[TigerLikesRooster]

It is not just Japan. Some well-known S. Korean conservative figures recently said that S. Korea should rethink "Denuclearized Korean Peninsula." First, a former head of S. Korean intelligence and a former presidential aide under Roh Tae-woo (1988~1993) raised the issue. Then a well-known conservative activist and a veteran journalist Cho Gab-je followed. Both insist that, if joint wartime command of U.S. and S. Korea is dissolved and U.S. forces eventually leave S. Korea, S. Korea should have nuclear weapons to counter security threats from other nations in the region.

It has not gained widespread support yet. However, the public debate on nuke is starting. Where it would lead to, we don't know yet. For now, it can go both ways. It may die down or pick up momentum.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Ping!

[Crazieman]

At least Japan can cobble together several nukes in the span of a couple months if the need arose.

[tcrlaf]

"because its US security blanket cannot be guaranteed to last forever."

TRANSLATION:
"If Democrats win the White House, we're screwed, aand on our own."

I think that's EXTREMELY clear from his comments.....

The liberals and thier willing media allies have convinced a LOT of people that America cannot be counted on for ANYTHING under Democrat leadership.....

[Pro-Bush]

Sure, good idea. They got the knowhow.

[Khurkris]

In the last 10 yrs Japans' military has undergone an amazing modernization program. Their Navy is approaching world-class their Air Force has always been cutting edge, albeit small - this is growuing ion numbers. Their technology for radar and target aquisition tech along with ECM tech has become on par with their needs.
They army has been benefitting from these improvements; although the number of troops has remained on a slow increase.

Will they join the world nuclear military grouping?
I think about 30 minutes after they find it needed.(Know what I mean?)

[Joe Boucher]

Seems the little punk in North Korea started all this.

Don't blame Japan and South Korea if they do go for nukes to protect themselves from N.Korea.

[monkapotamus]

[Junior]

Damn. Godzilla isn't going to like this...

[DTogo]

Didn't know that "Yasu" was still around. I agree with him.

Japan * ping * (kono risuto ni hairitai ka detai wo shirasete kudasai : let me know if you want on or off this list)

[gaijin]

I believe there is no law that would preclude development of the DELIVERY SYSTEM.

From a technical perspective, THIS is the limiting factor --the warhead they could cobble together in a rush at a later point.

For now, they should just start making the missile bodies, engines, guidance, etc. and worry about the papers late they could term in "academic research".

After they get the papers, they can worry about the warheads.

And I think SK should do the same thing.

[Yaelle]

How right was Tom Lehrer?

[Centurion2000]

China, welcome to your nightmare.

When you wake up at night in a cold sweat and wonder why this is happening. Look to little Kim's insane regime and there's your answer.