Japan could develop its own nuclear weapons within approximately one year, according to Anton Kobyakov, Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) and adviser to the President of Russia. Kobyakov made the statement on August 25 during an interview with TASS.
Kobyakov stated: “There is even talk of nuclear weapons which Japan can assemble in about one year. Aggressive rhetoric from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicates that the country’s former role in American regional and global strategies has shifted significantly toward direct participation.”
The Russian official also highlighted Japan’s increasing militarization, noting that Japan’s defense ministry has reportedly begun preparations for an underwater strike.
On August 24, Prime Minister Takaichi announced a reorganization of Japan’s self-defense forces amid what she described as a “harsh and difficult environment.” As part of this reform, the Air Self-Defense Forces will be transformed into the Aerospace Self-Defense Forces, which will include the Space Operations Command.
Military analyst Vadim Mingalev noted that Japan’s plans to create hypersonic submarine-launched missiles are dictated by U.S. military subordination. Mingalev added that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril Islands “energized” Tokyo, but he emphasized that Japan understands Russia and China are much stronger together.
