Several Japanese civic groups issued a joint statement opposing on July 14
government moves to develop nuclear-powered submarines, saying the plan would
contradict Japan’s long-standing support for nuclear disarmament and the Atomic
Energy Basic Law’s restriction of nuclear energy to peaceful uses. NGO Peace
Boat criticized proposals from the ruling party and a government expert panel as
a dangerous shift, saying nuclear-powered submarines enable long-range submerged
operations and strike capability and would depart from Japan’s postwar exclusive
defense (senshu bōei) policy.