Japan’s new minister in charge of tackling falling birthrate tried ‘pregnancy belly’ to understand problem

Appointment of 41-year-old former banker has sparked controversy

Japan’s Minister of State for Measures for Declining Birthrate Masanobu Ogura (Reuters)

Japan has appointed a male minister to tackle the country’s falling birthrate. To deepen his understanding of the issue, minister Masanobu Ogura in turn tried out a “pregnancy belly”.

Prime minister Fumio Kishida appointed Mr Ogura following a cabinet reshuffle to takle an issue that is becoming increasingly challenging for the Japanese economy.

But the appointment of the 41-year-old former banker sparked controversy as he takes over the post from ruling party veteran Seiko Noda, a mother of one.