In a recent YouTube discussion on Japan’s demographic challenges, Naoki Hyakuta, leader of Japan’s Conservative Party, drew heavy criticism for proposing extreme measures to combat the country’s low birth rate. Among his suggestions was the idea of mandating hysterectomies for women by age 30, a move he claimed would encourage early childbirth and address the nation’s birthrate decline. Hyakuta also suggested barring women over 25 from marriage and restricting university access beyond age 18, which he argued would promote women’s roles as mothers.
Hyakuta’s remarks were met with immediate condemnation, particularly from women’s rights advocates who deemed the proposals misogynistic and extreme. Facing a wave of backlash, Hyakuta issued an apology on X (formerly Twitter), admitting his comments were “extremely harsh” and acknowledging they were “unacceptable.” He further retracted his statements in a speech in Nagoya, expressing regret for causing offense and formally apologizing.
The leader of the Conservative Party of Japan talked about extreme hypothetical solutions to Japan’s declining birthrate:
•banning women from going to university
•banning marriage over the age of 25
•surgically removing the wombs of women over age 30pic.twitter.com/GMfp1cay2J— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) November 10, 2024
Japan’s declining birth rate has been a persistent issue for several decades, coupled with one of the world’s oldest populations. Recent government data indicates that the number of births in the first half of 2024 reached 350,074, a 5.7% drop compared to the previous year. Japan’s total fertility rate currently stands at 1.3—well below the replacement rate of 2.1 necessary to sustain a stable population. While the country’s life expectancy remains among the highest globally, with nearly one in every 1,500 individuals aged 100 or older, its low birth rate poses challenges for economic stability and generational balance.
As Japan explores sustainable ways to address its population crisis, Hyakuta’s proposals highlight the controversy surrounding the issue and the importance of respecting individual rights while seeking solutions.
