A Japanese assemblyman has been reprimanded after coming up with a radical proposal to boost a dwindling population in Aichi Prefecture. Last month, Tomonaga Osada suggested so-called ‘punctured condoms’ be distributed to local married couples.

A Japanese assemblyman has been reprimanded after coming up with a radical proposal to boost a dwindling population in Aichi Prefecture. Last month, Tomonaga Osada suggested so-called ‘punctured condoms’ be distributed to local married couples.

That way, the birthrate would increase. His controversial idea wasn’t met with much enthusiasm at a meeting of the assembly on June 18th. This past Wednesday, local officials made it very clear they weren’t fond of his suggestion.

He was verbally scolded and informed his comment “lacked dignity for an assembly member and consideration.” A member of the assembly from the Japanese Communist Party wrote about Osada’s proposal on a blog.

That brought even more attention to the ‘punctured condoms’, meaning it couldn’t just be brushed off. Osada later spoke to reporters and commented “I cannot deny my comments were disgraceful. I'm sorry. I suggested the idea because I thought it would make people feel this city hall was a nice and friendly place.”

The politician also said he never meant to disrespect anyone who cannot have a child.