I'm sorry, having Japan nuclearize has the same amount of appeal as having a nuclearized Germany.
We don't need more countries having nuclear weapons, period.
Ally today, enemy tomorrow.
Whatever newbie. Of all the nations on Earth, Japan is the one we could trust most with nuclear weapons.
What's wrong with a "nuclearized Germany"? They aren't a threat to the rest of the civilized world, and neither is Japan.
Hate to break this to you, pal, but we did equip the Bundeswehr with nukes back in the day. It was a "dual-key" arrangement, in which a US officer held a virtual "veto" over whether or not the nukes would be used (based on a decision by the National Command Authority). In this case, it's a moot point, since Mr. Abe says that the Japanese don't want any nukes, just missile defense.
Japan or German will not ask you if they see the necessity of a own nuclear force. It will happen silent and fast - just like it happened in Israel a long time ago. No offical statements but everybody will know that they have damm good working nukes since we do not have to discuss the technical skills of those countries.
It is not probable that Germany will produce its own nukes in the near future, because it is under the direct nuclear umbrella of France. In difference to the US the defense of a nuclear attack in Germany would also be a question of survival for France. Everybody in Germany knows that. The confidence into the US upon this question is not that strong anymore in the meantime.
I assume that the Japanese have the same reservations (as long as we talk about this question) against the US just as political Germany has. In difference to Germany they have no "nuclear" neighbour that is "married" (sarcasm) to them. Therefore it is not sure to me if they not already rule over a nuclear inventory. If I would be the Japanese prime minister I would.
"We don't need more countries having nuclear weapons, period.
Ally today, enemy tomorrow."
Bears repeating.
IOW, I agree 100%!