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Politics

Kishida walks back comment on 'reskilling' during maternity leave

Japan PM clarifies remark after backlash from opposition, netizens

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks in parliament on Jan. 27. (Photo by Uichiro Kasai) 

TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday sought to clarify a comment that critics said implied women should learn new work skills while taking maternity or parental leave.

Kishida told parliament on Friday that his government will "encourage people to proactively reskill themselves in various situations, such as when raising children."

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