Is Japan’s nuclear weapon allergy psychosomatic?

Contrary to conventional wisdom, Grant Newsham argues in this piece published in Asia Times, that Japan's allergy to nuclear weapons might well be overcome if the perceived need were great enough. Among other examples, he cites Japan's aversion to having their Self Defense Forces develop an amphibious capability as reminiscent of wartime Imperial Japan's island conquering. However, Mr. Newsham had his hand in and watched Japan build its amphibious capability with lightening fast speed, once the need for such became apparent. (Col. Grant Newsham was the 1st Liasion Officer between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japanese Self Defense Forces during the creation and development of this new amphibious force.)

Grant Newsham is the CEO of the Risk Mitigation Foundation's affiliated 3rd Rail organization and a Foundation Advisory Board member.