Prime Minister's Residence Party Scandal Involving Japan's Kishida Eldest Son, Finally Resigns as Secretary

Year-End Party with About 10 Relatives at the Prime Minister's Residence
Steps Down Without Receiving Retirement Benefits Amid Fierce Controversy

Kishida Fumio, the Prime Minister of Japan, whose eldest son Kishida Shotaro, a political secretary, sparked controversy over 'private use' by holding a year-end party with about 10 relatives at the Prime Minister's official residence, has finally replaced his eldest son.

Eldest son Sh?tar? Kishida, Political Secretary, accompanying Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (left). (Photo by NHK)

On the 30th, Mainichi Shimbun reported that Secretary Shotaro is expected to retire without receiving severance pay or bonuses. This came as an extension of Prime Minister Kishida's announcement the previous day that he would replace Secretary Shotaro effective from the 1st of next month. Japanese media analyzed this replacement as "a de facto dismissal."

Prime Minister Kishida appointed his eldest son Shotaro as a political secretary one year after his administration began in October last year. This led to analyses that he was effectively designating his eldest son as his successor, starting a hereditary succession.

However, Secretary Shotaro became a subject of controversy rather than meeting expectations. Last month, the Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun revealed that on December 30 last year, he gathered about 10 relatives at the Prime Minister's residence for a year-end party and took photos in official spaces where guests are invited.

The magazine also published photos showing relatives reclining diagonally on the stairs and imitating the new ministers lined up on the podium. Currently, only Prime Minister Kishida and Secretary Shotaro reside at the Prime Minister's residence, and Shukan Bunshun pointed out in its report that "(the invited relatives) seemed to do whatever they wanted, perhaps due to the comfort of being at a relative's home."

The problem is that this issue of Secretary Shotaro's 'private use' is not the first. Earlier in January, during a European trip accompanied by Prime Minister Kishida, he was criticized by opposition parties for personally using an official car for sightseeing and purchasing souvenirs.

Photo of the year-end party held at the Prime Minister's official residence last year, released by Shukan Bunshun. (Photo by NHK)

At that time, Prime Minister Kishida chose to keep him in position rather than replace him, but this time, with criticism coming even from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, it seems he decided to use the replacement card.

Japanese media analyzed that political background also influenced Prime Minister Kishida's decision. This is because the approval rating of the Kishida administration remained stagnant or even declined in media polls released right after the G7 summit. Fuji News Network (FNN) reported, "It was expected that the approval rating would rise due to the effect of the G7, but the controversy surrounding Secretary Shotaro offset that."

From the perspective of Prime Minister Kishida, who must dissolve the House of Representatives early and enter a general election to seek re-election, this poses a risk that could threaten the continuation of his administration. FNN reported, "There were concerns recently within the Prime Minister's circle that if Secretary Shotaro does not step down, the Prime Minister will not be able to dissolve the House."

Not only political circles but also public anger is intense. Nishimura Hiroyuki, founder of the Japanese community 2ch, raised suspicions regarding the retirement date, suggesting it might be to receive bonuses. He said, "Civil servants usually receive bonuses on June 1 and December 1. The replacement on the 1st of next month is practically to secure allowances," sparking controversy. In response, a government official told media including Mainichi, "Secretary Shotaro will retire without receiving severance pay or bonuses."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kishida stated regarding this controversy, "The behavior of Secretary Shotaro, which caused the problem, was inappropriate, and to resolve this, I decided to replace him," adding, "(The responsibility for the appointment) lies with me, and I take it seriously." Former Secretary Yamamoto Takayoshi, who was replaced when Shotaro was appointed, is expected to return as his successor.