Amid the rising tensions in Asian waters, the Japanese government has adopted a controversial stance of not excluding the option of nuclear submarines. This move has sparked widespread discussion among the public and experts, creating ripples across the country. Outlining their reasons, the authorities emphasize a critical need to enhance national security in the increasingly volatile regional landscape. The timing and specifics of this decision remain unclear, raising several questions about potential implications for the nation's defense strategies and international relations.

Japan, a country deeply affected by the aftermath of Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, has a profound national sentiment favoring a war-free world and nuclear disarmament. The government's decision has therefore touched a sensitive nerve among the public. There is a significant concern relating to the ethics of nuclear power application, the potential exacerbation of the regional arms race, and Japan's adherence to its long-held 'non-nuclear weapons' principle.

In contrast, nuclear submarines are an integral part of the defense forces in countries like the United States. The U.S. views these as a significant deterrent in maintaining global peace and security. It's a matter of robust debate in Japan, meanwhile, due to its unique history and social sensitivities.