twice before challenging japan. The chinese commies think that because they have a big army they can bully other countries, But if JAPAN goes nuclear it would be a big equalizer against CHINA....

America has a lot problems in their backyard, War is the last thing in their mind. Japans defense force is more professional and could give china a run for their money.

"We ( Japanese ) have to be armed with the same capability as China and North Korea"

You already are! The STUPIDITY of Japanese leaders is on par with those of China and North Korea!

Out of curiosity can you force someone into the retirement home? I think dear old Ishihara has lost his few remaining marbles due to old age.....

I agree with Mr. Ishihara-san. we need nuclear weapons if we're going to be taken seriously in the world. NUKES FOR JAPAN NOW.

Japan has been a victim of two major nuclear incidents, we don't need another. Also, if you knew your history, you'd know that if Japan were to acquired nukes, it would most likely set off a region wide arms race, and make an already sour relationship with the Koreas and China even worse. Japan should always take the high road and show that it is a champion of peace not war.

Anti-nuclear weapons are better since it's anti-war, Nuclear weapins are worser since it's for war, right? So many countries won't allow JP to have nuclear weapons but OK! to PRC and NK? What's that? I don't get the commenters...

Anti-nuclear weapons are better since it's anti-war, Nuclear weapins are worser since it's for war, right? So many countries won't allow JP to have nuclear weapons but OK! to PRC and NK? What's that? I don't get the commenters...

Because Japan already got US on their side to balance east asia power.

WHAT AN IDIOT!! 1st Japan can't even handle the nuclear "weapons" or Power Plants they have leaking, failing or blowing up like Chernobyl. 2nd the US Military have the assumed capability so Japan does not need their own with the US right here providing the defense. Fix your economy and let that be your strength.

The real object of this latest from Ishihara is like everything else he has said and done: to generate publicity of Ishihara. What would happen if the next time Ishihara made a outrageous remark no one cared?

Doubt it will happen, but GOOD JOB CHINA!!

And where would they stock those Nukes anyway? To pose a significant threat to any other countries, Japan would need around 100 of them. They could put them at disneyland and make a new attraction, 'The Tower of Ishihara'. Any Nukes Japan would possess would never be a deterrent, especially against China. First China would never need* to use Nukes to defeat Japan and Japan would start WW3 if they used Nukes first. So it is totally pointless to even consider having Nukes as an excuse to protect themselves in Japan. In a Nuclear showdown, nobody wins. The scenario is unthinkable, so why make more Nukes? There should put their efforts toward eradicating Nukes rather than encouraging the use of it. Why not spend the money on a space program Japan?

Idiots think that nuclear weapons are a deterrent. If anyone uses a nuclear weapon the whole world will be against them. The world is the deterrent, not the nukes. Whoever sets off the first nuke will be blasted with nukes from other countries and they will be out of the game. Actually pretty much everyone on the planet will be dead when that happens. So all you children please get this stupid idea out of your heads. More nukes only creates more unbalance in the world and it does not prevent anything. We have to remove nukes from the world, not build any more. Just because a whole bunch of insane countries are building nukes does not mean that we should also become insane.

"Japan has been a victim of two major nuclear incidents, we don't need another. Also, if you knew your history, you'd know that if Japan were to acquired nukes, it would most likely set off a region wide arms race, and make an already sour relationship with the Koreas and China even worse. Japan should always take the high road and show that it is a champion of peace not war."

Wrong. japan messed up with one atomic and one hydrogen then a handful of small nuclear power plant incidents then Tokaimura twice, once in '97 and another and much more serious uranium leak in '99 and then of course the three different explosions and reactor meltdowns at Fukushima. ( uranium and plutonium) japan had more than two mess ups with nuclear power. That's at least seven major mess ups on japan's behalf with nuclear power. In saying all that, there will be a day that japan will officially be armed with nuclear weapons. Many who are in the know have been saying for years that japan is just a screw driver's turn away from having nuclear weapons. Ishihara and the boys have simply been warming up the j-public to the idea for some years now and the noise about a nuclear armed japan is slowly but surely picking up. japan never was a pacifist country to begin with. It has always been a warring nation, it's just that the recent past decades they've been forced to be nice even if they don't want to be. japan never had the high road of any kind in its history.

Becoming a nuclear-armed country? Just a trick to maintain NPP by putting them under the defense umbrella.

GW

Its simple, in Japan it only takes a FEW to lead the masses, if a bit of momentum is achieved most will fall in line(even if they are 100% AGAINST IT), like what happened in the 1920-30s. Same mentality is there still today.

I respect your point of view. You are right. The biggest cause that dark history around that time, were the selective information was given to the people and no freedom of speech and expression. No one can hit the brake then.

My grand mother was shown the world map of 1927, Japan was surrounded by many colonized countries whole Asia then. My grand mother was a nice tender woman and my grand father was a reasonable man who let over 20 Korean people stay for 3 weeks at his home after the Kanto big earthquake to protect them because some stupid rumor after the incident. But even they believed after seeing the map,with the selective information, Japan could be the next. This selective information and no right to express what we think created the dark history. The government then controlled the media as well.

But I feel today, after that hard lessons, Japan obtained those freedom. That why I agreed Akemi san. But I will listen to your opinion and remember it. You made me realize that we as Japaneses must work harder to obtain more trust from the world. I thought the last 67 years, we showed no aggression but being too submissive that made today's issues with N,Korea, S,Korea and China.

If Japan had been a normal country, the abduction issue with N.Korea would not have happened. With the article#9 of our constitutions that declare our renunciation of war to solve any international conflict.Therefore, the coast guard found so many times those ships or small submarines but we have no right to attack even in our territory. So they only give the announcement then chase them till the border. As a result, 500 potential kidnapped people are still in N.Korea. If they had thought once N.Korean submarine or kidnapping spy ship come to our territory and could be shot, they would not have kept doing it.

I am as Japanese, I have no intention to have a war, but in order to have an effective diplomatic overture, we need the power behind us. I do not know where you are form, but every country has some right to choose to use their force as an option.Japan might be only one country which states to the world, we do not have an option to attack. We invited a lot of issues that affected today.

If Japan were safe as from China and N.Korea as 50 years ago,it would be a different story, but since they poses NUKE. Japan should maintain a right to discuss about it as an option. Since 1945, even discussion was a taboo subject. DO NOT take amiss, I would not want Japan to start to produce it. But as an option, we may have a right to discuss as increasing our deterrence power. So that we may prevent some war. Japan is not stupid, even if Japan produces it, no one would produce it for a utilitarian purpose. This is the weapon of mass destruction which can not be used. A user is a loser!!!

Since Chinese expansion and aggression are becoming more conspicuous, the government has a duty to protect the life of its citizens and properties. They might have a moment to discuss in our future. I do not believe that we even do not poses that right. If Japan were colony of your country, your country may say you can not discuss. Other wise, although, I do not want to have it but I want to keep the right of discussion as an option.

Thank you GW.

WHY NOT. It's about time japan join and have their Nukes too. Japan should stop relying on USA for protection. USA is just using Japan's strategic point to protect their own interest. Yes Japan signed a treaty when they surrendered but that was aaaaagesssssss ago. Time has changed. Japan have learned. This is one of the best thing Ishihara had said. If the commies China and NK can have Nukes, why can't Japan.

Japan doesn't need nukes to deter china, just threaten to send barge full of bags of decontamination dirt. China shut up pretty quick.

You bring a knife to a gun fight... sad but true.

To tell you the truth PRC would be thrilled to see Japan rearmed with nukes since they will have a running chance to fight Japan alone than to face a US-Japan alliance in which Japan will be under US Nuclear umbrella.

Chamkun, the problem is not whether Japan possess those nuclear weapons but rather how others look into it.

Remember what makes Japan good and what makes it bad, today many people including China support Japan's path of development otherwise how on earth China can be Japan largest trading partner? Japan is loved by many for its peaceful ways and imagine all these decades such perception simply tarnish just like that.

Yes I do agree Japan has the right but options has to be weighted in properly and carefully. If Japan has no disputes and maintain strong relationships with its neighbors then such option would not be much of a problem but that's not the case at the current situation.

Let me tell you something Chamkun NOTHING like you said would have happen today if Japan never attacked its neighbors and "perhaps" 10 years from now NOTHING would have happen if Japan did not develop those nuclear weapons ending up a mistrust and economic breakdown from its neighbors as well me from Malaysia. What goes around comes around.

What Japan need right now is to prevent any form of tension not the other way round. Nuclear weapons is out of option for now until Japan gain the level of trust similar to Germany from its neighbors. I respect your opinion but completely disagree with you on such talks not because to make Japan look weak but rather take appropriate measures to improve ties rather than worsening it.

Nuclear arms might encourage China to enter into nuclear arms reduction talks. But wouldn't the money be better spent on increasing the size of the navy to patrol the sea lanes and territorial waters being threatened by China?

Joseph Barret Baxter:

" Idiots think that nuclear weapons are a deterrent. If anyone uses a nuclear weapon the whole world will be against them. The world is the deterrent, not the nukes. "

Then why are countries like Iran and Brazil so hell-bent on getting them?

" Whoever sets off the first nuke will be blasted with nukes from other countries and they will be out of the game. "

Says who? You? And how are you so sure of what will happen in a hypothetical situation? Based on what?

Anyway, the political power of nuclear weapons comes from having them, not from using them. Again, the only reason that Japan currently does not need nuclear weapons to counter China`s is that she is under the US umbrella. Ishihara correctly foresees that that might end.

if japan gets nukes, south korea will sure as heck want them too.

To tell you the truth PRC would be thrilled to see Japan rearmed with nukes since they will have a running chance to fight Japan alone than to face a US-Japan alliance in which Japan will be under US Nuclear umbrella.

any war, nuclear or otherwise, involving china & the u.s. is a lose-lose situation for the entire world.

Oh well, I guess it's time for the Stand Up Japan party to Stand Down. Expect their polling support rates to hit rock bottom!

maglev101:

" if japan gets nukes, south korea will sure as heck want them too. "

Like Japan, SK is under the US umbrella, and will remain there as long as NIK exists. So that that is a moot question.

So what next?... Japanese ICBM Submarines? Ballistic Aircraft? If China really want's a war, this would really give them a reason to start one....Japan has so much to offer the world, why more "War Pig's" way of thinking. America will stand and contend for Japan...Japan need's more navy, not nuke's.......

T-Mac,

this is about politics, not about military tactics.

The same way that the North Korean Kim Yon clan needs there (unclear) nuclear capacity to threaten and extort, and not to actually use.

Or why do you think North Korea is so hell-bent on being a nuclear power?

How is the USA government going to protect Japan if the USA cut away their military budget?

skipbeatNov. 22, 2012 - 02:38AM JST

How is the USA government going to protect Japan if the USA cut away their military budget?

Obama already expressed that there will beNO defense spending cut.

globalwatcherNov. 22, 2012 - 03:06AM JST : Obama already expressed that there will beNO defense spending.

Is Obama going to to give more money to defense or is defense dept going to get the same amount of money?

Yes, defense dept going to get the same amount of money

@WilliB, The two are one in the same. Japan has the know how, more than North Korea. North Korea has gained nothing for having Nuclear capabilities. Japan has the rocketry science down, and has only to combine radioactive material to ballistic's. North Korea does not quite have it right. The sign of force is superior fire power, that make's for stronger speaking politicians. North Korea is Hellbent on living out the axis of evil, as pointed out by the Bush administration. 10 years... 20 years... North Korea will still be the same as it ever was. Japan will have changed alot. Noda will arm Japan with superior politic's? or will Noda arm Japan with superior fire power?, or is Noda's day's in office numbered? Thank-you for your comment!!!

I guess he is increasing spending on defense. This is the most updated news.

I'm starting to think that Ishihara is Japan's clone of Donald Trump. Without the bad hair, but never the less.

If China keeps pushing Japan will turn this page. But you don't turn all your cards face up on the table.

gelendestrasse - No need to insult Donald Trump here by comparing him with Ishihara, lol.

If the commies China and NK can have Nukes, why can't Japan.

Sure...every country should have nukes to keep the peace...except that it won't.

If Japan gets nukes, it will destabilize the region. SE Asian countries will want nukes, middle eastern countries will want nukes..etc. Arming the entire world to the teeth with WMDs is not the solution for long term peace. Japan needs to champion disarmament of all WMDs in the region and begin REAL diplomacy with China, NK and its other neighbors instead of just sending hush money to all these countries that are still butt hurt over WWII. It only takes one crazy dictator, who doesn't value his own life, let alone the life of others to start a large scale nuclear war. That's NOT what we need. We need to solve our differences with words not weapons.

Secondly, if you haven't noticed, Ishihara is a extreme right-wing nut job whose still riding on the coat tails of his famous dead bother and exploiting the ignorance of his bother's aging fans. Ishihara has no business being in politics. He's 80+ years old and probably less than 5 years away from death. Why would he care about the well-being of Japan? All he cares about is trying to use what's little left of his life to try to make some kind of mark in the history books, even it means doing something that could destroy Japan. Thank god he's resigned...we definitely don't need anymore extremists like this fool leading Japan.

I can imagine a typical scenario in the Ishihara household/day center.."Bombs! We need bombs!" "Thats nice dear. Another cup of tea?". This geriatric gargoyle is batsheeit loopy and a total embarrassment to his country and generation. One can hope that even the most uneducated right-wingers can see that this man is way way way past his sell by date.

actually, ishihara is just saying what i've been saying for years, as it has signed the anti-proliferation treaty, japan should do some "scientific experiments" to see if it can build and successfully test a thermonuclear devise, kinda like with whaling. they won't have the bomb per se but the implications are clear...

china is a starving sucker , it wants to suck all what it can , if japan can have some nuclear bottle for china , then the best is to come , otherwise china keeps licking all the SH IT in the surrounding area

What good would come from Japan developing nuclear weapon capability? China has enough Nukes to blast Japan of the face of the planet but IMO China would never launch unto a target so near their own border..that would be nuts. The World does not need more nuclear warheads...Old man Ishihara is a madman!

OssanAmericaNOV. 21, 2012 - 08:41PM JST Doubt it will happen, but GOOD JOB CHINA!!

What do you mean? What is the good job of China? I do not exactly understand what you meant.

japan should do some "scientific experiments" to see if it can build and successfully test a thermonuclear devise

Absolutely not! Even the "mere act" of building let alone testing nuclear weapons can be interpreted as hostility or even an act of war. Remember when NK did their testing a while back. No one responded to it favorably and SK and Japan saw as an act of hostility towards them. Not only does it make Japan look bad, but it is a gigantic waste of tax payer money. I TOTALLY would not want to see my tax money going to build nuclear weapons.

China has enough Nukes to blast Japan of the face of the planet but IMO China would never launch unto a target so near their own border..that would be nuts.

You don't quite get the repercussions of what a nuclear Japan would do to the region. Yeah, maybe China would never use Nukes against Japan, because they are smart enough to know that any aggression by them against Japan using WMDs would be the end of them. The US and many European countries would incinerate them on the spot. However, its no guarantee that Kim Jong Un or the NK government wouldn't do it. Maybe NK wouldn't do it now, but Kim may do it when he's old and senile or on his death bed, when he would care less what happens to everyone else.

Considering Japan's Imperialistic war mongering history, having any weapons is a really REALLY bad idea. And with Ishihara being at the age where he actually lived through that era, he really should know better. But I guess crazy is as crazy does.

Look at his face. The Joker in the deck?

I think the Japan of today needs not nukes. They got their second chance, after the war, to reestablish themselves with a new identity. And they've done just that without the help of nuclear armed weapons.

Let's face is, should Japan go to war any time soon, they'd be absolutely demolished. This isn't 1940 anymore. Thus, their best role is a supporting role, and working alongside US intelligence, rather than on the battlefield. They don't have the manpower, technology, or equipment as countries that have HEAVILY invested into those things like... The super powers. Should there be war in the coming future will make it a battle between U.S, China, NK, and Russia-- not Japan.

Japan doesn't even have the appropriate land area to test nuclear weapons... Where will it test its nuclear weapons? It can't.

To tell you the truth PRC would be thrilled to see Japan rearmed with nukes since they will have a running chance to fight Japan alone than to face a US-Japan alliance in which Japan will be under US Nuclear umbrella.

Maybe this is Ishihara's true intention... to have Japan be destroyed by China.

Note to Ishihara: Countries with serious leadership also gets taken seriously. Might want to try that before going nuclear.

A nuclear Japan may be necessary in the future. China is too powerful, we should not let China advance their military so much.

The rhetoric spoken by Ishihara Shintaro wasnt nothing true but FALSE HOPE for Japanese voters! Making nuclear bombs wasnt difficult, countries like Pakistan could made a few dozens! But the point is does Japan bears the political consequences of nuclear pre-emtive strikes from China or maybe Russia! This is a very low and cheap 'gag' Japanese political swindlers flavoured to cheat votes from the ignorance public! The Japanese might be very angry at China but the fact is China's military buildup is beyond japn could immagine and stop! The present Japanese societ really need a 'chill pill' to stop her madness and paranoid!

japan must be very angry and upset by Chinese spilt in face but such rhetoric has just put herself in an 'embarassment'! Ozawa Ichiro has made 400 nukes ten years ago and he is still just a desperated politician! he has quited that bloody 'gag'! I wish the Japanese public dont be fooled by these shameless fools!

ChamkunNov. 22, 2012 - 12:05PM JST "OssanAmericaNOV. 21, 2012 - 08:41PM JST Doubt it will happen, but GOOD JOB CHINA!!" What do you mean? What is the good job of China? I do not exactly understand what you meant.

Japan was defeated in WWII and is the only country in the world that has a constitution making the use of military force illegal. For 70 yeaas Japan has had no military confrontations with any countries. The difference between pre-1945 Japan and today is night and day. Japans history for the last 70 years are far far more peaceful than that the etire history of China (PRC). Despite this, and despite having received considerale aid from Japan to modernize, China continues to harp on WWII ad infinitum, and now openly displays belligerence both economically and dipmolatically. It is China's own behavior and attututde that creates a demand for someone like Ishihara, as more and more people in Japan begin to wonder why be so nice to China when all they do is hate us?

I read it somewhere that anti Japanese sentiment in China is just a diversion by the communist so that Chinese people express their hatred, anger and dissatisfaction towards Japanese instead of the corrupt communist.

By the way, does Japanese people in general think Rape of Nanking and other Japanese war atrocities during world war 2 real or fake?

OssanAmerica, Japan was forced to limit their armed forces after the war. So, to describe Japan as different from night and day is like describing a lion in cage or out of a cage. If Japan is armed with nukes today, it would be like the lion out of the cage and free to hunt at will. You also over- exaggerated about Japan being peaceful than the entire history of China. About the aids from Japan you didn’t say what Japan got in return, how do you think Japan got to be the 2nd largest economy before? You are also misleading other viewers to think that China has much influence on Japanese politics. Have you ever thought that it would be easier to blame China than to blame themselves which is very similar to the attitude shown by the US. You are also promoting hatred, but the fact is Chinese in general don’t hate Japanese, they very much admire Japanese in many ways. But there are some people in higher positions and you who promote distrust and hatred.

During the cold war the only reason the Soviets or Americans did not authorize the use of such weapons was that each understood that the moment that djinni was out of the bottle would of been the moment all life would end on earth. Well all life except the roaches.

davestrousersNov. 21, 2012 - 04:52PM JST Nuclear weapons don't necessarily stop anyone from messing with you. Argentina still invaded the Falkland islands. Japan is basically a US protectorate anyway.

Argentina was not a threat to the Brits who knew they could take the islands back without a sweat. So the nuke option was off the table.

If the UK feared the Argentinian militaries abilities the use of tactical nukes would have been on the table.

But we all know how that ended.

Japan is surrounded by enemies who how aresenals of weapons and those weapons are pointed at her.

flowersNov. 23, 2012 - 05:27AM JST You also over- exaggerated about Japan being peaceful than the entire history of China.

I believe you are taking OssanAmerica words completely out of context he did not say enitre history as you eluded. His exact words were "Japans history for the last 70 years" which is far far different than what you are trying to imply that he said.

I for one would trust Japan more with nukes than I would the PRC, PRK, IRP or the IRI and each one of them have or will have weapons.

flowersNov. 23, 2012 - 05:27AM JST but the fact is Chinese in general don’t hate Japanese

If the people of the PRC admire Japan they have a very funny way of showing it. Hell, if you consider what the people in the PRC has shown is admiration I would hate to see what you think a people do when they hate another.

Now I am completely convinced that Japan needs nukes to defend itself from the People of the PRCs admiration.

HansaramNov. 23, 2012 - 02:48AM JST I read it somewhere that anti Japanese sentiment in China is just a diversion by the communist so that Chinese people express their hatred, anger and dissatisfaction towards Japanese instead of the corrupt communist.

You are right there. But these actions by the PRC only strengthen the belief in many circles that the PRC and the DPRK can not be trusted and Japan should start arming itself with nukes. Ishihara is only stating what many people believe.

HansaramNov. 23, 2012 - 02:48AM JST By the way, does Japanese people in general think Rape of Nanking and other Japanese war atrocities during world war 2 real or fake?

Most of the people that I have spoken to agreed in general that the war atrocities committed by the Japanese military were horrible. But in the same breath they all agree that they were not the only ones committing atrosities, they were just the ones that lost and had to pay.

As I always say, to the victory goes the spoils and the right to write history as they wish.

comarade_captainNov. 22, 2012 - 08:15PM JST japan must be very angry and upset by Chinese spilt in face but such rhetoric has just put herself in an 'embarassment'!

The PRC and DPRK both have stockpiles of weapons pointed at Japan and you believe Japan should not worry that their rhetoric may not spill over into actual action?

The only way to stop a bully is to face him down, if he slaps you in the face you punch him back. If he puches you once, you punch him twice. You do not stop a bully with flowers and lunch money. You stop a bully with the fear of force.

comarade_captainNov. 22, 2012 - 08:15PM JST Ozawa Ichiro has made 400 nukes ten years ago and he is still just a desperated politician! he has quited that bloody 'gag'! I wish the Japanese public dont be fooled by these shameless fools!

The only thing Japan should not be fooled by is PRC propaganda. The PRC would use Japan as it always has. Whenever the people of the PRC are angry with the Government the PRC whips up their paid protester to move the common people's anger away from them and towards Japan.

Things are not cookies and cream within the PRC, the people are angry with their government and the Government knows it. Who is to say that if things were to get real bad for the Government of the PRC that they would not start a war with Japan just to save themselves.

@Joebig: I am completely convinced that Japan needs nukes to defend itself from the People of the PRC

This is a death kiss for Japan and the PRC ,Russia shall never let this happen! I know the people in japan were desperated but such measure is just like ditching down the cliff! Japan is a very small country, she couldnt substain any nuclear retaliation! Please do not GIVES FALSE HOPE for those miserables! Ishihara shintaro and that hashimoto were hopeless, they just cares their own political fortunes, they cares nothing for the future Japanese generations!

Japan history for the last 70 years is peaceful

Look I am not against the above remarks.......but the the fact is Japan is displaying an arrogance behaviour to neighbouring countries not just China but also South Korea, Russia over territorial disputes! Japanese rightist openly distrurbing the nation's politics and educating their students Japan was step up by China and victims of WW2! All of the above were THANKS to General Douglas MacArthur pardoning those former fascist elements which turned their head bowing at US hegamony! You cant blame Chinese for that gross destructions all over China during the Sino-Japanese war! And once again, if Japan goes nuclear armed, the consequences is 'certain death'! These rehtoric languages for poltical campaign purposes is good for Ishihara-Hashimoto clique climbing to state power but it is definately a FALSE HOPE or 'MARKED DEATH' for Japanese people! QUIT IT! These languages cannot be spilted from mouth for people with rational mental!

@Joebig:if things were to get real bad for the Government of the PRC that they would not start a war with Japan just to save themselves.

And the people of Japan should kick those rogue politicians like Ishihara Shintaro OUT of the arena to make sure nobody siding with them! The Ishihara clique is giving 'FALSE HOPE' for Japan! Even he took power to be the Prime Minister of japan, does anyone believes he will making 4000 nuckes as state policy? This is an old game for politician to get famous by lashing the nuclear arms 'statement'! Ozawa Ichiro has made the above nuclear armed statement 10 years ago and there he go to be famous and paving his way to the the party chief of DPJ but what he really has done to his country? Nothing! I want to advise the poor Japanese people be wise and dont fell being the prey for the way for political swindlers to power!

This is WW2 all over again... when the Japanese military commanders during WW2 completely lost it and thought that they could win against the US which had 10 times the amount of military force than the Japanese military force. They've ignored the warnings from the central government and went with it and attacked the US anyway.

This is exactly what Ishihara is doing right now. He's trying to be a tough-guy populist hero and ignoring the central government and going solo or "maverick". China is 10 times bigger than Japan, just as the US was 10 times bigger than Japan during WW2. None of this action is based on sound rational analysis, but on primitive lizard-brain instinct: "We are being attacked/threatened, so we must hit back, even if we actually have zero chance of winning". Ishihara is obviously feeling threatened, but he doesn't admit it. This kind of irresponsible "leadership" can be disastrous for the whole nation, for both China and Japan.

Japan has changed since WWII. There is no need to worry about it doing something "bad" anymore. First off, the fact that you used scare quotes around "bad" suggests that you don't think Japan did anything "bad" in the past. And that says a lot about your support of Ishihara in this instance.

Second, when you have people like Ishihara who claim that Japan never did anything wrong during WW2, who claims that other races are inferior to the Japanese, who laughs off the deaths of his own countrymen during 3/11 as "divine retribution," and who shows a willingness to be unnecessarily confrontational with neighboring nations, giving those people access to political and military power is a very, very dangerous thing. And it's not just Japan -- it applies to any nation and any period of history.

Ever hear the phrase "those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"? Ishihara IS one of those people. He flat-out refuses to acknowledge Japan's own past and his nationalist, racist, violent rhetoric will be extremely dangerous for Japan. Because I will let you in on a well-known secret about Ishihara -- he doesn't give a crap about you. He doesn't care about the future of Japan, he doesn't care about what's good for Japan or for the people of Japan. He's a shameless opportunist who cares only for himself. He's a sociopath, and a sociopath with power is the most dangerous kind of sociopath there is.

Thomas Anderson:

" This is WW2 all over again... "

No it is not. It is a completely different geopolitical situation, and a completely different Japanese society.

We have all see how Japan is prepared to deal with nuclear reactors-having nuclear weapons?

Farcical!

Hansaram, let us return to the topic, a Nuclear Armed Japan. It is necessary for Japan to possess nukes, because your Chinese government has indoctrinated her population to hate modern Japanese people. They do this by constantly trying to link "Japanese" and "war crimes". Many countries committed war crimes, including China.

As this indoctrination is so clearly entrenched, and the irrational hatred of modern Japanese is so prevalent in China, it is foolish for Japan to not have nuclear weapons. So, I will say it for the JT moderator: Back on topic please.

Hansaram, let us return to the topic, a Nuclear Armed Japan. It is necessary for Japan to possess nukes, because your Chinese government has indoctrinated her population to hate modern Japanese people. They do this by constantly trying to link "Japanese" and "war crimes". Many countries committed war crimes, including China.

As this indoctrination is so clearly entrenched, and the irrational hatred of modern Japanese is so prevalent in China, it is foolish for Japan to not have nuclear weapons. So, I will say it for the JT moderator: Back on topic please.

Nobody deny that China hatred towards Japanese is irrational. I said it myself earlier that the communist try to direct people attention away to the Japanese and blame everything on the Japanese so that the corrupt communist party can survive. The powerful America is on their side. I don't think Japan need nuclear. Anyone who think China have a chance to win against America is being delusion.

comarade_captainNov. 23, 2012 - 08:29AM JST This is a death kiss for Japan and the PRC ,Russia shall never let this happen!

The Soviet Union is no more, Russia as we know it today has been regulated to a position of cheap weapons broker in the view of world politics. Russia is not the Soviet Union and the Soviet Union is not the PRC. The Soviet Union is no more.

comarade_captainNov. 23, 2012 - 08:29AM JST I know the people in japan were desperated but such measure is just like ditching down the cliff!

Let me tell you, "Ditching down a clift" is better than bowing down to the oppersion of slavery that the PRC offers.

By your own comments Japan needs to do away with Article 9 and see the world for what it has become, a very dangerous place.

The PRC offers oppersion in place of freedom, will Japan, the Philipines and Vietnam fall to their knees or will they stand and defend their nations?

I for one will be one of those that will not stand by and smile while the PRC jack booted thugs march downtown Tokyo.

The opperssion the PRC offers is nothing new, all it is is wrapped in a new clothe.

Stand or sit, if you do nothing while the PRC steals your nations rights aways then you have no right to speak up.

The PRC and theiur supporters should be fought for who and what they are.

kurisupisuNov. 23, 2012 - 03:44PM JST We have all see how Japan is prepared to deal with nuclear reactors-having nuclear weapons? Farcical!

Tell me one nation that is prepared to face the same thing that happened in Japan? That was an extreme and unexpected occurence. Trust me, if the same thing happened in the PRC or one of it's servant nations we would never of heard what really happned.

They would hide the death toll as they always do. Want to prove me wrong, well that is easy, try and get an exact death toll of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Trust me, all you will get is a big freaken run a round.

The fact is Ishihara is correct, Japan needs to protect itself from the PRC;s aggressions.

Offense. f--king offensive comments. Japan needs nukes. China lol has them.. I think Japan needs them

thywillbedone

I agree brother!

if Ishihara's party comes to power in Japan and China's new politburo leader already known to have cold relations with Japan. The tension in the East will most definitely ratchet up. Nuclear Japan and nuclear China mixing it up is never a good idea.

WilliB

No it is not. It is a completely different geopolitical situation, and a completely different Japanese society.

Yes, thank you for pointing out the obvious.

Let me tell you, "Ditching down a clift" is better than bowing down to the oppersion of slavery that the PRC offers.

And if this is what Japan is going to choose, thats their greatest lost! If you see from the map, the size of density and area of Japan, you will understand the casualties must beyond immaginations! The people of Japan were totally unaware a sudden nuclear retaliations as they have been kept intact for the last 67 years! The Fukushima nuclear disaster has already shown how unprepared a state is in emergency! The Chinese hatred of Japanese due to her war time atrocities is still there and if you notice the recent spat in Diatyoutai dispute, America was reluctant to do anything to risk her servicemen lives! The FALSE HOPE given by Ishihara Shintaro has underestimated the danger of Japan when she is facing with China! I advise you people learn from South Korea being submissive and cooperative with PRC , in South Korea many South Korean peoplepeople were uneasy with China's long time military/economy support of North Korea that lead to the division of the country but for the sake to survives in that dangerous peninsula, a compromise with China, there is a wise option! If the South Koreans has endured and so does Japan!

The fact is Ishihara is correct, Japan needs to protect itself from the PRC;s aggressions.

This is the FALSE HOPE of what Ishihara's clique were selling to fool the innocence Japanese people just like his fund raising campaign to buy Senkaku isles, it was a hoax! japan shall never having a single minute close to get the nukes!! Both domesticsaly and from international especially China and Russia! Remember Russia has reject peace treaty with Japan until now for 67 years and it wont see! japan has already annoyed Russia in talks of return the Kurile islands! How many times did Russian Tupolev Bear bombers flying near and around Japan? the Russians were more dangerous than China! The nuclear armed 'Gag' Japanese politicians has used to propaganda has reflected the Japanese political arena has rottoned to a very low and shallow level! It helps nothing!

The PRC and DPRK both have stockpiles of weapons pointed at Japan and you believe Japan should not worry that their rhetoric may not spill over into actual action?

The only way to stop a bully is to face him down, if he slaps you in the face you punch him back. If he puches you once, you punch him twice. You do not stop a bully with flowers and lunch money. You stop a bully with the fear of force

This is absolutely not the case for Japan! nd if japan believes her so called punching might stop China in actions, well you are talking that old China, the ROC (The KMT party run China now in Taiwan) But if you talks about PRC, your above theories were pointless! Japan has nothing at all to bargain with the huge populations and huge nuclear stocpil armed PLA! By the way, Japan's ally America is desperate to seek a 'compromise' of power play in asia! A fact that Japan has overestimated her strategtic values after 20 years of decline! japan needs to seek China's pardon and forgiveness to survice, this is essential and very important!

In my opinion, I think Japan has to live independently on everything (peacefully without Today's politicians). Forget Senkaku and forget others even if they leading in (whatever). Then... get your territories stolen. Pathetic World.

Such a nice man

JoeBigs, I didn’t try to imply anything, the meaning of “entire history of China” as OssanAmerica put it does not need to be implied. I also would trust Japan with nukes if the J gov’t were not old, backward thinking, and war-like politicians. Those politicians only think about themselves because they are near the end of their lives, the best way to put their names in world history books is to create wars. Even S. Korea is now worried that Japan is becoming more aggressive and I don’t have to say what Russia would think. It is irrational and delusional to think that arming itself with nukes would make Japan become more powerful again. Of course there are some people in China who still cannot forget the past especially when it gets reminded every year when the J high-level politicians visiting the Shrine. If there is no admiration China would not become the largest trading partner with Japan. Fact speaks for itself. Let me ask you how Japan would defend itself with nukes. With those crazy politicians in power, for sure Japan would be the first to use it against its neighbour and you’d know the outcome.

Thomas AndersonNov. 23, 2012 - 06:30PM JST

WilliB

No it is not. It is a completely different geopolitical situation, and a completely different Japanese society.

Yes, thank you for pointing out the obvious.

@WillB, Thomas Anderson,

I am not so optimistic and skeptical about modern Japanese.

There is a purpose why the Article 9th of Japanese Constitution was added by allied nations. Once General Douglas Macarthur well stated that Japan is a 12 years old throwing tantrum. Japanese cannot handle power. Jingoism is still well alive in Japan as you know it. I would not fool myself and I would not kid myself in denial.

Macpaul Emeka EkwuemeNov. 21, 2012 - 10:25AM JST

First time the old man ever made a very good point. I've been hitting on this point ever since I came to live in Japan.

And you will be the first flyjin if something goes wrong while Japanese become victims. Very impressive comment.

South Korea too face threat from north Korea, who also posses nuclear but you don't see south Korea even think of going nuclear.

But in the same breath they all agree that they were not the only ones committing atrosities, they were just the ones that lost and had to pay.

Which other countries committed war atrocities as worse and as large scale as the Japanese?

Which other countries committed war atrocities as worse and as large scale as the Japanese?

I can think of six million Jews, gipsies, gays and socialists who might have an opinion. Or rather, might have had an opinion....

There is a purpose why the Article 9th of Japanese Constitution was added by allied nations. Once General Douglas Macarthur well stated that Japan is a 12 years old throwing tantrum. Japanese cannot handle power. Jingoism is still well alive in Japan as you know it. I would not fool myself and I would not kid myself in denial.

To be honest, I don't really think that removing the article 9 would make much of a difference. Japan already have the SDF, so they practically already have military power. Sure people like Ishihara and Hashimoto are crazy, but you just have to make sure to not get those people in power. What Asia need is their own version of NATO and EU. Joint military coalition and cooperation lowers the risk of conflicts. But of course idiots like Ishihara would unknowingly and irresponsibly do anything to obstruct anything that promotes regional stability.

Thomas AndersonNov. 24, 2012 - 02:14PM JST

What Asia need is their own version of NATO and EU. Joint military coalition and cooperation lowers the risk of conflicts. But of course idiots like Ishihara would unknowingly and irresponsibly do anything to obstruct anything that promotes regional stability.

Thomas, I agree. I believe that is already in Obama's mind. His visit to ASEAN was exactly that. Look at his geopolitical strategy in Asia moving US troops to Northern Australia. We are all in the same direction except China.TPP is one of other strategy I have been paying attention to. .

flowersNov. 23, 2012 - 05:27AM JST OssanAmerica, Japan was forced to limit their armed forces after the war. So, to describe Japan as different from >night and day is like describing a lion in cage or out of a cage.

?No you are completely wrong. The United States has been trying to get Japan to amend or remove Article 9 ever since the Korean war and it has always been and remains Japan that refuses to do so.

If Japan is armed with nukes today, it would be like the lion out of the cage and free to hunt at will. You also over- Iexaggerated about Japan being peaceful than the entire history of China.

The entire word, and certainly Asia would feel more comfortable with Japan being nuclear than it is with China today.Unlike the Chinese dicartorship, Japan having nuclear weapons would be mo more threatenming to the world hytan UK or France. And what "over-exaggeration" about Japan's peacefulness are you refering to? Jap[an has fought ZERO wars since 1945, it;s SDF troops hgae killed ZERO enemy soldiers.Japan has theatened ZERO countries with force. Shall we compare China's history starting with the Korean War where Chinese killed UN troops from the U.S. U.K. Australia, Canada, Belgium, South Korea, Turkey, Phillipines, Australia, New Zealanmd, Greece, Thailand, France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, India...etc etc? How aout the WArs China started with India and Vietnam? How about hte continuted threrat of talijg Taiwan? No, there's no "over-exaggeration" of Japan's peacefulness here,

About the aids from Japan you didn’t say what Japan got in return, how do you think Japan got to be the 2nd largest >economy before? You are also misleading other viewers to think that China has much influence on Japanese >politics.

Misleading? Nonsense. If China were not acting in a theatening manner Japan would go on as it has since 1945. Oblivious to the threat of war and relying on the U.S. nuclear umbrella.

Have you ever thought that it would be easier to blame China than to blame themselves which is very similar to the >attitude shown by the US. You are also promoting hatred, but the fact is Chinese in general don’t hate Japanese, >they very much admire Japanese in many ways. But there are some people in higher positions and you who >promote distrust and hatred.

The only party that is promoting hatred and mistrust is the Chinese government, which has ingrained Japan-hating ino generations of Chinese through the forced 'Patrioc Education" system, and it;s current attitude and acts of belligerent towards Japan. If you truly believe your own words then you would be speaking out against the CCP dictatorship.

Whose to say a strong pro-nuclear energy faction within the government, isn't inflaming these nationalistic sentiments? Nuclear defense sounds like another umbrella slush fund term for "easy money".

A japan attempted to acquire nuclear arms is a very eager news for many PLA generals/admirals they hates China's no first use of nuclear strikes doctrine for long just lacking a pretext! The Ishihara clique is making either a false hope or an ignortant attempt to fool her voters! Japan is very desperated like stood on the edge of a cliff just one step will be very 'regretable' for herself! Imagine China unresponding is a huge danger! Those japanese people were out of touch with this world!

As far as I understand by reading the intelligence reports there is an estimated 1 year timebuffer from decision to working nuclear missiles in production within Japan. Given that they have not done things already. Its also seems the domestic weapongrade plutonium will only be enough for about 500-1000 warheads in the first years. Interesting facts and Im sure China wants to push the Japanese political agenda further towards the right wing. When China attacks it will be by-by to most of Asia, especially China and Japan.

OssanAmericaNov. 25, 2012 - 01:29AM JST

flowersNov. 23, 2012 - 05:27AM JST OssanAmerica, Japan was forced to limit their armed forces after the war. So, to describe Japan as different from >night and day is like describing a lion in cage or out of a cage.

?No you are completely wrong. The United States has been trying to get Japan to amend or remove Article 9 ever since the Korean war and it has always been and remains Japan that refuses to do so.

Hi Ossan, I am glad I came back to this topic to read your post. This is a big news to me. Would you please guide me to the weblink, so that I can read it at your convenience. Wow, I am shocked to learn this after 40 years.

Is this even possible? I thought Japan couldn't even have an army or navy...just security forces and a coast guard. How would nuclear arms fit into that?

Japan is so desperated that their leaders were leading their country to an all out conflict with China! For the Chinese government a swift vengeance is just their desire! keep that falso hope spreading and ignorant people get lived with it! Challenge a nuclear armed China for Japan is just open her gateway to hell!

@flowers:'over- exaggerated about Japan being peaceful than the entire history of China.'

Although the Japanese SDF has never killing a single person in the past 60 years but that didnt mean they were true 'peaceful'! The Japaanese nature has NOTHING changed in the past 67 years, in fact the old japan was still there! Like Ishihara shintaro Japan's fundamental ideologies is still foundation over ethical or racial supremacy and fabricating non existence threats to legitimate her aggresiveness as we have seen from the languages spoken by Ishihara shintaro and the Japanese government under Noda shares the same values but different expression in actions! I wont call an 'Over- exaggreated' to describe Japan but ' A deception about Japan being peaceful than the entire history of peoples republic of China! Japan is definately no where being peaceful just she was onstacled to expand due to economic hardships in the past 20 years, otherwise the JSDF has seen active actions for long time instead of 'killing nobody'!

Ishihara's way of thinking is so old-fashioned. Who really wants to pollute the earth with more radiation? Here is how it's done. It's simple. It's the new way to fight wars. Remember how the Soviet Union used to be dangerous. Now, it's just Russia, with lots of other big countries. Remember Yugoslavia. Now it's just Serbia, with lots of other little countries. That's how we fight China and bring the world back from the precipice of nuclear holocaust or, just as bad, Chinese hegemony. How? We break up China, using the advantageous weapon of greed that is consuming the east and southeast coasts of China.

A really bad problem for us would be if the highly productive east and southeast coasts remained as a single unit. Think of it this way. These people are the entrepreneurs and educated workers in sophisticated companies. The hinterlands are full of poor people dependent on government largesse. In fact, the new government in China has made it policy that redistribution is the norm for the next ten years. Let's carve out three new countries in the hinterlands: Tibet for Tibetans, Xinjiang for Uighurs, Inner Mongolia for Mongols. How? Subversion, of course. Have you heard of the internet?

The greedy coast would love to dump the hinterlands, so they wouldn't have to share their wealth. Just imagine. They got rich in the last ten years, richer than most Americans. That's the truth. Now the government is telling them that they will be taxed to death to support the other half of the population. Yeah, the coast wants to dump these poor cousins, as long as their businesses maintain contractual control of the resources in those areas. That means the provincial governments on the coast will fight against Beijing to keep their wealth...if Japan and the US are smart enough to pollute the Chinese mind with clever propaganda working on their greed to keep it all to themselves.

During its entire history, China does this sort of thing, going from an inward-looking phase as under Mao and an outward-looking phase, as they're experiencing now. With the new government policy of redistribution, the coast has begun to think it can do better by itself than with Beijing running things. Problem for us is if the coast manages to stay together as a unit, because then they'd have 700 million strong.

That's why, right now, Japan and the US should start making sure that the huge cities start thinking of themselves like the city-states of Shanghai and Hong Kong. For instance, Guangdong has a population of over 100 million people. Think of it. This one Chinese city (a city) has one-third of the entire population of th e United States. Henan, Sichuan and Shangdong aren't far behind. These can serve as the hubs of individual countries equivalent to the US in population. At a minimum, we need the coast broken down into three separate countries vying with each other for market share instead of vying with other Asians in the South China Sea and the East China sea for political or territorial control.

Yeah, you're getting the idea. China as a monolith, the way it is now, is a monster just beginning to open its cavernous maw and eat up Japan. Follow my advice and, with clever propaganda, break it down to manageable units: six individual countries where there was once China, where once there was a Soviet Union, where once there was a Yugoslavia.

I'm neutral when it comes to most countries possessing nuclear weapons. They are a deterrent, but on the other hand they're basically the ultimate weapon in terms of destructive power.

Why doesn't Ishihara poll the residents of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to gather opinion from those experienced on the matter?

OssanAmerica

Thank you for your explanation.

Ishihara now wants to export nuclear weapons?...how could we not have seen that one coming.

"We should sell as many excellent weapons as possible . . . The technologies are much more advanced. We should seriously consider this," the outspoken 80-year-old hawk said in a group interview with The Japan Times and other media outlets before gearing up to campaign for the Dec. 16 Lower House election.

"We should sell as many excellent weapons as possible . . . The technologies are much more advanced. We should seriously consider this," the outspoken 80-year-old hawk said in a group interview with The Japan Times and other media outlets before gearing up to campaign for the Dec. 16 Lower House election.

Yeah let's sell them to North Korea... big money to be made.

Ishihara knows perfectly well that he has no chance at all of being able to swing public opinion his way on this issue at this time. However, what he also knows is that coming out on this publicly will solidify his existing constituency and also extend it too.

Why? The people who are most against him will not vote for him anyway, whereas any kind of vociferious public debate on this topic will mostly serve to glean him more votes from those who are not vehemently against him. People who think, 'Goodness me. China is so bad. We have to stand up to them somehow. Maybe they won't take over the Senkakus if we play hardball'. Or people who think 'Ishihara doesn't mean it, but he is sure getting the Chinese worried. Maybe they will back off a bit now'. Some people who think like this will be dissuaded from voting for him purely from nuclear fears, but others will be persuaded. He will definitely get more votes this way. It also helps to have a partnership with Hashimoto. That way some people will consider that there is a moderating influence in the coalitiion and this won't go ahead. Hashimoto knew about this play well in advance and went along with it.

Lachance, your idea would work in theory, but it would not work as long as the communist party is still in power. China already prevents that from happening. Also, the opposite may be true, China is planning to unite all the Chinese in the world. Think about borderless China where Chinese people are in every corner of the world and in some countries they are in very influential position. China is using military power to create national pride but the real war is something else. “China can wait” is the theme here, so more military power is not the answer for Japan.

Rogerrabbit says the new guy (want to be Prime minister) probably wants to start a WAR... Well let us say if they start a WAR with our guess would be China..They had better be prepared for... because, there wont be a little destruction like WW II, it will be total destruction..The Chinese do not forget...

At most, it's going to be a naval war. No nuclear strikes. Just ships smacking each other, which will allow the US to stay out of it since Japan, the islands of Japan, will not be under attack. The land areas will be left alone, as long as on-shore batteries do not join in the fray. This way, both countries let off some steam.

Japan is suffering a malaise right now. You can see it in your young men. They've lost the will to live as men, becoming content simply exist for a third decade in the doldrums of recession. A naval war will inspire these boys to join the military and act like men for a change. You have an excess of young men in low-wage jobs, which ruins their self-perception. You need a war to revitalize society.

A naval war against China is the answer. Their navy is hardly the equal of Japan's naval forces. If war is restricted to the East China Sea, Japan will probably win...and do it on its own, without US help. This will raise the prestige of Japan across the world.

More to tell you, but are you willing to listen?

More to tell you, but are you willing to listen?

yes, I am willing to listen. Please go on....

The powerful America is on their side. I don't think Japan need nuclear. Anyone who think China have a chance to win against America is being delusion.

if there is a war, no one (china, japan or u.s.) will win. won't be just mini skirmishes ala iraq/afghanistan with daily death tolls in the teens. it'll likely be full-blown slugfests with daily casualties in the tens of thousands. no winners, but definitely the rest of the world will be losers (nuclear fallout, collapsed world economy, environmental disaster, etc). in this interconnected age, war just doesn't make sense.

Lachance, your idea would work in theory, but it would not work as long as the communist party is still in power. China already prevents that from happening. Also, the opposite may be true, China is planning to unite all the Chinese in the world. Think about borderless China where Chinese people are in every corner of the world and in some countries they are in very influential position. China is using military power to create national pride but the real war is something else. “China can wait” is the theme here, so more military power is not the answer for Japan.

Lachange is delusional. Should definitely stop taking that white Colombia powder. Anyway, uniting all the chinese diaspora (taiwan, singapore, malaysia, indonesia, thailand, philippines, burma, etc) would be a tall order.

Considering that Ishihara was carefully taught during the militarist period 1925-1945, this kind of thinking should be expected. It would be an interesting exercise to think what the rest of the former enemies of Japan, rest of Asia and beyond, would do in response. China would be able to make good use of their "friends", the nuclear armed PRK.

Ishihara won't be happy until he starts an all-out war with China. The man's psychotic.