This book examines Japans nuclear identity and its implications for abolition of nuclear weapons. By applying analytical eclecticism in combination with international relations theory, this book categorizes Japans nuclear identity as a nuclear-bombed state (classical liberalism), nuclear disarmament state (neoliberalism), nuclear-threatened state (classical realism), and a nuclear umbrella state (neorealism). This research investigates whether the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were genocide or not, to what degree Japan has contributed to nuclear disarmament, how Japan has been threatened by ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons of North Korea, and how Japans security policy has been embedded with the nuclear strategy of the United States. It also sheds light on theoretical factors that Japan does not support the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Finally, this book considers the future of Japans nuclear identity and attempts to explore alternatives for Japans nuclear disarmament diplomacy toward a world without nuclear weapons.

Daisuke Akimoto is Official Secretary in the House of Representatives, Japan, and former Assistant Professor at the Soka University Peace Research Institute, Japan. 

1. Introduction: The Paradox of Japans Nuclear Identity.- 2. Japan as a Nuclear-Bombed State: The Genocidal Nature of Nuclear Violence.- 3. Japan as a Nuclear Disarmament State: Its Global Initiative for Nuclear Abolition.- 4. Japan as a Nuclear-Threatened State: Facing the Nuclear Threat of North Korea.- 5. Japan as a Nuclear Umbrella State: Embedded in the US Nuclear Strategy.- 6. Japan and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).- 7. The Future of Japans Nuclear Disarmament Diplomacy.