The issue of nuclear submarines came up against the backdrop of a deal that will see the US and the UK help Australia, another Pacific Ocean power, build its own nuclear-powered submarines.
"If we talk about having them potentially, then I think Japan's possession of nuclear submarines is very important. However, I believe it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive study of issues such as their area of use, accommodation costs, and others", Kono said during a debate aired on Fuji TV.
Kono was supported by another candidate, former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Sanae Takaichi, while the other two contenders — former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Deputy Secretary General of the party Seiko Noda — demonstrated a more cautious approach.
"If we talk about the need for nuclear submarines from the point of view of ensuring the security of Japan, I believe that it is worth considering to what extent this is really necessary", Kishida said.
The Liberal Democratic Party will elect a new leader on 29 September. Incumbent leader of the party and prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, unexpectedly announced earlier this month that he would not be running for re-election, although he would serve the remainder of his term, which ends on 30 September.