Japan leader proposes ban on women marrying after 25, removal of uterus at 30. Apologises after row

Responding to the growing backlash, Naoki Hyakuta issued an apology. He explained that his comments were intended as a science-fiction storyline'.

In a controversial address on Japan’s birth rate crisis, Naoki Hyakuta, leader of Japan's Conservative Party, proposed stringent reproductive policies including banning women from marriage after age 25 and mandating uterine removal at age 30. The statement, made in a November 8 YouTube video, sparked widespread backlash across Japan. Hyakuta suggested that these extreme measures would compel women to have children earlier, thus countering the country’s declining birth rate.

Hyakuta’s remarks formed part of a broader discussion about Japan's demographic challenges, given the country’s ageing population and diminishing workforce. According to Hyakuta, enforcing marriage bans on women past 25, along with mandatory hysterectomies at 30, would “encourage” earlier family planning, thus aiding national fertility. He also proposed restrictions on women’s university attendance after 18, arguing that young women should concentrate on childbearing.

The statement evoked sharp criticism from prominent figures and women’s rights advocates. Chizuru Higashi, a well-known actor, expressed horror at the suggestion. She remarked to the South China Morning Post, “The idea of taking away reproductive ability if you have not had a child by the age of 30 is terrifying, even as a joke. Besides, do you think that the declining birth rate is the fault of women? Women cannot get pregnant on their own, and they have no confidence about giving birth and raising children because their employment and income are not stable.”

Gender studies lecturer Sumie Kawakami from Yamanashi Gakuin University shared her concern with This Week in Asia, stating, “I cannot believe that a Japanese politician has said such a thing. I can only see these comments as a call to violence against women.” Kawakami further expressed concern that political rhetoric in Japan is sliding toward regressive measures against women, noting that a lack of strong public opposition might embolden chauvinistic agendas.

Hyakuta, a polarising figure in Japan’s far-right circles, initially rose to prominence with his best-selling book "The Eternal Zero", which was later adapted into a film glorifying Japan's kamikaze pilots from World War II. His views became particularly influential after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appointed him to the board of NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, in 2013—a move some saw as undermining the editorial independence of public media.

Responding to the growing backlash, Hyakuta issued an apology. He explained that his comments were intended as a “science-fiction storyline” to spur discussion on Japan’s fertility issues, not as serious policy suggestions. “I meant to say that we cannot transform the social structure unless we do something that goes that far,” Hyakuta stated, as quoted in Kyodo News. He later posted on X (formerly Twitter), describing his remarks as “extremely harsh” and not reflective of his actual views.

Party Joint Chairperson Takashi Kawamura also condemned Hyakuta’s proposal, apologising on behalf of the Conservative Party. “I apologise on his behalf to the supporters of the Conservative Party and to the Japanese people,” Kawamura told Fuji Television, underscoring that such ideas did not align with party values.

Author and science-fiction writer Issui Ogawa reacted strongly, expressing his discomfort with Hyakuta's "science-fiction" framing. “I’m a science fiction writer and I’m not amused that the grotesque idea of removing a girl’s uterus was described as science fiction, while I’m also unhappy at the idea of forcing her to marry and give birth – with penalties attached,” Ogawa said, condemning the trivialisation of women’s reproductive rights in the guise of fiction.

In Japan’s broader social context, social values around marriage and family life are evolving, with many young people redefining traditional concepts of family and career. Kaori Arimoto, a senior member of the Conservative Party, also disapproved of Hyakuta's remarks, saying, “These are outdated views; social values are shifting rapidly.” Arimoto further commented that the societal norms tying happiness strictly to childbearing are fading as more people pursue different paths.

Kawakami concluded that Hyakuta’s comments underscored a concerning trend, particularly given Japan’s already tenuous political climate regarding gender equality. “He (Hyakuta) has said something, and now there has been a strong reaction he has withdrawn it and apologised, but if there had not been a response, he would not have felt the need to claim he was only speaking hypothetically and to apologise,” she noted.

The incident highlights Japan’s mounting fertility crisis. Official data released in September indicated that Japan’s birth rate had dropped to its lowest since 1969. The health ministry reported 350,074 births from January to June 2024—a 5.7% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. Experts warn that without actionable policy changes to support working parents, particularly women, and without addressing economic insecurity, the fertility crisis may continue to worsen.

(With agency inputs)