1. Fumio Kyuma was Japanese DEFENCE MINISTER in 2007 when he made these controversial remarks.
His remarks declaring the ‘inevitability of the bomb being dropped by the USA’ were highly controversial and unusual.
It is useful as Japanese politicians rarely comment on the atomic bomb. They are a very proud nation who disagreed with the use of nuclear weapons to end the war with over 240,000 dead. However they also fear to comment, as Japan has developed very close ties with the USA since the end of the Second World War.
It was also surprising as Fusio Kyuma actually comes from Nagasaki – the scene of the second atomic bomb.
In terms of reliability, it does represent a view on the bomb from a surprising source. However it cannot be relied upon to show the feeling of the majority of the Japanese people. The reaction of the Japanese politicians and public to his comments are important in showing the depth of feeling and anger towards his comments. His remarks were condemned by survivors groups and rival political parties- who asked him to resign.