Tamogami
Responding to arguments against Japan possessing nuclear weapons
--Security should be considered from a structural perspective, not from an emotional one-- Whenever nuclear possession is discussed in Japan, strong opposition is always raised. Many of these arguments are based on morality, ideals, and past memories. This in itself should not be rejected. However, national security is not a competition of correctness, but a design for survival. In this article, we will organize the most common arguments directed at Japan's nuclear possession and refute each one from a structural perspective, rather than an emotional one. Opposition that it is morally unacceptable for Japan, a country that was the victim of atomic bombing, to possess nuclear weapons This is the argument I hear most often. It's a sentimental backlash that…
Recommendation for Japan to Possess Nuclear Weapons
--A calm, realistic approach necessary to "avoid fighting"-- Talking about nuclear possession remains strongly taboo in Japan.As a country that experienced the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, this is an understandable sentiment. However, emotions and national security are two different things.A country cannot be protected by "wishes"; only "structures" can protect it. This article is not intended to glorify nuclear weapons.In fact, it is the opposite.It deals with the practical question of whether Japan should possess nuclear weapons in order to avoid war. The world order is based on nuclear weapons The current international order is supported not by ideals or UN resolutions, but by nuclear deterrence. The major countries possessing nuclear weapons are: United StatesRussiaChinaNorth KoreaFranceUnited Kingdom What's…
Why certain ideals were not upheld
--A quiet question about power and reason Ideals that cannot be protectedwill be taken away again and again. The issue is not whether or not you have power. It's whether you can simultaneously have the resolve to protect themand the rationality not to pull the trigger. Many ideals have been spoken of in the past. Peace, freedom, dignity, culture. All of these were beautiful,All of these were right. And yet,Time and again, these things were trampled upon,Stolen away,And disappeared into history. Not because the ideals were wrong,But because they were not upheld. It wasn't the idea that was stolen. When ideals crumble,it's not the words that break first. What breaks is the will to uphold them. Discussion is neglected,promises are…
Ukraine, Gaza, Taiwan – the more unstable the world becomes, the more people in Japan dislike “thinking”
The world is clearly unstable right now.● In Ukraine, the invasion is prolonged.● In Gaza, retaliation is cascading.● In the Taiwan Strait, tension has become a daily occurrence.Neither the United Nations, international public opinion, nor ideals have been enough to stop the war.And yet, in Japan,there is one topic that is "shut down before it's even considered."-- Nuclear weapons. "Reality is moving," but Japan is standing still Whenever former Air Staff Chief Toshio Tamogami makes a statement about nuclear weapons, he is always met with criticism."It's dangerous.""It's inappropriate.""Don't talk about that now."But ironically, it's the countries that aren't talking about that right now that are being dragged into this reality.Ukraine has abandoned its nuclear program.The whole world is watching the…
“It’s not ‘have nuclear weapons,’ it’s ‘don’t tell us not to think.'”
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 Tamogamiare 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…
Is it really “dangerous” that someone takes on the unpopular role of saying “we should have nuclear weapons”?
Toshio Tamogamiis daring to make the statement he knows will be the most condemned in Japan.That statement is that "Japan's possession of nuclear weapons should be discussed." This is not a statement made to be liked. If he brings up this topic,●It will spark outrage●The media will shun him●He will be labeled an extremistHe knows this better than anyone.But he still speaks about it.Why?→ Because he knows that Japan's national security is stuck in an emotional state. Nuclear weapons are not "weapons to be used" Tamogami's argument can be summarized as follows:●Nuclear weapons are not weapons that start war.●They are a deterrent to prevent war from breaking out.●Nuclear-powered nations have avoided direct war with each other.●Non-nuclear powers are more susceptible…
Rather than “Should we have nuclear weapons?”, why is it not even permissible to “talk about nuclear weapons” in Japan?
- Another question raised by Toshio Tamogami's remarks Introduction: Why Has This Debate Been Avoided So Far?"Should Japan Possess Nuclear Weapons?"This question has long been considered taboo in Japan.Even considering whether one is for or against the issue has been considered inappropriate.In this climate, former Chief of Staff of the Air Self-Defense Force, Toshio Tamogami, has consistently asserted:"If Japan truly wants to ensure its own security, it must not shy away from the question of whether or not to possess nuclear weapons."This statement has been met with mixed reactions.But the important question, rather than whether it's right or wrong, is why this topic has been so hushed up in Japan. Nuclear weapons are not weapons to be used, but weapons…