Group 1 - The Japanese Prime Minister's remarks regarding nuclear weapons and military expansion have raised strong concerns among domestic peace organizations, indicating a potential increase in regional tensions and a threat to peace in Asia [1][2] - The Director of the Japan Peace Committee, Chisaka Jun, criticized the government's militaristic rhetoric as unprecedented and detrimental to Japan-China relations, emphasizing the need for Japan to avoid repeating its historical aggressions [1][3] - Chisaka Jun firmly opposes the notion of Japan acquiring nuclear weapons, stating that such actions would significantly heighten the risk of war and urging the government to cease its militarization efforts [2][3] Group 2 - Chisaka Jun highlighted the importance of acknowledging Japan's historical invasions, asserting that the country must confront its past and avoid repeating the mistakes of history [3][4] - The call for Japan to apologize and compensate victims of its colonial rule and invasions is emphasized as a necessary step for reconciliation and peace [4]

Core Viewpoint - The former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that possessing nuclear weapons would not be beneficial for Japan, emphasizing the potential negative implications of such a move [1][3]. Group 1 - Ishiba highlighted that if Japan were to acquire nuclear weapons, it would have to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) [3]. - He pointed out that this withdrawal would undermine Japan's nuclear energy policy, which is crucial for the country's energy system [3]. - The comments made by a security policy official from the Prime Minister's office advocating for Japan to possess nuclear weapons have sparked criticism within Japan [3].