Japan and weapons of mass destruction 5229038 210164230 2008-05-04T19:47:07Z 209.213.220.227 /* Bioweapons */ {{Expand|date=October 2007}} {{WMD}} {{unreferenced|date=March 2008}} 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== {{main|Unit 731}} 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 [[China|Chinese]] and [[Korea]]n. 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== {{main|Unit 516}} The [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] used [[mustard gas]] and the recently-developed [[blister agent]], [[Lewisite]], against [[China|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 [[Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)|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== {{main|Japanese atomic program}} [[Category:Weapons of mass destruction]] [[Category:Military of Japan]] [[zh:日本与大规模杀伤性武器]]