A member of parliament from Japan's governing party has been accused of sexism after he said young Japanese women should have more children or face being a burden on the state.
Speaking at a party meeting, Kanji Kato said young women should have at least three children.
He has since retracted his remark.
Last year the percentage of children in Japan fell to its lowest level since records began more than 100 years ago.
Financial and other incentives to encourage bigger families have had little impact.
Kato said that when he gives wedding speeches he tells the bride and bridegroom to produce at least three children.
The current fertility rate in Japan is 1.42 births per woman.
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