BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Hashimoto’s explanation of his remarks has been met with criticism in . A Japanese media has released the video of the Osaka mayor making the remarks, adding that the mayor is quibbling over the issue.

Hashimoto was heard saying: "It is essential to have comfort women as soldiers need to relax during war times. Everyone knows that."

Surveys suggest that the majority of Japanese people oppose Hashimoto’s remarks, further eroding voter support for his Japan Restoration Party. A survey showed only three percent of voters now plan to cast their ballots for his party in July in an upper house election, down from nine percent in April.

His comments also stirred up a storm of criticism among the country’s politicians. The center-right Your Party originally intended to form an alliance with Hashimoto’s Japan Restoration Party for the upcoming election. That alliance has now collapsed. They have also soured relations with the Komei Party.

(Source: CNTV.cn)