Current Global Nuclear Arsenal

As of early 2024, nine countries possess nuclear weapons, collectively totaling approximately 12,121 warheads. The distribution is as follows:

• Russia: Approximately 5,580 nuclear warheads.
• United States: Around 5,044 nuclear warheads.
• China: Estimated at 500 nuclear warheads.
• France: Approximately 290 nuclear warheads.
• United Kingdom: About 225 nuclear warheads.
• Pakistan: Estimated 170 nuclear warheads.
• India: Approximately 172 nuclear warheads.
• Israel: Around 90 nuclear warheads.
• North Korea: Estimated 50 nuclear warheads.

Notably, Russia and the United States together hold nearly 90% of the world’s nuclear arsenal, underscoring their pivotal roles in global nuclear dynamics. While the total number of nuclear weapons has declined since the Cold War peak of approximately 70,000 warheads, recent trends indicate a slowdown in reductions. Some nations, including China, India, and Pakistan, are reportedly expanding their stockpiles, reflecting ongoing regional security concerns.

Japan’s Unique Position and Advocacy for Disarmament

Japan’s historical experience as the only country to have suffered atomic bombings during war profoundly shapes its stance on nuclear weapons. The devastations of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 have ingrained a national commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

Despite this commitment, Japan has not signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The Japanese government cites the necessity of U.S. nuclear deterrence for its national security, given regional threats and the current global security environment. This reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella reflects a complex balance between advocating for disarmament and ensuring national defense.

Nevertheless, Japan actively engages in international disarmament efforts. Since 1994, it has annually submitted resolutions on nuclear disarmament to the United Nations General Assembly, garnering widespread support. In 2022, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida introduced the “Hiroshima Action Plan,” aiming to bridge divides between nuclear and non-nuclear states and promote realistic pathways toward disarmament.

Japan’s Role in the United Nations

Within the United Nations framework, Japan consistently advocates for nuclear disarmament. Its annual resolutions emphasize the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and call for concrete actions toward their elimination. Japan’s leadership in these initiatives reflects its unique historical perspective and moral responsibility to prevent future nuclear tragedies.

Moreover, Japan’s efforts extend to facilitating dialogue among member states, hosting international conferences, and supporting educational programs on disarmament. These endeavors aim to foster a global consensus on the imperative of a nuclear-free world and to encourage incremental steps toward that goal.

Challenges and Criticisms

Japan’s position, however, is not without criticism. Some disarmament advocates and atomic bombing survivors argue that reliance on nuclear deterrence contradicts the nation’s moral stance against nuclear weapons. They urge the government to join the TPNW and reduce dependence on nuclear deterrence, aligning its security policies with its disarmament advocacy.

The Japanese government maintains that engaging nuclear-armed states in disarmament discussions is crucial for effective progress. It argues that the TPNW lacks participation from these states, limiting its practical impact. Japan’s approach emphasizes realistic and pragmatic measures within existing security frameworks to achieve gradual disarmament.

Conclusion

The global landscape of nuclear capabilities presents both challenges and opportunities for disarmament. Japan’s unique historical experience and active engagement in international forums position it as a pivotal advocate for a world without nuclear weapons. Balancing national security concerns with moral imperatives, Japan continues to navigate complex dynamics to promote realistic and effective disarmament strategies. Its role within the United Nations and broader international community remains essential in advancing the global agenda toward the elimination of nuclear weapons.