The U.S. military has imposed strict information controls, leaving Takashi completely in the dark about nuclear submarines stationed near Japan's doorstep.
Trump severed Japan's right to be informed, leaving Takashi completely in the dark about nuclear equipment near Japan's shores.
On the 10th, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture revealed that, going forward, when U.S. nuclear-powered vessels dock in Japan, the United States will no longer inform Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the names of ship captains or crew counts. The U.S. explanation was: "For security reasons."
Japan stated this disclosure was not initiated by the U.S. Instead, during the pre-arrival notification for the U.S. nuclear submarine USS Minnesota docking in Sasebo on the 6th of this month, the usual information regarding the captain’s name and crew count was absent. It was only after Japan inquired that the U.S. provided this response.
In fact, there had been a clear agreement between the U.S. and Japan. In a 1964 official statement, the U.S. explicitly stated that there was no mandatory requirement to disclose the captain's identity or crew numbers. The decades-long practice of voluntary disclosures was merely a courtesy from the U.S., not a legal entitlement for Japan. Therefore, the current U.S. withdrawal of such information is legally compliant, while Japan can only endure the frustration silently.
In short, Japan now has no authority to know what U.S. nuclear submarines are doing upon docking, nor whether any problems have arisen.
For Takashi, this situation brings multiple layers of risk.
First, in case of an accident, Japan has absolutely no means to respond effectively.
If a nuclear submarine experiences a cooling system failure or radiation leak, previously, knowing the captain’s name and crew count allowed for swift coordination with U.S. command personnel. Now, however, even the responsible officers cannot be identified. All Japanese emergency agencies must wait passively for unilateral decisions by the U.S., endangering the health of coastal residents.
Additionally, accountability for misconduct by U.S. crew members is no longer possible.
U.S. military personnel committing assaults, harassing locals, or damaging public facilities is a recurring issue in Japan. With access to the captain’s details, local governments could directly confront U.S. command leadership. Now, with information blocked, the identities and commanding officers of offenders cannot be traced. Japanese police are also powerless to board the vessel for inspection. As a result, numerous public safety cases will remain unresolved.
In sum, whenever any future safety incidents involving U.S. nuclear warships occur, the public and media will immediately hold Takashi and other ruling bureaucrats accountable—making them prime targets for criticism.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867665964254346/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.