LDP lawmaker's comment that newlyweds should raise at least 3 kids sparks criticism

Maybe he can just say I hope Japan’s population decrease will start to level out and increase.

But his office later released a statement saying that the remark was "not intended to disrespect women" and Kato retracts it.

I actually agree. I think it was meant to disrespect every young people who may want to do something else with their life than just raise children.

"Damn kids nowadays, they don't get married at 21, they don't have 8 children anymore, they don't work until 3 in the morning, and the women doesn't live in the kitchen ! Back in my days bluh bluh bluh........."

klausdorthToday  09:39 am JST

Some what reminds me of another guy something like 80 years ago.

During his dictatorship he also demanded that women should raise as many children as possible.

Could that be the same person that Taro Aso said did bad things even though he had good motives?

I often think that if they changed "Liberal" to "National" and "Democratic" to "Socialist" it would reflect their actual views a bit better. Except that they only believe in socialism for their friends.

One female lawmaker at the meeting said "this is exactly sexual harassment

No, It's not sexual harassment. It's a dumb thing to say, there's no doubt about that, but it's not even remotely related to sexual harassment.

It seems to me that Japanese people really are unclear on either the terminology or the concept. Possibly it's both.

Reckless, Klausdorth - possibly. Another explanation for such comments and other outrageous ones (the old woman close to the government who praised apartheid a couple of years back, pretty much anything Taro Aso says) is based on the Overton window. This is the window of what is considered acceptable in public discourse. One strategy used by politicians is to make comments way outside what is considered politically acceptable, which can be easily retracted when howls of outrage follow but nevertheless help push the boundaries of this window in the direction they would like - here would be in the direction that adults have a moral responsibility to have kids, something that many of the LDP seem to believe. Owen Jones in his book The Establishment explains it better than I have done.

how about gay couples?

LDP politician families with their cushy incomes should be leading by example and having 3 or more kids, ne Kato san?

They probably do, but just aren't official!

a 72-year-old male member

That's one way of putting it.

I am a little strapped for time, however this article is only half the picture/story

Single women a 'burden on the state', says Japanese MP ….

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/11/single-women-a-burden-on-the-state-says-japanese-mp

OK I am 29 and will be 30 in October, my business provides some of the most completive remuneration to some 396 employees here in Japan, Kochi/Nagoya and another 309 in the UK.

Yet as a singleton, yes, I choose to be, I do not have a burr up my backside where men are concerned, I admit to being selfish about my independence, However I am happy to pay taxes that would shame Kanji Kato, this so called 72-year-old male member of the House of Representatives.

But, I have been accused of becoming a burden to the state, I should be bare foot and pregnant in front of a washer or a stove.......I am kicking the furniture.

Even tough it's sexual harassment or not, he must reset his brain and mind to speak as a lawmaker-To identify what's socially shame...

In a democratic "free" country, I don't think it is down to politicans / lawmakers to be telling people how to run their lives.

But there again, was Japan ever a free country? This LDP sound like a bunch of control freaks.

When he encounters young women who say they do not intend to marry, Kato, who has six children and eight grandchildren, said: “I tell them that if they don’t get married then they won’t be able to have children, and that they’ll end up in a care home paid for with the taxes of other people’s children.”

What a lot of imbecilic nonsense, but exactly what I'd expect some pig-headed old man that no one ever disagrees with to say.

I think it was meant to disrespect every young people who may want to do something else with their life than just raise children.

I’ve only got a couple of kids, but we should not give the impression that raising kids means giving up other life options.

I love my kids and also enjoy other parts of my life that don’t directly involve them.

Personally, I wish I (we) did start having kids earlier than we did. Had we done so, an extra kid or two on top of what we have might seem more feasible or desirable, especially after a break between kids.

Personally, I would encourage any young twenty something year olds, with decent jobs, to have kids earlier, not later. Doing it later cuts down your options, I can’t see what you lose. These days companies are more supportive of parents than they ever have been. If not at your company, change jobs.

Having kids isn’t for everyone but if it is in your life plan, don’t leave it till later if you can get to work on it while younger. You may not get to three kids anyway, but if you do find yourself wanting more, it’s easier if you’re younger with more options still open.

LDP lawmaker's comment that newlyweds should raise at least 3 kids sparks criticism

At LEAST 3 kids...well then get your idiot PM to raise the minimum wage.

Many of the young people here are making less than 250,000 a month. How the hell are you supposed to raise a family of what..3-4 kids on that??? To have 2 kids and live comfortably you need an income of about 400,000 a month. You could survive on less, but that would mean depriving your children of various things like nice clothes and toys. It takes money to raise kids.

I have many japanese friends who only have 1 child and who want more but say they can't afford it. That's the saddest part. When a couple has to make the decision of not having more children because of finances.

Just goes to show the level of disconnect these bluebloods have with the people of Japan. And I know this happens everywhere but here its on a different level; probably because politics is something that is inherited here- like a family business. Its like the politicians really just don't get that the people are suffering.

Hi fxgai, Sorry to be rude, can you give a indication of your age? Are you grandparent?

Also, if I may, is the yearning for earlier parenthood a indication of regret?.... With the benefit of hindsight could reflection be guided by present day, “current” financial situation/principles?

You mention only a couple of children, my father indicated a similar perspective, I am one of three.

Perhaps too many questions?, however could you elaborate further?...the contemplation?, earlier rather that later ? Why the change of heart? If that is a fair assumption.

Diclining population is the serious problem Japan faces. So it would be remiss if not say anything like this as a politician.