Fumio Kyuma Japanese politician, former Minister of Defense of Japan. Date of Birth: 04.12.1940 Country: Japan

1. Tomohiko Kuma, Former Defense Minister of Japan
2. Early Life and Career
3. Controversial Remarks and Resignation

Tomohiko Kuma, Former Defense Minister of Japan

Tomohiko Kuma, a prominent Japanese politician, served as Japan's Minister of Defense on two separate occasions, the first starting in 1980. He was also the Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party's General Council.

Early Life and Career

Kuma graduated from the prestigious University of Tokyo in 1964 and initially pursued a career in the Ministry of Agriculture. He gradually rose through the ranks of the Japanese government, holding various positions before becoming Minister of Defense.

Controversial Remarks and Resignation

In 2007, while speaking at Reitaku University, Kuma made a controversial statement declaring that he "held no grudge against the United States for the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki." He argued that the American action "helped end the war and prevented the Soviet Union from occupying Japan."

These remarks sparked widespread criticism from associations representing atomic bomb survivors and the opposition Democratic Party of Japan. Facing pressure from within his own party, Kuma apologized for his comments and resigned from his post as Minister of Defense on July 3rd, 2007.