Photo/Illutration Taro Aso, vice president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, delivers a speech in Ashiya, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Jan. 28. (Ayako Nakada)

Gaffe-prone ruling party heavyweight Taro Aso on Feb. 2 retracted sexist remarks he made about the physical appearance of Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, a politician he labeled as capable but not beautiful.

The 83-year-old Aso, a former prime minister who is now vice president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said in a statement released by his office, “it cannot be denied that there were inappropriate expressions, such as referring to her appearance.”

During a Jan. 28 speech in Ashiya, Fukuoka Prefecture, Aso initially referred to the foreign minister by the wrong name.

Using the term “obasan,” which means middle-aged woman and can carry  a negative connotation, to describe Kamikawa, 70, Aso said: “Even from our point of view, we thought this obasan is good. I wouldn’t say that she is that beautiful, but she speaks properly in English and does everything herself, from making appointments to whatnot, without relying on diplomats.”

The statement of Feb. 2 explained that Aso’s intention had been to talk up Kamikawa’s achievements as foreign minister.

His outburst triggered a storm of protest.

“We sincerely accept the various points raised from people (about his comment),” the statement added. “It is the responsibility of the political sector to create an environment that will allow all people, especially women and young people, to sufficiently exercise their capabilities and be active.”

Opposition party lawmakers labeled Aso’s remarks “verbal abuse.”

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at the Feb. 2 Upper House plenary session, “Regardless of gender or social standing, comments that make fun of the age and appearance of the individual and cause them to feel discomfort should not be made.”

In the speech, Aso also said, “I don’t think a woman has ever served as Japan’s foreign minister (before Kamikawa).”

Kamikawa is actually the nation’s third female foreign minister after Makiko Tanaka and Yoriko Kawaguchi, who both served under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi during the early 2000s.

(This article was written by Anri Takahashi and Shino Matsuyama.)

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