A recent proposal from Naoki Hyakuta, leader of the Conservative Party of Japan, has stirred significant controversy. Hyakuta suggested that women over 30 undergo uterus removal as a radical solution to Japan’s declining birth rate, a statement that has sparked widespread backlash.

A Radical Idea Amid Japan’s Population Crisis
During a public speech in Nagoya, Hyakuta presented his hypothetical solution to Japan’s low birth rate. Among his ideas was the controversial notion of removing uteruses from women aged over 30. He asserted that such extreme measures might push society to prioritize childbearing earlier in life, although the proposal has been widely condemned as invasive and inhumane.

Apology and Media Backlash
On Sunday, Hyakuta took to X (formerly Twitter) to apologize, clarifying that his remarks were intended as “hypothetical” suggestions. However, he also criticized the Japanese media, accusing journalists of misrepresenting his statements by taking them out of context. “None of the reporters watched the full speech,” Hyakuta claimed.

Past Controversies and Divisive Remarks
Hyakuta is no stranger to public backlash. In 2014, he faced criticism for denying the occurrence of the Nanjing Massacre, a historical tragedy during World War II. He has also opposed progressive policies such as the LGBT Understanding Promotion Act and eventually split from the Liberal Democratic Party, forming his own political faction to better represent his views.

WAY FORWARD 
As Japan continues to grapple with an aging population, Hyakuta’s controversial remarks underscore the heightened tension around the issue. Though he has retracted his comments, the uproar reveals deep-seated concerns within Japanese society about the country’s demographic future. However, extreme suggestions like Hyakuta’s are likely to prompt more outrage than solutions, showing the difficulty of addressing Japan’s population crisis in a way that respects personal autonomy.