Another test of nuclear taboo: An experimental study in Japan

Abstract

This study, by conducting an original survey experiment in Japan, uncovers how Japanese consider nuclear weapons. While it has been believed that the strong antinuclear weapons sentiment dominates the people in Japan, the recent changes in its national security environment may change the people’s view on the weapons. Our experiment suggests that the antinuclear sentiment in Japan is not so robust and they clearly prefer American nukes over Russian ones. Also, the study shows that the Japanese would consider nuclear attack on North Korea as more acceptable, and they care less about the type of targets, civilian or military, and the size of the weapon.