Regarding same-sex marriage, Prime Minister Katsuyoshi Arai, who said, "I don't want to see it," said Prime Minister Kishida, saying that it was outrageous for his remarks that were incompatible with the administration's policy.
When secretary Arai responded to an interview with reporters on the night of the 3rd, which was supposed to be off-the-record, he was asked about his views on same-sex marriage. I respect it, but if you accept it, some people will abandon the country."
However, due to a series of criticisms of her remarks, she responded to the interview again, retracted her remarks as inappropriate, and apologized.
Prime Minister Kishida told reporters in Fukui Prefecture, where he was visiting, that he had dismissed Secretary Arai, saying, "I take it very seriously, and decided to dismiss my duties as secretary. He himself also wanted to resign." clarified.
He also explained that he had decided to appoint Yoshinori Ito, director of the Secretariat Division of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, as Mr. Arai's successor.
On top of that, regarding Mr. Arai's remarks, he said, "It is an outrageous remark that is completely incompatible with the current cabinet's thinking. There should be no unfair discrimination or prejudice based on 'sexual orientation' or 'gender identity.'" said.
Also, when asked about the responsibility of his appointment, he said, "I am taking the measures I just mentioned because I feel the responsibility of appointment."
Mr. Arai, who graduated from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, has served as a secretary to the Prime Minister since October when the Kishida Cabinet was inaugurated. .
On the 4th, he was scheduled to accompany Prime Minister Kishida on a local business trip, but he canceled the plan.
As the Kishida administration aims to create an inclusive society where diversity is respected, the dismissal of a secretary in charge of practical affairs due to inappropriate remarks is likely to be a further blow to the administration.
Who is Secretary Arai?
Arai is one of the current eight Prime Minister's secretaries and is from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
When the Kishida Cabinet was inaugurated in October 2012, he was appointed to play a coordinating role in policies related to the economy and industry.
He was also in charge of public relations and media relations, accompanied Prime Minister Kishida on most of his business trips, including overseas, and was one of the speech writers, mainly writing manuscripts for press conferences and speeches.