It is a gross mistake to assume that we can enjoy peace only by advocating it. It is also mistaken to assert that even if constitutional revision were to go ahead, that everything would go smoothly. Constitutional revision is only a means to an end. The objective is the state’s security, order and territory, our life, preservation of property, and pride of the state. I don’t want to see decisions on this made in a situation of turmoil or frenzy.
It was under the democratic system that Hitler was able to achieve a majority in parliament. Hitler emerged under the Weimar Constitution, which at that time was the most progressive constitution around. This sort of thing is always possible even when the constitution is good.
I don’t want the current discussion of the constitution to be made in a situation of turmoil. We should also quietly visit to Yasukuni Shrine. There is something strange about not paying respect and showing gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for the country. From some stage or another, the visit has become problematic. When it causes trouble, China is obliged to cause a fuss. South Korea will also cause a fuss. We should do it quietly, in the same way that one day the Weimar Constitution was changed to the Nazi Constitution without anyone realizing it. We should learn from that approach - it happening without anyone making a fuss. I think everyone would see it as a good constitution, because this one is rather odd.
I have no intention at all to reject democracy, but I must repeat that I don't want to see this happen in the midst of an uproar.

Aso retracted his remark on August 1. His comment is as follows:
“It is regrettable that my comment regarding the Nazi government was misinterpreted which was made during the monthly workshop of the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals.
It is very important to discuss constitutional revision calmly, I suppose. To emphasize this, in the workshop I mentioned as a bad example the story of the Weimar Constitution under the Nazi government, which was amended without sufficient understanding and discussion by the people under the cover of an uproar. It is clear from my statement as a whole that I have a negative impression on the the story of the Weimar Constitution under the Nazi government. However, since this example caused misunderstanding, I would like to withdrew my exemplification of the Nazi government.

麻生副総理のコメント＜全文＞ ナチス発言撤回 (The full text of the vice-PM Aso's comments / withdrawal of the Nazi statement)