Hiroshi Ota was responsible for scientific affairs at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1960-1989. In the interview he discusses Japan's involvement in the international non-proliferation movement, and the country's peaceful nuclear energy program. He starts by discussing the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1968, explaining that Japan thought it unfair that the NPT divided the countries into a nuclear country versus non-nuclear country binary. He wanted Japan to be able to contribute on equal terms to the world as a non-nuclear country, rather than being treated as second-class because of its decision to forego atomic weapons. He discusses the development of Japan's relations with the United States, including negotiations led by Joseph Nye. He remarks that Japan's main focus was energy security, which was tied to the United States, since the latter supplied Japan's nuclear fuel. He also explains Japan's commitment to non-proliferation at home, repeated by their constitution, three non-nuclear principles, and their ratification of the NPT. Based on this extreme commitment, Mr. Ota is frustrated that President Carter's Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act treats Japan on the same footing as other countries that have not committed themselves to non-proliferation. He worries that the Act might hinder the day-to-day functioning of the Japanese nuclear industry. Overall, Ota describes himself as dedicated to the success and development of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, while supporting non-proliferation internationally.
