Takeo Fukuda was Prime Minister of Japan from 1976-1978. He begins the interview with recollections of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and expresses views about such matters as the effect of the nuclear blasts in hastening the end of hostilities, and the reasons for the U.S. decision to use atomic weapons. Discussing nuclear proliferation, he recalls the shock of Chinas nuclear test, and the challenges for Japan in adopting a policy of not possessing nuclear weapons. A challenge of a different sort arose with the concept of the peaceful uses of atomic energy, particularly in the context of Japans limited access to energy sources. Mr. Fukuda recalls also the related question of whether Japan should sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He goes on to discuss the impact of the Carter administrations nuclear policies, which he applauded on the one hand but which also limited access to peaceful nuclear energy for a number of countries. He closes with thoughts on how to maintain peace in the lead-up to the 21st century.
