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A Japanese conservative politician has apologized after suggesting that women should be banned from marrying after 25 and undergo uterus removal at 30 to address Japan’s population crisis. Naoki Hyakuta, the founder of the Conservative Party of Japan, made the controversial comments during a YouTube broadcast on Friday, sparking a swift backlash.
Hyakuta also proposed that women should not attend university starting at 18, implying their primary role should be to focus on childbearing. His remarks were intended to offer a “hypothetical solution” to Japan's declining birth rate, but they were met with widespread condemnation. In response, Hyakuta clarified his stance in a speech on Sunday, stating that his comments were not meant to be taken seriously and were only intended as a “science-fiction scenario.” He expressed regret for his “extremely harsh” words, emphasizing that he did not personally support such policies.
Despite his apology, the damage had already been done, with many voicing outrage over the proposals. Sumie Kawakami, a gender studies lecturer at Yamanashi Gakuin University, expressed disbelief, calling the remarks “a call to violence against women.” She stressed that such ideas not only undermined women’s rights but also perpetuated harmful stereotypes.
While Hyakuta’s apology has somewhat diffused the immediate backlash, his comments have drawn attention to the broader issues of gender inequality and population concerns in Japan. Many are calling for a more thoughtful and respectful approach to these pressing issues, one that upholds the rights and dignity of women.
Source: SCMP
