Japan and weapons of mass destruction

Japan has had numerous experiments in trying to get weapons of mass destruction before and during World War II, but now has ceased production and abandoned experiments.

Bioweapons

During the Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) and World War II, Unit 731 and other Special Research Units of the Imperial Japanese Army conducted human experimentation on thousands, mostly Chinese and Korean. In military campaigns, the Japanese army used biological weapons on Chinese soldiers and civilians. This employment was largely viewed as ineffective, due to inefficient delivery systems. However, information has surfaced in the last decade, which alleges a more active Japanese usage. For example, firsthand accounts testify the Japanese infected civilians through the distribution of plague-infested foodstuffs, such as dumplings and vegetables. There are also reports of contaminated water supplies. Such estimates report over 580,000 victims, largely due to plague and cholera outbreaks. In addition, repeated seasonal outbreaks after the conclusion of the war bring the death toll much higher. During Changde chemical weapon attack attacks, the Japanese also employed biological warfare by intentionally spreading cholera, dysentery, typhoid, bubonic plague, and anthrax. Other battles include Kaimingye germ weapon attack.

Chemical Weapons

The Japanese used mustard gas and the recently-developed blister agent, Lewisite, against Chinese troops and guerillas, including the Changde chemical weapon attack. During these attacks, the Japanese also employed biological warfare by intentionally spreading cholera, dysentery, typhoid, bubonic plague, and anthrax. Experiments involving chemical weapons were conducted on live prisoners (Unit 516). As of 2005, 60 years after the end of the war, canisters that were abandoned by Japan in their hasty retreat are still being dug up in construction sites, causing injuries and allegedly even deaths.

As of December 1993, Japan has signed the Chemical Weapons Convention.And Japan ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1995.But JSDF possess chemical weapons facilities and some samples for protection which it said JGSDF Central NBC protection Troop.In 1995, JGSDF admitted possession of sarin for samples.

Nuclear Weapons