Even the LDP says "Should have stopped it"... Embarrassment over Kishida's eldest son's appointment as secretary

Prime Minister's Secretary Appointed from Trade Bureaucrats
Liberal Democratic Party Fears Decline in Approval Ratings

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's appointment of his eldest son as the Political Affairs Secretary to the Prime Minister has raised concerns within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). With the cabinet's approval ratings falling day by day, there are worries that this decision could backfire against the administration.

Japan's Jiji Press reported on the 5th that criticism is coming not only from opposition parties but also from within the ruling party regarding Prime Minister Kishida's appointment of his son, Kishida Shotaro, as Political Affairs Secretary the previous day. The Political Affairs Secretary to the Prime Minister is a position usually held by the Prime Minister's closest aides, typically senior bureaucrats.

Shotaro, 31 years old this year, graduated from Keio University’s Faculty of Law and joined Mitsui & Co. in 2014. He only began working in Prime Minister Kishida’s office in 2020, making him effectively a 'political newcomer.' Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuda seemed aware of the controversy, explaining at a regular press conference the day before that "personnel appointments are made considering the right person for the right place."

However, some LDP members reportedly expressed embarrassment over this decision. They are concerned that appointing Shotaro as the Prime Minister’s secretary could negatively impact Kishida’s approval ratings.

In a public opinion poll conducted by Mainichi Shimbun on the 19th of last month, the Kishida cabinet’s approval rating was 29%, marking the lowest since the cabinet’s inauguration. Jiji Press stated, "As Prime Minister Kishida recently described the current situation as a 'national crisis,' the public is suffering from soaring prices and COVID-19," adding, "In this context, there is criticism and concern within the LDP that the Prime Minister’s decision is out of touch with public sentiment."

Additionally, some party officials said, "There were complaints that those around the Prime Minister should have advised against this decision." Jiji Press also reported that among LDP members, there were harsh remarks that Kishida should focus on 'our country' rather than 'our family' regarding this appointment.

The opposition parties also joined the criticism, calling the appointment "a move to pave the way for hereditary succession." Azumi Jun, the National Diet Countermeasures Committee Chairperson of the Constitutional Democratic Party, criticized, "The Political Affairs Secretary holds more power than a cabinet minister. Why is a young man needed in this position?"

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People, also pointed out it as "looking after one's own family." Previously, in December last year, Prime Minister Kishida was criticized for a 'friend appointment' when he appointed Nobuteru Ishihara, former LDP Secretary-General who lost in the House of Representatives election, as Cabinet Office Counselor.