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Japanese Pol Resigns Over A-Bomb Gaffe

Defense minister said WWII bombings were inevitable

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 3, 2007 8:08 AM CDT

(Newser) – Japan's defense minister has resigned in a storm of protest over remarks he made last weekend that the American bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were justified. Fumio Kyuma said he understood the US decision to drop the bombs, and that "it couldn't be helped." He also suggested that the abrupt end to the war was better for Japan, the AP reports.

The remarks prompted outrage from survivors of the bombings and censure from the prime minister, who is struggling to stay in power, with parliamentary elections just weeks away. Opposition to nuclear weapons is integral to the Japanese identity. Kyuma, who represents Nagasaki in parliament, has a history of political gaffes.

(AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) (Associated Press)

Japan's embattled Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma answers reporter's question after meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo Tuesday, July 3, 2007. Kyuma... (Associated Press)

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Japanese Pol Resigns Over A-Bomb Gaffe

Defense minister said WWII bombings were inevitable

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Japanese Pol Resigns Over A-Bomb Gaffe

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Related Links

Japan • Fumio Kyuma • Hiroshima • Nagasaki • atomic bomb

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Nagasaki Marks 65th Anniversary

Memorial emphasizes eliminating nuclear weapons

Japan Should Apologize for Hiroshima

Or for nation's bloody actions leading up to bombing

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Obama's disarmament talk inspires A-bomb survivor to speak up

Japanese Man, 93, Survived Both A-Bombs

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