Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cbclark4]

"TOKYO (AP) - Japan has the technological know-how to produce a nuclear weapon but has no immediate plans to do so, the foreign minister said Thursday, several weeks after communist North Korea carried out a nuclear test.

Foreign Minister Taro Aso, who has called for discussion of Japan's non-nuclear policy, also asserted that the pacifist constitution does not forbid possession of the bomb."

http://apnews.myway.com//article/20061130/D8LN5I7G1.html

They have probably had the capability since the sixties. They have never developed the nuke, mostly because, well the don't like Nukes for some reason.

If Kim can have one why not Japan?

cbc

[thebum]

no, no one should have it.

[Wrench]

If the NORKS have them I think the Japanese should have them as well.

[freethought]

Mommy!!!! Jimmy has the new Nike sneakers and I want them too!!!


There's some solid reasoning going on in this thread already.

I've been to Nagasaki, and standing at the hypo-centre was a very moving experience. The japanese could likely assemble a fully functioning, large payload bomb within 14 days if they were pressed, so it's not really a matter of them 'not having one', as that they have chosen not to build one, but can if they so choose.

Whether they should or not is a different matter. At what point does MAD cease to be an applicable concept? If there's any country in the world that likely has a legit need for a nuke (other than Israel) it's Japan. But the need or desire to have one does not mean they should. My assessment is that their current state of readiness is likely all they need.

[Ya-ta Boy]

[mindmetoo]

As long as Japan is under the American nuclear umbrella, no problem. Canada could easily build its own nukes but we're quite safe 'n' happy under the American nuclear umbrella.

Of course, the question remains would America trade San Fran for Tokyo? The North nukes, say, Osaka. America's response would be to turn the Norks into a sheet of glass (assuming this would not destroy the economies of China, Russian, and South Korea with radiation and fall out). However, the Norks say "sure you can turn us into a sheet of glass but if you launch against us, instead of us striking Tokyo next, we'll melt down San Francisco."

[Moldy Rutabaga]

I would not be terribly surprised if Japan has the bomb already and has kept it quiet to avoid an arms race; now the gloves might be coming off. These changes in Japan's military stance seem to have come awfully quickly...

Ken:>

[nautilus]

japans pacifist approach was fine before because the only nuclear power in the region, China was not threatening them.

Not the case anymore, they have a right to a detterent, and they are a responsible nation. Go for it I say.

[Hollywoodaction]

What makes you think they don't already have all the parts ready?

[dulouz]

Ha Ha thats pretty funny. Commies nuking San Francisco. Life doesn't get any better.

[cbclark4]

[Ya-ta Boy]

[NAVFC]

[Privateer]

[mindmetoo]