Several Japanese civic groups on July 14 issued a joint statement opposing 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 capabi

Several Japanese civic groups on July 14 issued a joint statement opposing 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.