FOCUS: A-bomb survivors' no-nuclear goal faces challenges amid deterrence

NAGASAKI - Survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings by the United States on Hiroshima and Nagasaki have been campaigning for a nuclear-free world, but their goal is increasingly facing challenges amid support for nuclear deterrence and calls for a debate over whether Japan should possess nuclear weapons.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said during her speeches in the commemorative ceremonies that Japan "is upholding" its long-held nonnuclear principles -- with the expression she used simply describing the current stance. This has prompted A-bomb victims and antinuclear groups for assurances that the principles will remain in place in the future.