Poll: 76% in Japan support upholding non-nuclear principles

A total of 76% of people in Japan support upholding the country's Three Non-Nuclear Principles of not possessing, not producing and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons into its territory, Kyodo News reported on Sunday, citing a nationwide opinion poll.

The survey also found that 77% believe Japan should not pursue nuclear sharing, an arrangement under which the US would station nuclear weapons in Japan for joint operation.

As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings in war, Japan continues to show strong anti-nuclear sentiment, with the survey results highlighting opposition to nuclear weapons as debate grows over revising the principles.

Asked about the government's April decision to lift its decades-old ban on exporting lethal weapons, 36% said exports should be limited to nonlethal equipment, even to allies, while 53% said the ban should be maintained or the policy reconsidered, according to the survey conducted by the Japan Association for Public Opinion Research.

The survey, which targeted 3,000 people aged 18 and over, was conducted in June and July by the nationwide polling organization formed by Kyodo News and its members.

(With input from Xinhua)