Sanseito Leader Sonei Kamiya's Comment on 'Elderly Women Unable to Bear Children' Sparks Outcry on Social Media

Sanseito Party leader Sonei Kamiya has caused a significant stir on social media after stating, "Elderly women cannot give birth," during his first official speech for the House of Councillors election. This remark has been reported by multiple media outlets, including Mainichi Shimbun and Asahi Shimbun, drawing numerous criticisms for being misogynistic and discriminatory.

Kamiya's comment was reportedly made in the context of addressing Japan's declining birthrate. In response, many users expressed strong disapproval, with comments such as "A 'birthing machine' that's way behind the times" and "Simply disgusting." There were also outpourings of anger and questions regarding the remark's limited view of women's roles, including "It's not over once you've given birth" and "Does this mean elderly women are useless because they can't bear children?"

Specifically, critics pointed out that the statement lacked consideration for people undergoing fertility treatment who wish to have children, and some recalled the controversial "birthing machine" remark made by then-Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Hakuo Yanagisawa in the past. Furthermore, it was noted that the relevant part of Kamiya's speech was no longer viewable on Sanseito's official YouTube channel, leading to accusations of being "tacky" and "hiding a gaffe."

On the other hand, some opinions defended Kamiya's statement, calling it "a very obvious thing" and "a biological fact." These opinions claimed that the media was selectively quoting and presenting biased reports.

However, overall, the remark is largely perceived as a manifestation of male chauvinism and a stance that discriminates against people based on their 'productivity,' raising concerns about its potential significant impact on Sanseito's image during the election campaign. This comment has also generated apprehension that Sanseito's advocated 'Japan First' policy might lead to discrimination among Japanese people themselves.

The context

The House of Councillors election (参議院選挙) is for the upper house of Japan's bicameral legislature. Official speeches, or 'kōji daisessou' (公示第一声), mark the beginning of the campaigning period. Sanseito (参政党) is a relatively new conservative political party in Japan, known for its nationalist and traditionalist stances. The issue of the declining birthrate (少子化問題) is a critical demographic and social challenge facing Japan, with the government actively seeking solutions to encourage more births. The phrase "birthing machine" (産む機械) refers to a highly controversial comment made in 2007 by then-Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Hakuo Yanagisawa, which drew widespread condemnation for dehumanizing women. Sanseito's slogan "Japan First" (日本人ファースト) emphasizes prioritizing the interests of Japanese citizens, but this incident raises questions about its interpretation. Social media (SNS) platforms like Twitter (X) are widely used in Japan for political discourse and public reaction.