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On May 16, a cross-party group of female politicians held a press conference inside the Diet building to protest comments made by Japan Restoration Party co-leader Toru Hashimoto. Member of the House of Representatives Makiko Kikuta, Chair of the DPJ Women’s Committee, and DPJ members of the House of Representatives Kiyomi Tsujimoto and Kazuko Koori, and members of the House of Councillors Renho and Kumiko Hayashi took part.
The press conference took place in response to remarks made by Hashimoto regarding wartime comfort women and to a commander of US forces stationed in Okinawa regarding the use of sex-related services. The organizers called on all female Diet members, from both ruling and opposition parties to take part, and eleven Diet members from five opposition parties participated.
During the conference, Kikuta commented, “Japan Restoration Party co-leader Hashimoto said that the use of comfort women by the Japanese Imperial Army was necessary at the time in order to keep military discipline, and urged a senior commander of US forces stationed in Okinawa to have his troops use sex services. We believe that these comments are something that not just we, as female or indeed male Diet members, but the whole population of Japan should be deeply ashamed of. Moreover, these remarks are deeply wounding to those personally involved, as well as to the character and the human rights of women, and also unforgiveable and insulting to the people of Okinawa. Comments made by the leader of a political party carry a lot of weight. The international community is focusing on these remarks and they are causing an uproar. I am extremely concerned that this will damage Japan’s image and Japan’s national interest. I urge Mr. Hashimoto to fully accept the seriousness of this situation, and to never make such vulgar and shameful remarks ever again.”
Renho commented, “These remarks made by Mr. Hashimoto, as the mayor of Osaka representing all its citizens, male and female, and as the leader of a political party, are blatantly out of step with the times and totally absurd. Commenting on the operation of the US military is a huge minus diplomatically. Hashimoto should immediately apologise, withdraw his remarks and consider putting himself up for the judgement of the people of Osaka at the polls. Moreover, I simply cannot understand how Diet members belonging to the Japan Restoration Party can say that ’Our leader’s comments are his personal views.’”
Tsujimoto, who represents a constituency in Osaka prefecture, said, “These comments imply that there is nothing wrong with using women in this way when going to war, and are not simply an infringement of women’s rights, but also insulting to men. Hashimoto is repeatedly making comments that lead people to say, “That’s just how men are.” He is the shame of Osaka. He has said that he would make Osaka into an international city and educate children so they can work in the global marketplace. He has shown the world that he himself, someone who has served as prefectural governor and mayor, does not possess a global awareness of human rights. This is totally shameful. The Japan Restoration Party should make it clear whether these remarks represent the stance of the party as a whole.”
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