The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) consists of 15 members, out of which 5 are permanent members. These permanent members have been part of the UNSC since its inception and possess veto power over substantive resolutions. Historically, the countries that have consistently held these permanent seats are:
- France
- China
- United States of America (USA)
- United Kingdom (UK)
- Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), now represented by the Russian Federation
Japan has never been a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Although it has frequently been elected as a non-permanent member, it does not have the permanent status or veto power enjoyed by the five aforementioned countries.
Consequently, Japan is the correct answer as the country that has never been a permanent member of the UNSC.