Rising Opposition Candidate Advocates for Nuclear-Armed Japan

Saya, a candidate representing the Sanseito party in the Tokyo constituency for the July 20 elections, is advocating for Japan to consider acquiring nuclear weapons. During an online program aired by Nippon Television Network on July 3, she expressed that possessing nuclear arms could enhance Japan's security, drawing parallels to North Korea's ability to negotiate with the U.S. following its nuclear development. Despite her calling this her personal viewpoint, she argued that nuclear armament is a cost-effective and strategic approach to ensuring the country's safety.

Sohei Kamiya, the leader of Sanseito, echoed her sentiments when speaking to journalists in Kobe on July 17. While he clarified that he does not advocate for an immediate acquisition of nuclear weapons, he emphasized the necessity of engaging in discussions about the potential for such measures. He noted that Japan would first need to exit the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty if it were to pursue becoming a nuclear power.

Saya's pro-nuclear stance has been met with backlash on social media, partly due to her earlier comments from 2023 advocating for military conscription. She argued that conscription could provide unique educational experiences not found within traditional schooling, although she clarified her reluctance to reinstate the draft immediately. Kamiya, addressing the media, questioned why Saya's past remarks were being scrutinized now that she is affiliated with Sanseito.

Furthermore, Saya faced criticism after a video interview posted by the Russian news agency Sputnik featured her remarks, prompting Kamiya to call for the resignation of a party staff member who had greenlit the interview without proper authorization. Additionally, Sanseito publicly addressed Saya's "inappropriate" actions after she interacted with a social media post suggesting voters could receive food and drink as an incentive to support her campaign, a violation of the Public Offices Election Law that prohibits such practices during elections.