China News Network, May 5 Comprehensive Japanese media reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's eldest son and secretary to the prime minister, Shotaro was exposed to have taken photos with relatives in the prime minister's residence and other inappropriate behavior. In this regard, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hiroichi revealed at a press conference on the 25th that Fumio Kishida has given a serious warning to Shotaro.
Image source: Screenshot of the report of "Weekly Wenchun"
Recently, "Weekly Bunchun" broke the news that in December 2022, Shotaro and about 12 people, including relatives, took a group photo on the steps of the red-carpeted mansion. This is where the new cabinet staff took photos during the cabinet reshuffle in August 10.
Japan's Kyodo News Agency said that in one of the photos exposed this time, Shotaro and others were dressed casually, but appeared to be imitating cabinet members.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his cabinet in Tokyo, Japan, August 2022.
In addition, a man and a woman posed for a photo in front of the Prime Minister's podium, which is usually used for press conferences.
The revelation of "Weekly Wenchun" quickly sparked controversy. According to reports, the residence is a facility where the Prime Minister and his family live, but its nature is a public facility with the functions of welcoming the Prime Minister and office.
Regarding the report, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno responded that Fumio Kishida had given Shotaro a serious warning. Matsuno said, "I recognize that [the above behavior] is inappropriate. In order to prevent the same situation in the future, we will thoroughly use and manage it appropriately."
Matsuno explains: "The photos were taken at the end of the year when relatives visited. I heard that the Prime Minister also appeared at the dinner and exchanged pleasantries. Matsuno also reminded Shotaro that he "wants to perform his duties with greater tension."
In January 2023, Shotaro was exposed to use a bus to shop while accompanying Kishida on his visit to Europe and the United States. The Asahi Shimbun said that at that time, Shotaro visited tourist attractions in Paris and London on the bus of the Japanese embassy. He was also exposed to buying souvenirs for Kishida's cabinet members at a department store in London.
Shotaro was heavily criticized by the opposition in Congress. But Kishida defended him, saying Shotaro was performing "official business" on his behalf.