In Japan, when the word “nuclear” is mentioned,
the discussion often ends before it even begins.
“It’s inappropriate, as we’re a country that was bombed.”
“It’s a dangerous idea.”
“It’s a topic that shouldn’t be touched.”
In this way, even the thought of it is silenced.
However, the words of former Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Toshio Tamogami
are often misunderstood.
What he was saying was not an order to “possess nuclear weapons immediately.”
“Don’t tell me not to think about it.”
That’s all there is to it.
The choice to speak out despite knowing it will be disliked
What happens if you speak out on this topic?
You’ll be criticized, criticized, and labeled.
Tamogami himself knows this better than anyone.
But he still speaks out because he wants to break the paralysis of thought that Japan has long avoided,
even at the expense of his own reputation and position.
He’s not making these statements to be liked.
He’s not saying these things to garner support.
Rather, it’s more like he’s prepared to take on the role of being criticized.
Nuclear weapons are not weapons to be used, but devices to prevent their use
Tamogami’s argument is not based on emotion.
In the international community,
● Nuclear-powered nations have avoided direct war with each other
● Non-nuclear nations are more susceptible to military pressure
These realities are building up.
Nuclear weapons are not ideal weapons.
However, in a nuclear-powered world,
choosing to be non-nuclear also carries risks.
This is a call to face up to this reality.
As a nation that was bombed, we have a "responsibility to think"
The memories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki cannot be erased.
They are not something to be taken lightly.
However,
that is no reason to stop thinking about them.
Rather,
Japan has a responsibility to consider how we can realistically maintain a world where nuclear weapons are never used again.
It is okay to separate emotions from arguments.
If we do not separate them, we cannot protect reality.
The question is not the conclusion
The important thing about this topic is not whether you are for or against it.
● It’s okay to think we should have nuclear weapons.
● It’s okay to think we’re completely against them.
The only danger is telling people not to think.
A society that stifles debate
leaves people relying on others for their own safety.
Conclusion: This is a story of courage
It’s not “have nuclear weapons.”
It’s “don’t tell us not to think.”
Even knowing they’ll be criticized, there are people who choose to speak out,
and that’s why the country has avoided a complete shutdown.
What Toshio Tamogami’s remarks raise is not the pros and cons of nuclear weapons,
but the extremely simple question: “Is Japan a country that thinks about its own safety?”