"The number of women aged between 15 and 50 is fixed. Because the number of birth-giving machines and devices is fixed, all we can ask for is for them to do their best per head." -Japanese Minister of Health and Welfare, Hakuo Yanagisawa
This quote has been in the news all this week. The Yahoo! translation wasn't that hot in my opinion, but it sort of depends on how you read [機械というのはなんだけど] which I would translate as, "Not necessarily machines, but" or "Machines might not be the best word, but". However you look at it, it doesn't sound that great and I'm no master of communicating with the women, but I think anything about baby machines should be out. Especially if you're going to let women vote.
The Prime Minister was on the TV tonight apologizing, as was Yanagisawa, but doesn't look like the brother is going to have to step down. What a great country. In America, this guy would be under criminal investigation. In Japan?
Abe, responding to an opposition questioner at a House of Representatives plenary session, said, "Cabinet ministers' remarks weigh heavily and (Yanagisawa) should reflect on causing misunderstanding."Don't hate the player. Reflect on the game.
"But, I'd like to see (Yanagisawa) perform his duties and achieve results, based on such reflections," Abe said.