Mr. Fumio Kishida announced the dismissal of his son Shotaro as prime minister 's assistant due to a photo scandal at the government residence.
"My son's actions in public were not appropriate for someone holding the role of prime minister's assistant. I have decided to replace him," Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters today, referring to Shotaro's son.
The Japanese prime minister said he decided to remove his son after the G7 summit ended on May 21 and coordination with local authorities following the event was completed.
The announcement came days after a magazine published photos taken last year showing Shotaro Kishida and his relatives pretending to hold a press conference on the podium reserved for the Japanese prime minister, as well as appearing in various areas of symbolic importance at the government residence.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (left) and his son Shotaro at the government residence on May 11. Photo: Kyodo
The action was seen as disrespectful and sparked a wave of fierce protests from the opposition, while the Japanese government described Shotaro Kishida's behavior as "inappropriate".
Seiji Osaka, a lawmaker from the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), said the decision to remove Kishida should have been made sooner. "I suspect he appointed someone who is not qualified to be the prime minister's assistant," the Osaka lawmaker said.
This is not the first time Shotaro Kishida has been criticized for his behavior in public since his appointment in October 2022. In January, the Japanese Prime Minister's son was accused of abusing his official duties for his own benefit, when he went sightseeing while accompanying his father to G7 countries ahead of the Hiroshima summit.
A Japanese magazine said Shotaro used his official car to visit scenic spots and shop in London, Paris and Ottawa.
Prime Minister Kishida later insisted that his son was "on official duty", while the Japanese government said that Shotaro was responsible for taking photos for his father's social media account and buying souvenirs on behalf of the Japanese prime minister.
Vu Anh (According to Kyodo News )
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